May 2009
A few weeks ago Susan Boyle was just a face in the crowd. Now her clip is the most watched in the world! Click below to listen:
Read the story:
Less than a few weeks ago Susan Boyle was a virtual unknown. However, since auditioning for Britain’s Got Talent, a televised talent competition, she has experienced a stratospheric rise to fame. A YouTube video of her audition has been watched by more than 26 million people, making it one of the most watched videos on the internet in recent times. It is undeniable that technology such as YouTube, Facebook and Twitter has helped to spread the word about Susan’s performance.
So just what is it about Susan that the people find so fascinating? Arguably, it is the fact she is such a class act. However, many have suggested that her biggest appeal lies in her unassuming persona.
Susan’s persona and appearance have been somewhat controversial and the initial reaction to her audition has made many people question whether they are guilty of judging a book by its cover. With her plain Jane, middle-aged looks and her no-nonsense approach to life, Susan is perhaps the most unlikely star to be discovered of late.
Commenting on her rise to fame, Max Clifford, a renowned PR guru, said that the massive public interest in her is partly due to people having to challenge their own assumptions and prejudices.
So what’s next for Susan? For the moment, she is preparing for her next appearance on Britain’s Got Talent and she is the odds-on favourite to win.
Looking forward, with talk of record contracts and celebrity duets, it is very likely that we’ll soon be seeing a Susan Boyle album in the charts!
Glossary:
- a virtual unknown
- not at all famous
- experienced a stratospheric rise to fame
- became widely known very quickly
- undeniable
- true
- to spread the word about
- to make many people aware of/know about
- a class act
- here, a performer who has a very good singing voice and a tasteful manner
- unassuming persona
- a quiet character, or person who shows no desire for attention or admiration
- are guilty of judging a book by its cover
- make assumption, or form opinions based only on how someone or something looks
- plain Jane
- ordinary, average, not very attractive or interesting female (a set informal saying)
- no-nonsense approach to
- being realistic, practical and/or serious about
- PR guru
- somebody who is respected for their knowledge of a particular subject (here, public relations, or PR) and often asked for advice
- prejudices
- showing dislike for something or someone for no good reason
- odds-on favourite
- here, most likely
