So, I haven't blogged for a while. Sorry about that. I'm sure the two readers I still have left were wondering. ;-)
Here's my beef of the week:
The world is all a-buzzin with the fantastic news story out of the UK of this wonderful singer who shocked the world with her amazing voice. I can't embed the video, but here's a link.
As a singer and a vocal coach, I will say that yes, she really is quite good.
What has me outraged is the shock on everyone's face that she's so good. WHY are they all shocked? Because she's 47? Because of the way she looks? Because she's never been kissed? What does that have to do with the quality of her voice????
We have so conditioned ourselves that only extremely beautiful people are worth our time, that it shocks us when people who are not exactly attractive have beauty within them. I'm reminded of a time during the 80s when the group Heart was on their "comeback," but everyone was outraged at how much weight Ann Wilson had gained. They draped her in black and hid her in the shadows of music videos. Funny, but her voice still sounded spectacular to me!
Think about how many times you've watched American Idol or similar shows, and how much emphasis is placed on singers' looks. Yes, I know. We're a visual culture. But think how many incredible musicians and singers are going unnoticed because of the way they look.
If you think I'm overreacting... watch the video again. Watch the faces of the judges and the audience. They were laughing at her before she sang. Their faces were actually smug.
I hope Susan Boyle gets a fabulous recording contract... because regardless of her looks, hairstyle, eyebrows, weight... she will have a voice that is worth our time.
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6 comments:
As one of your two remaining readers (hee hee!) I couldn't agree with you more. I once heard someone say that MTV ruined music. And they did- even on American Idol they focus a lot on the 'marketability' of the people.
I wish I could pop those little teenagers they show before she sings in the mouth. Like they can't believe she's even up there.
Amen, sister!
Great post. What the heck does singing have to do with looks and kissing history?
Amen indeed! I totally agree! Everyone was shocked she was so good coz she's unattractive. Since when does that mean you can't be talented! It's awful how superficial we are as a western culture. People who don't look stunning are swept aside in favour of mediocre people who look the part. A sad state of affairs indeed.
I love that you all are on the same "page" here. Oh, and that you're still reading, too. :-)
I was hoping that they were all shocked because of her age - as in "why has no one discovered you yet?!?" but you may be right. Sad commentary indeed.
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