Susan Boyle: Flash In Pan Or Real Deal?

And Should She Get Makeover? Panel Of Experts Weighs In, On Early Show Saturday Edition

(CBS)  Susan Boyle's astounding, sudden success just keeps on growing.

The dowdy, 47-year-old unemployed volunteer church worker from Blackburn, Scotland stunned judges, audience members and viewers alike a week ago with her performance of "I Dreamed A Dream" from "Les Miserables," and now the YouTube clip of her appearance has been seen more than 25 million times.

Boyle is front-and-center in the media spotlight. Fan mail is pouring in. She even has a
fan site already.

On CNN's Larry King live Friday night, Boyle proved she has no intention of being a one-hit wonder, belting out "My Heart Will Go On," first done by Celine Dion in the movie, "Titanic."

But will fame be fleeting for Boyle, or is this truly the start of something not only big, but long-lasting?

The Early Show Saturday Edition put that question to a panel of experts in its "Early Line" segment: talk-show giant and former "America's Got Talent" host Jerry Springer, who was speaking from Sarasota, Fla.; Amanda Holden, one of the three judges of "Britain's Got Talent," speaking from London; and, from Los Angeles, Patti Stanger, host of Bravo's "Millionaire Matchmaker."

Holden, who's seen in the now famous YouTube video, remarked to co-anchor Erica Hill, "The world has already made (Boyle) a star. I really cannot believe the phenomenon she's turned into. And I think, with our backing and with the show's backing, and, of course, with God's backing -- that's (fellow judge) Simon Cowell (of "American Idol" fame in the United States)(she said, kiddingly) -- I don't think she can possibly go wrong."

"I don't think there's any limit to" how far Boyle can go, Springer agreed. "And I think it's not just that she has a great voice, which she does, but it's the whole package.

"I think if you try to glam her up and make her look, you know, as much Hollywood as you can, then she's just another singer," Springer continued. "I think it's what we love about these shows is the human quality of it. That it's everyday people. Everyone has some kind of talent within them. It's an everyday person and, out of nowhere, we say, 'Whoa, you don't have to look like Hollywood to, you know, make it in the world.' I just love the way she is. I hope they don't mess with her at all."

Indeed, many feel Boyle's appearance is part of the essence of her success. Holden pledged, "We will not spoil her. I think it's right. I think it's very important, especially in today's climate, to hang onto your dreams, to believe in yourself and to keep it real. This is a reality show. It's about real people. And there is no way I'm letting this woman go to Simon's dentist or stylist. She will not be changing."

Stanger concurred, saying, "I just want her to be happy, because I feel like when they do give her the Hollywood, you know, fawn treatment, she could become someone else. I really want her to stay humble."

Springer added that there's a lesson for everyone in all of this, but particularly for young people: "You don't have to look like everybody in the magazines. If you have a talent, have confidence in yourself, go out and give your best shot. Sometimes you'll make it, sometimes you won't. But this woman obviously loves singing. She didn't come onto the show to be a star. She came on the show because she just loves what she does. And that's the joy in life. Stardom, you have no control over. Someone else will decide whether or not you're a star. But you can decide whether you want to do something you love every single day of your life."

[PWattis]

Amanda Holden is a liability to the CBS Early Show. She cruelly mocked and imitated Susan Boyle on a British comedy show called "Chatty Man" in an episode which aired on Sunday August 16th. A video can be viewed on YouTube. Ms. Holden is a judge on Britain's Got Talent. Susan Boyle was a contestant. This was unprofessional and unethical behavior on the part of a judge toward a contestant. It reflects a betrayal of an implicit, if not explicit, trust that should exist between a talent show judge and contestant. I and many other fans of Susan Boyle will boycott CBS and its sponsors until Amanda Holden is no longer a correspondent with the CBS Early Show.

[mstnor]

What is with changing Susan Boyle? She is a beautiful, talanted lady and people love her "just the way she is". She has what it takes to be successful. If you want to help, help financially!

[ohiobabyboomer]

Enough with all the articles already. Give the chick some money so she can get started on her career.

[csijim]

It?s not just Susan Boyle's voice; it?s the heart of the woman that struck me like a sledge hammer from the first three notes. I can?t wait to hear more.

Don?t let them change you Susan. They?ll try, but they all have different motives. Be true to yourself and you?ve got the world by the tail girl. Everybody has advise, but I have a feeling your heart is your best advisor. Just listen to that wee small voice.

[nikkosmom]

In regards to Susan Boyle:
It struck an emotional chord for me. I find myself being a susan boyle type that has always been judged by my looks and not my talent. I tried to make it as a vocalist and I just kept getting sent back in fourth between labels. Because of my looks some labels thought I should sing RB, then when I went to those labels they would send me to labels producing world beat, they would then say you sound like you should be on this label and it went on for five years...Like no one knew what to do with me. It was heart breaking. I still sing but I am a writer now. And I dont want the powers that be to change her. People need to learn not to judge by their standards of beauty. We should have a curtain to stand behind(ie:wizard of OZ) and just sing. I bet if you put half of the talent of today there we would vote no"""Its a shallow way of life to decide everyone should look a certain way. Like all women should be a size 4 or that all men should be tall dark and handsome. We are loosing the opportunity of hearing so many talented people because they are not perfect in some way. What are we teaching our children? The world?? Leave Susan alone. Unfortunately I think so many of us are too shallow and we as the people will loose interest in Ms. Boyle if she isnt converted to the land of the fake and beautiful.

[Reynoart]

The plain and simple Susan Boyle is what drew me to being so intensly compelled to sharing her enthusiasm for her impressive God given talent with such humility and pure style. If there is any changing of Susan, I certainly hope it's of her choosing. It wouldn't change my opinion of her simplicity in any way if she were never to change. I just detest the way so many take her as a piece of induividual stardom that everyone wants to mold into their own image of what they think a star has to be, appearance wise, to appease themselves.I WILL buy her first CD when it IS PRODUCED> Publishers listen up. (-:

[turniphouse]

Susan Boyle totally have changed the landscape of Hollywood. From now on, our perception of glamour and beauty is not purely base on our appearance but more importantly anchor on the meditation of our heart.

To Susan Boyle, be who you are the way we first saw you. You won our hearts because of your humility, sense of humor, simpicity, love for parents, love of God, etc.

Your 'appearance' in this world is very timely.

[IrishWife]

I can not wait to hear more of Susan Boyle's voice....
Giving an acceptance speech for winning an Emmy.
Giving an acceptance speech for winning a Tony.
Giving an acceptance speech for winning an Oscar.
Susan Boyle is the Stimulus Package the World needed and got!

[terriemj]

I feel and know that she is a great talent! However, with our society and its judgemental ways...........well..............Susan should work on her appearance - all she really needs to do is change her hairstyle, get a well deserved eyebrow wax and I think she will be just as perfect as her voice is.
She is an inspiration to all of us!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I love her voice, her attitude, and that I had the luck and pleasure to hear her sing! I am forever grateful and wish her complete success and happiness in her new life!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you Susan - you really know how to bring out the "feel good" emotions out!

[Meg003]

Susan Boyle could do any character role, Disney, Harry Potter, Broadway....She sings like a dream...and is endearing, and talented...I doubt she is a flash in the pan. I would buy her cds' right now if she had them and she will...believe me!!! Congrats to her.
Posted by dreamofjeanie

I agree with you completely. I can see her on stage doing character roles, and even the right kind of movie roles.

As to the makeover, it's her decision. If she wants to change her style, it isn't going to hurt her fabulous voice. And from other pictures I've seen, she wears different kinds of clothes for different occasions, like the rest of us.

[cattlekate1]

Real Deal. Can't wait for the cd - IF it has the Scottish Amazing Grace on it.

[IThinkThisIsBroken]

If some idiot-make-over person
tries to do Susan Boyle
I?m going to personally
water their hair-gel!

[msnc-2009]

Susan Boyle is the real deal -- just as she is. And it's her genuineness, along with that amazing voice of hers, that she brings to the table and which turns all of us into jello.

Simply put, Ms. Boyle, we love you. We love everything you represent, so please stay true to who you are, and promise us that we'll get to hear more of your beautiful melodies .. and soon!

[guzelvis]

The big question is whether Susan should change, get a makeover, etc. No, she shouldn't change a thing-- except society's obsession with beauty. It's her talent that's the story, unfortunately the unspoken news is that such incredible talent comes in such a plain package. Sad, but true.
Let's celebrate the woman and her amazing talent, not our obsession with beauty and celebrity.
For biting satire on the subject, see http://www.thelintscreen.com

[fideliothecat]

Oh dear pooskin, get you facts right before making a comment like this, yes Blackburn is in Lancashire England but there is also a Blackburn in Scotland. Well done to Susan from Scotland, long may your career last - beautiful

[phyllisg49]

I absolutely agree that Susan Boyle is an amazing natural talent. She is charming, unpretentious, humble, courageous, and real. She also has huge potential and mass appeal. My concern, though, is in what goes along with all the media attention and possible "stardom." This morning's discussion touched on the topic of whether or not she should get a makeover or otherwise change. But the fact that others even have ideas and opinions about this subject is a red flag. Isn't that up to Susan? Doesn't she and she only have the right to decide what makes her happy?

The world of show business is difficult and cruel. There are people all over the place who will want to manage her, promote her, and tell her what to do. And not all of them will have her best interests at heart. If she signs a record deal, she will, as they all are, be "owned" by the label. Will she get a makeover? I predict that she will. She is a woman, after all, and the prospect of getting made over is all but irresistible. I would.

Will she make wise choices? Perhaps. But world wide media attention, fame, and sudden stardom are difficult to handle for the most jaded of individuals. Many people have been greatly challenged when trying to cope with such circumstances. Will Susan's joy at the sudden attention be turned into frustration and heartbreak? Let's pray that it does not.

Take it slow, Susan. Don't trust too easily.
You are a beautiful lady, and you deserve the best.

[pooskin]

Blackburn is not in Scotland you dopey bastards. It's in England.

[president74]

I was absolutely stunned watching Susan on Youtube. I believe this will not be a flash in the pan. I implore the organisers of this talent show to help manage this New Sensation in the music industry. I love you Susan and God Bless You...

[cosmotopper777]

Concerning Susan Boyle's potential future stardom: She is obviously a very talented singer, and I hope she realizes her dream of a successful professional career. But whether or not she does, what I will always remember about her was her courage, and how, in a matter of seconds, the truth of her talent exposed the meanest instincts of all of us who prejudged her, myself included. A wake-up call indeed, like no other I have ever received.

[dougrdoug]

I think Susan will win Britain?s Got Talent, and that she will tour the world. People want to see her and hear her in a live performance. She is a phenomenon. She is an example of courage and humility. She is the antithesis of celebrity in our modern world of superficial stardom which is like a contest to see who can display the latest fashion and trends. It is so commercial in Hollywood and in the music industry. Susan is a breath of fresh air. Her star may fade in time, but let?s enjoy it while we can. Let?s not try to change Susan. This is the real Suddenly Susan.