Audio: “Lost” Susan Boyle recording discovered; Update: Boyle covers Celine
posted at 5:03 pm on April 17, 2009 by Allahpundit
Via Bob Krumm, who’s got a shrewd take on what she has in common with the tea parties. Note his data point about her audience vis-a-vis the population of Scotland.
You know you’ve made it as a singer when people start hunting for basement tapes of your early work. This one was recorded in 1999 for a newspaper charity CD; in one day on YouTube it’s already drawn 157,000 views. Normally I’d say we were nearing the end of her 15 minutes, but she’s still in contention to win that British talent show and doubtless will be recruited to cut an album of standards by some record company eager to cash in on the phenomenon. Has this ever happened before on “American Idol,” incidentally — where one of the contestants became a huge breakout story even before the competition was over? I wonder how the judges will deal with that knowing that pretty much the entire planet wants her to win. Does that make them favor her more? Or less?
The audio is the second clip below; the first is an entertaining hit from CNN about how she’s dealing with fame. Watch for the hug from a fan. Exit question: Has the backlash begun?
Update: She doesn’t really need the contest anymore, does she?
Blowback
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That Hung dude.
lorien1973 on April 17, 2009 at 5:05 PM
Yeah, but he got bounced. He wasn’t still in contention.
Allahpundit on April 17, 2009 at 5:06 PM
She can sing, that’s for sure. Wow!
matthew26 on April 17, 2009 at 5:07 PM
Perhaps, for the sake of clarity, that should read “That dude, Hung.”
coldwarrior on April 17, 2009 at 5:07 PM
She looks like Hilliary.
Firebird on April 17, 2009 at 5:07 PM
That Hung dude.
lorien1973 on April 17, 2009 at 5:05 PM
You would be talking about me then.
Oh…wait..Hung is his name? Forget what I said.
Bishop on April 17, 2009 at 5:08 PM
I think he is still popular in Japan?
upinak on April 17, 2009 at 5:08 PM
The long lost recording is better than her TV audition. She’d probably be better off quitting the show so she can negotiate a contract on her own terms.
patriette on April 17, 2009 at 5:10 PM
What I really like about this older recording is that it’s the 2nd point to make the line.
I can’t believe that people can claim she’s mediocre now that we have access to this additional (superb) performance.
As far as her 15 min, I bet she sells millions of albums. Potts went to #1 in at least 15 countries and she is in line for a similar career trajectory.
Spirit of 1776 on April 17, 2009 at 5:10 PM
And. Hung couldn’t hang a tune. Boyle can.
mimi1220 on April 17, 2009 at 5:11 PM
Just….WOW!
What a really nice voice. And not talking good, karaoke voice…she really DOES have that Elaine Paige classicism vocally.
JetBoy on April 17, 2009 at 5:11 PM
This lady is a great singer.
There are versions of her audition song by Elaine Paige on YouTube, and Susan Boyle blows her version away.
And this rendition of Cry me a River is outstanding as well.
She may get the pity vote because of her looks, but if you listen to her, pity ain’t necessary.
There was a moment in the audition before she sang where she looked a tiny bit cocky. I suspect she knows very well that her talent is world class.
notagool on April 17, 2009 at 5:11 PM
Sanjaya
TimTebowSavesAmerica on April 17, 2009 at 5:12 PM
If Adam Markovitz has a dream……..
……….. I hope he never reaches it.
Seven Percent Solution on April 17, 2009 at 5:12 PM
She’s certainly more refreshingly genuine and authentic than many of the commentators. Go get ‘em, girl!
Scotsman on April 17, 2009 at 5:13 PM
Many times.
It’s just that the “huge breakout storys” were along the lines of previous record contracts, jail time, nude photos, gay go-go boys, and alleged affairs with Paula Abdul.
JetBoy on April 17, 2009 at 5:16 PM
Wow what a voice!
“Cry Me a River” was fantastic.
jencab on April 17, 2009 at 5:19 PM
Holy shiznatch…that Cry Me a River was awesome.
Don’t judge a book by its cover takes on a whole new meaning with this woman; what a spectacular voice.
Bishop on April 17, 2009 at 5:19 PM
It’s just that the “huge breakout storys” were along the lines of previous record contracts, jail time, nude photos, gay go-go boys, and alleged affairs with Paula Abdul.
Talking about me again….well except for the previous record contracts.
Bishop on April 17, 2009 at 5:21 PM
Hey, it’s a singing competition. No need to insult her appearance like that. She may not be the prettiest great voice ever to come along, but Hillary? Come on. She is waaaay better looking than Hillary.
MikeA on April 17, 2009 at 5:23 PM
Wellm, I like good music. Don’t care what the musicians look like or how old they are. Hey recording industry, you make her music and I will buy.
eaglesdontflock on April 17, 2009 at 5:26 PM
Can I vote for this woman to win? If so, how and when?
Joe Caps on April 17, 2009 at 5:26 PM
She has a big voice and seems to have a good range. Plus she sings with a lot of passion.
No need to go all cynical and break your puzzler trying to overthink this. It’s a nice story about an apparently nice person who had a great day.
Just enjoy that.
Asher on April 17, 2009 at 5:28 PM
Interesting question on whether the judges will be more or less inclined towards voting for her, given her already considerable fame. Hard to say.
But, she hits that version of “Cry Me a River” with an incredible bluesy soulfulness. When she cuts a record of powerful standards, she’ll be set for life, no matter how she does in the competition.
cruadin on April 17, 2009 at 5:28 PM
Once they found out how popular she is with Americans, they’ll bounce her off.
flipflop on April 17, 2009 at 5:29 PM
So Allah, if Sarah had a golden voice like this, would you be more apt to vote for her?
Rovin on April 17, 2009 at 5:33 PM
After reading a little of her life story, it is truly wonderful that she is finally getting her day in the sun.
clarifides on April 17, 2009 at 5:36 PM
I second your very good notion.
blatantblue on April 17, 2009 at 5:36 PM
Only if she gives him a private serenade of “Never Gonna Give You Up”
blatantblue on April 17, 2009 at 5:37 PM
I don’t really get this story. It’s cute, but it’s all based on the premise that an ugly woman has a pretty voice. My wife was an opera major, I was a music major. Having known many opera singers personally I am not at all surprised at inverse relationship of physical beauty and vocal ability.
In English, there are lots of ugly singers with talent out there.
cannonball on April 17, 2009 at 5:37 PM
You know. This season.
Susan Boyle deserves respect, not only for her gorgeous talent, but for her bravada. She didn’t require the crutch of a make-over prior to being honored by the public and status conscious judges.
No brow beating.
maverick muse on April 17, 2009 at 5:37 PM
Wow – a set of pipes that ranks among the all time best.
Dukehoopsfan on April 17, 2009 at 5:37 PM
The one “huge breakout” story I have seen was the young Welshman, Paul Potts. Simon’s jaw was almost resting on the table!
Most people now like “pretty” and mediocre.I remember Nina Simone from old Village Gate days. Ugly as sin and mean as a snake. A voice to die for!
katy the mean old lady on April 17, 2009 at 5:41 PM
This sudden fame can easily overwhelm her and result in tragedy.
AaronGuzman on April 17, 2009 at 5:45 PM
Sanjaya was much more of a cultural phenomenon, yet not one peep on these pages.
Valiant on April 17, 2009 at 5:47 PM
The old refrain ‘it ain’t over ’til the fat lady sings’ bears out your point that great singers come in all shapes and sizes. Pavarotti certainly gained a few pounds in his day as well.
A graduate music history professor once “illustrated” the perversity of vocal inflection hiding textual meaning. He pointed out a class member and said in a syrup sweet voice auf Deutsch that she was the ugliest women he’d ever seen. Students referenced him a Nazi because he was, officially.
Love that Inigo Montoya on your site, cannonball.
maverick muse on April 17, 2009 at 5:49 PM
It’s not just about her voice. If the only hook was her voice, this would be over already. She’s the face of every ordinary person who has ever had a dream. She’s proof that substance can win out over style. She’s all the inspiration anyone would ever need for not giving up just because they’re getting older and unpretty.
I wonder how many people right this minute are signing up for auditions or taking a second look at manuscripts they abandoned or getting out their paints and canvases or otherwise thinking to themselves, “I gave up too easily.”
I know I am.
accidental tourist on April 17, 2009 at 5:50 PM
Don’t rain on her parade, Guz.
maverick muse on April 17, 2009 at 5:52 PM
I’m starting straight away on my unauthorized biography!
Valiant on April 17, 2009 at 5:52 PM
I meant unauthorized autobiography.
Valiant on April 17, 2009 at 5:52 PM
From the heart: this type of music really isn’t my cup of tea. Sure, I like the occasional Harry Connick (although more of his Jazzy pieces), but it’s not the type of music I go out and seek.
I would buy her albums. And that’s not out of pity. I simply know what I like. And I could mix this into any of my playlists, and be content for a good, long while.
I, for one, wasn’t surprised that she sang as well as she did when I first saw the YouTube clip. Then again, I also am the type to realize that facial appearance has no bearing on vocal abilities.
She’s paid her dues. And I think the time she spent, having to keep this raw talent away from the world, will be greatly repaid upon her a thousand fold. I wish her luck, fortune (not that she’ll need either, really, at this point), and hope that she keeps her humility as the record companies knock on (or, more likely, bust down) her door.
CatsGodot on April 17, 2009 at 5:53 PM
Pierce invited Susan to dinner in London, and she accepted.
They’ll enjoy.
maverick muse on April 17, 2009 at 5:56 PM
i laughed.
i cried.
she’s better than “cats”, waaaaay better! ;-)
homesickamerican on April 17, 2009 at 5:59 PM
Don’t insult Ms. Boyle…Geez.
HornetSting on April 17, 2009 at 6:00 PM
Crikey, she’s only a year older than me. I wonder how long before someone gives her a “makeover” to help sell that beautiful voice? IMO, she doesn’t need one, but you know she’ll get one.
http://www.teapartynation.com
tnmama on April 17, 2009 at 6:17 PM
Is she the new Mrs. Miller?
Hmmmmmmmmm.
portlandon on April 17, 2009 at 6:18 PM
Is she the new Mrs. Miller?
Hmmmmmmmmm.
portlandon on April 17, 2009 at 6:18 PM
Is Ms. Boyle the new MRS. MILLER?
Hmmmmmm.
portlandon on April 17, 2009 at 6:19 PM
Kudos to her that’s a hard song to sing!
xler8bmw on April 17, 2009 at 6:26 PM
with all the crap going on here and everywhere else, a nice lady and a nice story is a breath of fresh air.
Ghoul aid on April 17, 2009 at 6:33 PM
I’m not raining on her parade. I want her to get an umbrella.
She is entering the crucible of fame, an environment notorious for destroying a people’s lives. Since everyone wants a piece of her she is now ripe for exploitation.
Also, all glory is fleeting. When her 15 minutes are over (practically guaranteed for Internet-related fame) I hope she’ll have the right coping mechanisms to deal with once more becoming “Susan Who?”.
AaronGuzman on April 17, 2009 at 6:37 PM
No comparison. She’s far better.
gh on April 17, 2009 at 6:41 PM
What you are missing is that Simon can make money by promoting her and he’s very good for the people he picks up.
gh on April 17, 2009 at 6:42 PM
O’Reilly at the end of his show last night quoted what I wrote yesterday about Susan being an example of the best aspect of the internet: no ‘gatekeepers’: One appearance meant mostly to cull the inept, and she has an international audience.
She looks like one of my in-laws in Ireland, but can SING !!!!!!!!
Janos Hunyadi on April 17, 2009 at 6:52 PM
Oh my. This lady can sing. That CNN interview with Larry King A-Live is amazing. Try singing what she did without any pitch help. Amazing.
conservative pilgrim on April 17, 2009 at 6:56 PM
And the long lost recording of “Cry Me a River” is equally stunning. Wow.
conservative pilgrim on April 17, 2009 at 6:57 PM
Bravo for Susan! What a lovely voice.
But there’s something else about that video that draws us in.
It is that rare instance where we are privileged to watch at the very moment a life is transformed (for the better).
I think that’s what captures us and makes us watch it over and over.
She walked on the stage an ordinary middle-aged woman. And then she sang. With the first bar, we knew. She would never be the same…she was a star. New life. God smiled on her. Bravo.
jeanneb on April 17, 2009 at 7:01 PM
I like it best of all, it seems to suit her range better. Looking forward to a CD from her, for sure.
ProfessorMiao on April 17, 2009 at 7:03 PM
The audio recording was RIDICULOUS…I mean, I want to buy a cd of standards she remakes. she has character…and that says a lot in a world of Amy Winehouse’s.
Mommypundit on April 17, 2009 at 7:05 PM
ridiculous meaning awesome.
Mommypundit on April 17, 2009 at 7:06 PM
and this person changes our misery how?
johnnyU on April 17, 2009 at 7:11 PM
Yeah, me too.
ProfessorMiao on April 17, 2009 at 7:24 PM
IIRC Daughtry was the closest, but still not on the level that she is.
- The Cat
P.S. If the prize is preforming for the Queen . . she’s already won (as in, this fits the Queens style.) Take that Obama
MirCat on April 17, 2009 at 7:26 PM
Her voice is amazing! Sounds classically trained for Broadway. She’ll definitely find success at selling some CD’s.
My biggest wish for her is that her first kiss makes her swoon. Everyone deserves to be kissed at least once in life.
smartsy on April 17, 2009 at 7:28 PM
When I watched her tryout video I cried. The audience and the judges were judging her by her appearance and they laughed at her and rolled their eyes when she spoke about why she wanted to try out. That’s such a great lesson to all of us – not to judge a person by their appearance.
silvernana on April 17, 2009 at 7:56 PM
OK, that’s getting way carried away. She’s good, and has a sweet voice (and a powerful one), but she’s a little rough around the edges on some of the quieter moments where control is everything… give her time. We’ll see. But mostly she is just an awesome story.
DaveS on April 17, 2009 at 8:02 PM
Oh, and Adam Lambert this season is by far the most talented star ever on Idol, this according to Paula. But I knew it the first time I heard him sing. His range is unbelievable. I am over retirement age, and I can’t wait to see what he will sing every week. I also agree with Paula when she says you can’t take your eyes off him.
silvernana on April 17, 2009 at 8:02 PM
accidental tourist on April 17, 2009 at 5:50 PM
You spoke right to me. I’ve been recuperating from a heart attack, and I’ve been wondering if I gave up too easily on some things I have always wanted to do, wanted to say.
Your words were so timely, I thank you.
koz on April 17, 2009 at 8:14 PM
On a graduated scale, she may not be in the top 1% but Boyle in by all mean extraordinary in her singing abilities. All one need do is watch the one season of either American Idol or Brits Got Talent to know that.
Dusty on April 17, 2009 at 8:22 PM
The first thing you need to remember is to leave the changes for the publisher.
Dusty on April 17, 2009 at 8:26 PM
If BHO can write two autobiographies before he accomplished anything, then we all can write one. Or two.
jgapinoy on April 17, 2009 at 8:26 PM
But…what about “Li’l Amy Winehouse”?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e0SjMo_tm10
JetBoy on April 17, 2009 at 8:27 PM
How many times have we been subjected to some talentless child because she “had the look” – Thank God to finally let someone sing who truly know how.
I hope get to hear more from her.
InTheBellyoftheBeast on April 17, 2009 at 8:27 PM
[InTheBellyoftheBeast on April 17, 2009 at 8:27 PM]
I’m already looking forward to the movie.
Dusty on April 17, 2009 at 8:33 PM
This is a beautiful story!
threeCents on April 17, 2009 at 8:48 PM
Simon will make money off of her until the novelty wears off. God bless her but she is becoming a sideshow attraction. Larry King actually asked to to sing. When was the last time King asked a prominent entertainer to perform on the spot? He was treating her as though she was a trained pet who can do a neat trick.
She is a 47 year old woman and she should be treated with the respect you give to an adult woman, not the curiosity you show towards an idiot savant.
AaronGuzman on April 17, 2009 at 8:58 PM
Her lower register problems were obviously caused by nerves. She displays an amazing virtuosity in the audio above. Top 1%? Heck if American Idol is any indication she’s in the top 1/10 of 1%.
Time will tell just how talented she is, but if the “discovered” audio above is any indication, she’s a real diamond in the rough.
The greatest thing about her was her glorious smile. Did you notice the little smile she gave someone in the audience moments before she began singing? She sings joyfully. Not many can make that claim. She just oozes goodness.
I could have done without the hip gyrations at the beginning of her audition, but I think that was nerves as well.
Charles Martel on April 17, 2009 at 9:04 PM
2 tissues….;-)
Ladywolfnl on April 17, 2009 at 9:46 PM
She looks like Hilliary.Firebird on April 17, 2009 at 5:07 PM
jimmy2shoes on April 17, 2009 at 9:47 PM
Stupid strike button.
jimmy2shoes on April 17, 2009 at 9:47 PM
Holy crap…she has a very nice voice for the blues.
She puts herself in her music…that’s for sure.
Asher on April 17, 2009 at 10:07 PM
I was just trying to put into words what I got from watching this amazing performance, (so I will take no credit), but I’m glad you’re thinking about the things you always wanted to do and say. So am I.
I hope you have a speedy and full recovery, and that you don’t let the tigers tear your hopes apart. :)
accidental tourist on April 17, 2009 at 10:15 PM
Dude seriously you need a woman. Yeah I know, but dude.
- The Cat
He murdered Born to be Wild. It would have been kewl if it were any other song.
He needs to cover Ballroom Blitz or Motley Crue.
- The Cat
MirCat on April 17, 2009 at 10:52 PM
I just realized that this event is even more significant than most people think.
This may be the first time a reality show actually produced something useful or memorable.
Except, maybe, Elizabeth Hasselbeck. Maybe.
Merovign on April 18, 2009 at 12:04 AM
I’m not sure I understand the part about “nearing the end of her 15 minutes.” She’s got at least one more appearance on the talent show and she’s already in talks for an album. Even if she doesn’t win the competition, she may well go on to have some sort of successful career. Several of the AI contestants who don’t win have done better than the winners (Jennifer Hudson, Daughtry, Clay Aiken).
It is amusing, though, thinking about this woman and how so much has been written by the punditocracy about her, how she’s a shining example of not judging a book by its cover (let’s not be too trite shall we?) and the lessons we’re supposed to learn here, everybody deserves to have a dream and we should all find a way to emulate Susan’s courage because maybe there’s some breakout moment ahead for anyone of us if we only try, blah blah.
Just a few weeks ago we were bombarded with stories about Michelle Obama taking Europe by storm with her fashion savvy and well-toned arms and wasn’t that all just so inspirational?
I can’t keep up. Frumpy church worker who loses her mom goes on a talent show and unexpectedly wows everyone with her golden voice vs. politician’s stylish wife who travels with a makeup artist gets all decked out and dazzles everyone with her couture fashions.
Perhaps I’m so supposed to be inspired by both.
Bennett on April 18, 2009 at 12:35 AM
I am very happy for her. She has a wonderful voice and I’m sure she’s even gotten a bit rusty over the years to boot. Once she gets those vocal chords back in tip-top shape, at the very least, I see Christmas albums and the like in her future. Enough maybe to live out the rest of her life very comfortably. Good for her!
She had plenty of talent as a very young person, but she had to care for her aging parents as she got older. Now’s her chance and she’s grabbing the brass ring. Go get it girl.
SilverStar830 on April 18, 2009 at 1:43 AM
Simon Cowell has first dibs on the sign-up rights to the talent on ITV’s “Britain has Talent” show.
Needless to say, he had indeed already signed up Susan Boyle for his Syco record label, a division of SONY Records.
He’s already crowing that her upcoming guest appearance on OPRAH will guarantee her first disc will be the number one album in America – the fabulously difficult golden market that is every British singer/entertainer/actor/artist’s wet dream of conquering.
Mojamaiko on April 18, 2009 at 3:45 AM
She doesn’t need to go on Oprah for that to happen. I’m surprised he’d even say it (if he did). She’s already way waaaay beyond needing Oprah’s help to be successful.
accidental tourist on April 18, 2009 at 4:06 AM
I really don’t get the whole hype thing with her. Oh well.
Ingenue on April 18, 2009 at 4:26 AM
Oh he already has. He’s an arrogant, stuck up, condescending asshole who doesn’t have a shred of talent.
Congrats to him.
csdeven on April 18, 2009 at 6:20 AM
Originally, I would allow these types of shows to be watched on my TV even though I wasn’t interested. I remember the minute I decided that they would never be watched again in my home when I heard Cowell say that part of the requirements of “American Idol” winners is good looks.
That is all this is about. MOST people judged her by her looks before she even opened her mouth. What vacuous ignorant elitist snobs! She seems to be a decent gracious person. I would rather spend time in her company than in the company of militant whitey hatin’ black supremist Michelle Oslime-a or any other Hollywood frump.
What has this world come to when a skanky cunt like Garofalo gets treated like she’s relevant and this nice lady is treated like a freak?
csdeven on April 18, 2009 at 6:31 AM
Originally, I would allow these types of shows to be watched on my TV even though I wasn’t interested. I remember the minute I decided that they would never be watched again in my home when I heard Cowell say that part of the requirements of “American Idol” winners is good looks.
That is all this is about. MOST people judged her by her looks before she even opened her mouth. What vacuous ignorant elitist snobs! She seems to be a decent gracious person. I would rather spend time in her company than in the company of militant whitey hatin’ black supremist Michelle Oslime-a or any other Hollywood frump.
What has this world come to when a skank like Garofalo gets treated like she’s relevant and this nice lady is treated like a freak?
csdeven on April 18, 2009 at 6:42 AM
It looks like she’s saved the best for last. This is such a heartwarming story. It’s almost like J.K. Rowling and Harry Potter. She too was down at the bottom and shopping her story and almost no one wanted it. But she got her foot in the door and the rest is history.
She has a very good voice, and I await more from her. Her back story is also shows she has a great soul. I believe she’s the youngest of nine kids, and it was she who cared for both her parents until two years ago. She was unemployed but not for long. Everyone who’s been interviewed says she’s a wonderful person. This is a made for tv movie that has yet to play out. Go Sarah go.
eaglewingz08 on April 18, 2009 at 7:31 AM
Sorry, Susan, haven’t had my coffee yet.
eaglewingz08 on April 18, 2009 at 7:32 AM
I keep seeing comparisons of Susan with Sanjay and Hung of American Idol fame. Neither of those two had any talent. They broke out because they were jokes.
peterargus on April 18, 2009 at 8:00 AM
I’m so glad she’s out in public now. A beautiful voice and the wonderful phrasing (ala Frank Sinatra) that creates true stars. No one cares what she looks like, we just want to hear her sing.
zeebeach on April 18, 2009 at 9:58 AM
Tin ear. Sucks for you.
zeebeach on April 18, 2009 at 10:11 AM
Reading UK articles about her they say she had a learning disability
I hope she can fend for herself with the sharks
I want a happy ending for her
entagor on April 18, 2009 at 1:43 PM
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