Saturday, April 25, 2009

Quotes from today: more about Susan Boyle

From Simon Cowell, as reported on Reuters UK, to Susan Boyle: "Get yourself together sweetheart for the big one -- the semi-final. Shut the door, choose the right song and come back as who you are, not who you want to be," he said.

Perhaps this is good advice for all of us? I love the idea that seeking fame distracts us from our real business, we should be prepared for our future or it might not be what we think, and that who you are is good enough so you don't need to try to remake yourself into something you think you want to be.

Also from Simon Cowell: "I am seriously thinking now we should hold two more open auditions (of "America's Got Talent") off the back of Susan Boyle. You don't have to be a singer who is 47 and never been kissed, but just someone who says 'I think I am talented, and I don't think people are going to judge me because of the way I look'," he said.

Two more open auditions so he can find the same publicity for AGT as he just got free from Susan Boyle for BGT? Note also that he said "open auditions"--that would indicate they are holding closed auditions still. He's got some business savvy there. But it's the second part of the quote I liked. See, the thing is, she was totally judged by the way she looks--and it goes both ways, judging by pretty and judging by ugly. She is an internet sensation BECAUSE she got judged by the way she looks. So what's he saying? Find me another sensation that brings attention to my show. Duh.

Again, Simon Cowell: "It's only stress when it doesn't work," he said. "I don't feel under any stress whatsoever when something like the Susan Boyle thing emerges. It is honestly the best feeling in the world."

It's only stress when it doesn't work. Isn't that funny that our perceptions define our stress levels, not the external events? I mean, would you feel devastated and stressed living in poverty if you thought it was permanent? What if you knew for sure that it was temporary and you'd be given a billion dollars at the end of it if you were patient? Stressed if you had cancer? What if you knew your suffering would end positively in not only your own health, but a breakthrough that would lead to a cure for a thousand people? Changes the stress level, no?

Also, he sounds like he's saying finding a diamond in the rough is the best feeling in the world. But this is a businessman. Could it be possible that 'this Susan Boyle thing' refers to the positive spin it's given to his business? Free advertising, and now he looks really good as a 'talent finder' since he said he's really embarrassed for judging her before she sang (saves face, that admission does). His business got a great big shot in the arm, for free, from this. Wouldn't that feel good?

From today's Fox News photo essay, a quote that goes along with my post about Susan Boyle and the music industry: "This bad hair abomination is what happens when you take a very pretty girl (singer Cassie) trying to be hip and get noticed. But listen hon, the way to do that is by paying the paparazzi to follow you, or "accidentally" releasing racy photos and or tapes. Or else, there is always rehab. Geez, learn the rules of Hollywood missy!"

Need I say more?

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