Going Brogue

Written by Michael FidanzacloseAuthor: Michael Fidanza Name: Michael Fidanza
Email: michael@parcbench.com
Site: http://www.ArmchairEnergist.com
About: See Authors Posts (19) on November 19, 2009

In August 2008, a journey began for a forty-something woman. Unknowingly, she had prepared for an almost impossible quest during the prior ten years, improving her craft and skill. Her interview and the vetting were complete. She was ready to begin a campaign that would catapult her into the national spotlight.

Virtually from the moment she took the stage, all eyes were upon her. Her fans and critics alike would begin a campaign of their own.

Within two months, the entire world would know her as the voting began. But alas, after a valiantly fought battle, she would have to settle for runner-up. Emotionally drained and exhausted, she returned to her home and marshaled her forces and vowed to return one day.

This week, she did just that. Now, it is her turn to settle the score.

Of course I speak of Susan Boyle.

Ms. Boyle was the ugly duckling who came from virtual obscurity to the stage of Britain’s Got Talent, the UK version of American Idol.

Full disclosure: I don’t watch American Idol. I am still shaking my head about this week’s revelation that Adam Lambert (whose own album comes ‘out’ on the same day as Susan’s) may have stayed on the straight team had the object of his hetero dalliance used a Woomba.

Dismissed by some as too old or too repulsive to be on BGT, Boyle took the stage. From that moment, she began to sway the audience from cat calls to applause and cheers. Even the usually cold-as-steel comment from Simon Cowell was one of awe and praise.

But, as the weeks of the contest wore on, Ms. Boyle showed signs of wear. Murmurs about her stability whirled right up until the final show. The British tabloids – as well as a few here across the pond – were speculating that the woman from Blackburn, Scotland may have reached the end of run. Susan Boyle may have finished in second place, but as Idol fans know, sometimes second place is good enough. Just ask Grammy and Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson if coming in 3rd in Season 3 of Idol hampered her career.

Next week, Susan Boyle’s debut album, I Dreamed a Dream, will be released. Despite the continued criticism from some about her God-given talent or common appearance, Boyle has emerged from a difficult past and proving her critics wrong again. No stranger to the ugly stick herself, even Sharon Osbourne was compelled to apologize last week for her catty comments towards Boyle.

Susan is no stranger to adversity, admitting recently to her difficult upbringing plus a stint in rehab after BGT. She said that the downtime was necessary in order to get her album in order.

One can only guess how high Susan Boyle’s album will go once released. This songbird has has taken flight.

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Michael Fidanza is the host of The Armchair Energist Show on RFC Radio and can be heard at 11am-noon ET. His website is www.ArmchairEnergist.com