Fame has robbed Boyle of a voice

Re this article from May 31, time seems to have proven the boldly negative statements about Susan Boyle to be wrong. Susan said "and that's only one side of me" and she was right. now in August we've seen her to be gracious, funny, and glamorous. I always thought she was cute. I've listening to many singer's versions of the songs she sang. I think Susan is the best of them all.

it's true her behavior was maybe too exuberant during the semi-finals due to excitement. and if she did cuss at the rag-mag photogs they deserved it. she had too much bad press and she hadn't done anything to hurt anyone. whether she does or doesn't have a difficulty of some kind and whether she's gotten help for it I don't know. she's more subdued in public now. but when she feels comfortable during an interview she's still her funny, joking self. thank goodness for that. we've learned by now that Susan is a strong woman. she will prevail.

won? lost? it doesn't matter. Susan is on the way to fulfilling her dreams! in her own words it's good and she doesn't want it to end.

By Donna Rumfelt.. Posted August 8 2009 at 2:39 AM.

I agree with Carole Malone. I was gobsmacked when I first heard Susan sing, but now I can see that she is vulnerable and she may well want to tackle the world but she can't comprehend what it means. She has led a sheltered life and it will be hard for her to work at her dream. In reality, she was already living her dream by singing in her village.

By aussie-girl.. Posted June 8 2009 at 7:36 AM.

Sorry Carole! I did not think that your article was one of "care". To me you were being very condescending, also many of the comments here. No, Susan is not a A4 person, and we have a enough of them in the world. Susan was being herself, and perhaps a little more eccentric than usual because she was feeling nervous. She did not seem to have any family/friends supporting her backstage. Susan has a BEAUTIFUL voice and I would love to hear her singing Amazing Grace. If people would stop writing derogatory articles about her mental/intellectual state, Susan would not be so hurt etc. I think one has also to realize that when Susan was a child, there was not the understanding and help for people with small learning difficulties, and she lost out on further education by being the youngest and having to give many years of her life caring for her parents. How many years did you spend isolated at home caring for your parents? TO EVERYONE ..... Just stop being so negative about Susan. Give her a chance, with some supportive articles and positive comments.
Susan, I send you all my positive thoughts and wish you well, whatever YOU choose. Rose-mary Catterall
Norway.

By Rose-mary Catterall.. Posted June 7 2009 at 2:45 PM.

We invite people in, select one with 'some' talent,shove them into the limelight just because we know the public will fall for the 'lost puppy' effect,sit back and monopolise on them,then chew them up and spit them out. Pure evil!!!!!. Hughie Green can't have known things could get soooo bad,or he would have shelved the shows that spawned this illegitimate brat!

By Jerbear.. Posted June 7 2009 at 10:05 AM.

I think all of these 'reality' and talent shows are just the modern day version of when the rich victorians used to visit the asylums in order to view mentally ill people through a large glass screen only these days they can do it from an armchair!!
The emphasis on all of these programmes is to humiliate and exploit then abandon those who take part and then for the media to vulture-like pick at the bones of what remains of that persons life.
As humans we are naturally voyeristic , but that doesnt mean we have to give in to it we have choices and are capable of making them. If someone was humiliating a person with additional support needs in the street, most of us would jump in and defend them yet because its on the telly its ok!! We have an off button on our T.V sets we should use them and refuse to watch this drivel.

By Diane.. Posted June 7 2009 at 7:16 AM.

Wonderful article. So true that while Susan has a beautiful voice, I find myself more and more uncomfortable with her obvious lack of impulse control. That wiggling and pulling up the dress is not normal behavior. A neighbor said 20 yrs ago she did a fab rendition of 'Over the Rainbow' and then pulled her dress up over her head in a club in front of the audience. That was when she was 28--sadly things seem not to have changed. I do love her voice and you are so right that the neighborhood has made allowances for her quirkiness that the rest of us are not use to.

By Kate.. Posted June 7 2009 at 3:27 AM.

Susan is going to prove you all wrong! She will achieve and sustain her singing career! Don't anyone underestimate her! She's stronger than you all think. Go Susan! The world, especially America, is here for you!!

By Fran M... Posted June 7 2009 at 3:38 AM.

Carol Your article was the most compassionate, that i have read, this women needs a court appointed guardian, who will look after her interests ,as there will certainly be a lot of so called new (PARASITES)friends waiting with their hands out. mary calif usa

By mary riley.. Posted June 6 2009 at 5:36 PM.

i feel strongly for Susan. I was touched watching her story of triumph at the talent hunt show, but i think we should not blame profit or commerce for the choice of this stunning singer. she is a head-turner, singing wise, and that's her strength, the rest are weaknesses. Let's look for a way to maximise her strength and that's by a little more CARE. she needs an assurance of being loved.

By ken ugbechie.. Posted June 5 2009 at 10:56 AM.

Fear not Jennie! Our Susan Boyle,if given the correct guidance,and which prevents the ignorant morons from getting to her through their jealous disregard.she will win through! Mark my words! Born with an outstanding singing voice,and with patient care and the correct and right amount of cosseting in her case,she will more than outshine expectations!

By Mr FC Osborne.. Posted June 3 2009 at 9:37 PM.

I would like to pass on kind regards to susan im so sorry genuallythat your feeling unwell i hope you make a speedy recovery and infuture you will be treated with the humility and respect you deserve .
Take care sue
and pebbles
xxx

By p stevens.. Posted June 2 2009 at 11:20 PM.

Excellent article, Carole. Unfortunately, I fear the worst is yet to come. I just learned a few minutes ago that Susan was admitted to "The Priory" after suffering a breakdown in her hotel early Sunday evening (which I am sure you already know by now).

My only hope is that this poor woman can survive this.

By Lars.. Posted June 1 2009 at 4:44 AM.

We must praise Susan for coming out of her shell enough to risk competing on a popular TV show to pursue her dream. She is very gifted and put it out there for all to see and hear. I am very concerned about her future because people will be standing in line to exploit her. Even our famous Elvis Pressley was exploited and he wasn't the class valedictorian. But he was gifted and emersed himself in sharing his talent with the world. Susan is a survivor. Although she has lived a simple life, she has gained wisdom. She handled herself well on that stage. I pray that God will give her protection from people who would cause harm to her and that she will have strength and wisdom to select people who can truly help her with the lifestyle she may be exposed to and to reject those who do not hold her best interest in their heart. Susan taught us a lot. She was not a Miss Universe candidate, but she showed us her inner beauty, expressed in her grace, determination and beautiful voice. She taught us about being too quick to judge and the meaing of "you can't tell a book by it's cover." Regardless of how long she remains in the public eye, she has given us a lot to think about. She has definitely made a difference and lets just pray it does not cost her more than she can handle.

By Georgeanne Falstrom.. Posted June 1 2009 at 4:04 AM.

Susan is a TALENT, no question!! It was so disappointing that she did not catch the Brass Ring on Saturday night.....but if it was a fair fight, perhaps the public wanted something different - and Diversity lives up to its name. There were MANY TALENTED people on BGT.....I personally was blown away by that young Welsh Lad....now, he does have a future....he is so handsome, (what dimples!), personable, cool under pressure, and can the boy sing....he sure can. I personally thought is AMAZING that Simon stopped his Audition and asked what else he could sing....that he had gotten it 'All wrong'....and WOW was he right! I can see him as a SUPERSTAR soon. And I can see Susan Boyle on Broadway....I really can....I pray she has great support throught her whole life....and face it folks, none of us has walked in her shoes.....every body has a story that could break your heart.....BRAVO Susan....I love your spirit, heart, and TALENT with a capital T....no mediocrity here....There are many people who have lost contests who have become Superstars....keep on keepin' on - and show them all - like Nike says "Just Do It" - and don't forget - over 100,000,000 hits on YOU TUBE....Susan did something RIGHT and INSPIRING....You cannot deny it.....I am a huge FAN. You have made us proud Susan, now go and make a living with your god given TALENT! Wendy

By Wendy.. Posted May 31 2009 at 9:39 PM.

we all try to limit differantly able people it's susan's dream to become a singer and who are we to say she is not able god give her a talent to share with us and we should be thankful that she did for to long differantlyable people was shut away and hidden with all education and knowlage it still seem to me that we are still in the dark, let susan do what she want all she needs is the right people around her, we who consider our selfs normal have done alot worse corner a person or animal and the instince is to defend them self STOP SHUTTING DIFFERANTABLE AWAY. live your dream

By felicia corbin.. Posted May 31 2009 at 7:11 PM.

interesting article and discussion-I worked with vulnerable people for many years and heard the "it will end in tears" argument when the old mental hospitals were closed and patients moved to independent living-Susan deserves her chance, her main problem being that she has no partner or close friend to support her-even in Scotland with the press at her door BGT seemed to have arranged no security for her (Simon of course always has his entourage) and then being dumped in a Travelodge for a week must have been the last straw-we have pop stars who have done excellently, Cheryl Cole,Leona Lewis etc and some like Kerry Katona and Amy Winehouse who seem determined to ruin everything for themselves-good luck Susan-you deserve the chance.

By Anthony Shelton.. Posted May 31 2009 at 6:08 PM.

Well written, Carole. I absolutely loved Susan in the first round, but didn't think she sang anywhere near as well in either the semi-final or even in the final, where she was singing the song that won our hearts.

I'm sure the unkind comments in the press, being referred to as 'Hairy', even if it was followed by 'Angel' had had an effect on her voice. The make-over, well intentioned as it might have been, might have made her feel that she was unacceptable as she was.

In both the semi and in the final, that lovely warm grin that we saw the first time was nowhere in evidence and her voice had lost its resonance.

I do hope she makes some albums, with plenty of kindness and adequate support - I'm sure the money would help her - but if she gives any more public performances I don't think I could bear to watch them because I wouldn't want to see her humiliated in this way again.

She's a cheeky little lady with a beautiful voice so let's leave her just the way she is.

By Sue.. Posted May 31 2009 at 5:45 PM.

yes, susan has a disability...it is very apparent

dont know if it was really all that apparent in the audition, as she just seemed like a hick from a small scottish villiage.

but it was apparent in the semi

she may have gained her attachment to piers as a result of his appearing with her on every interview show

he never shouldve become her handler...and she will need one, as well as a counselor to travel with her.

yes the show is exploitave...but they can help susan and turn her into a role model for those differently abled around the globe. for despite her challenges, thanks to the immediacy of the internet, she has become a global star.

but why just comment on susan? why not talk about how the show uses children, how they force certain acts to perform songs or routines that are designed by the producers, in order to lessen their chances to advance, how they create fake histories for some of the professional talent.

bgt became a world wide sensation this season, because many (including me) thought that it might be on the up and up....it isnt.

it is just like idol and the x factor....a geek show filled with scripted responses and faux controversies.

and simon, itv and the production team all owe royalties to the creator of this entire genre...chuck barriss, whose gong show is the model for all these shows.

hail to king chuck

By uncle joe mccarthy.. Posted May 31 2009 at 5:43 PM.

Superb article Carole. Written from a real base of understanding. Contrary to some of the comments on here it is not negative to Susan it is expressing what many people with knowledge are saying - exploitation on this show.

Of course she has an good voice but that is not so unusual for someone with learning difficulties but never ever would anyone suggest that they be exposed on national tv like this. In its more crude form this show has put before the public a lady who the viewers thought at first was a 'freak' so laughed & then were surprised she could actually sing. How patronising is that.

Before anyone shouts I do have many years experience around people with learning difficulties from severe to minor like Susan. She loves singing (like many others in her situation) & has the love & support of those around her to live a life within boundaries that she is comfortable with.

As we've seen this week take her out of that & she is unable to cope. I'm appalled at the reactions in the press & of folks on the internet but it is out of ignorance of 'who' she is. BGT have actually hidden away from what they have done here. Not really telling the public how restricted she is. It is them who have exposed a lady with learning difficulties to the harsh media.

I just pray that she comes through this as little damaged as is possible. Because damaged she most certainly will be.

By Lynne.. Posted May 31 2009 at 3:34 PM.

Well, in all your condemnation of Susan - if not directly her persona than her behaviour, or whatever - and her antics on the stage, you forgot to mention that she graciously admitted defeat by a better group and wished them good luck. I don't think she can't control herself, she just isn't used to so much attention and stress. I'm not an expert but Susan is not mentally handicapped and she can sing and I hope she will succed and prove you all wrong.

By Janez.. Posted May 31 2009 at 2:36 PM.

An excellent article by carole. You are the first one to put the susan boyle saga into prospective and spell out the truth of the matter. Lets hope she will in the not too far future get back to her village and normal life again - where Im sure she is perfectly content and happy in her own simplesity.

By sybil evans.. Posted May 31 2009 at 12:57 PM.

I've been equally alarmed at the way she's been talked about on TV - Channel 5's The Wright Stuff. Mathew Wrght routinely referred to her as The Freak and I cannot understand why this was not picked up by Ofcom - on one hand we have people with learning disabilities now living among us and supposedly accepted in the mainstream society but yet on TV they can still be held up for public ridicule. I am all for freedom of speech and all that but imagine how she would have felt if she'd heard that.

Carole is right. I cringed last night when I saw what amounts to a childlike attempt at sexual teasing but it was mortifying and someone surely should have been there to advise her on what NOT to do.

It was embarrassing and I rather think that once the furoe has died down she willonce again be a target for the bullies in her village who will revel in ridiculing her.

Poor Susan.

By Ellie Hudson.. Posted May 31 2009 at 12:35 PM.

You sour individual.

By mrs_spratt.. Posted May 31 2009 at 12:22 PM.

Carole your article was spot on and I applaude you for writing it.I have spent 35 years teaching and tutoring people with learning difficulties across the spectrum and as soon as I saw Susans hip wiggle on her initial audition I knew she had a problem...she showed a classic sign of inappropriate behaviour in the situation and it made me very,very worried for her.All the media attention will have initially thrilled her but as soon as her space was invaded continually she had no choice but to express his frustrations with anger she must have felt totally confused and afraid.I pray Susan will be looked after very carefully and given time to relax and with support assess her future.She has talent but is too vulnerable to cope on her own.I was also disturbed when young Holly broke down...I had to leave the room.I dont tune in to see kids distraught.What mother would put her child through such an ordeal.She has years ahead of her and will be a star one day but for gods sake let her grow up and when she shows she can cope with the pressure let her audition again.BGT SEEMS TO ME TO BE A SHOW THAT MAKES FOOLS OUT OF THE UNTALENTED AND NERVOUS WRECKS OUT OF THOSE WH HAVE SOME TALET...MORE LIKE A CIRCUS THAN A TALENT SHOW...BRING ON THE GLADIATORS AND LIONS!!!!!!!

By wendy.. Posted May 31 2009 at 12:17 PM.

Carole, while I agree she is a damaged soul, she has also trodden the boards for years-she's not the little spinster with the cat, she has been appearing in the working mens clubs in Scotland from a much younger age -YouTube has clips of her in her mid 20's singing in Motherwell FC, so come on, this is no exploited woman! She entered the competition, and why does everyone knock Simon? He is providing a platform -and of course he makes money (what a crime!), but no one is forced into this.

By Eileen.. Posted May 31 2009 at 11:46 AM.

The Boyle needed lancing for her own protection!

By Alan.. Posted May 31 2009 at 10:39 AM.

As usual,among the tantrums,the tears, and the corny air kisses of tv celebs,there is only one true winner here...Simon Cowell. when the dust has settled,and the circus has moved on,most of last night's performers will be quickly forgot about,when the cowell sausage machine of making a quick buck,and ,leaving a multitude of broken pipe dreams,that had little chance ,in the first place, cranks up,once more,when the X FACTOR returns

By ALAN SIMPSON.. Posted May 31 2009 at 9:14 AM.

Am I alone in being alarmed by Susan Boyle's on stage behavior post loss,
her grimaces, knee flashes and facial gurning would lead
me to believe we are dealing with a person who has not
fully understood the ramifications of the platform she was on. This article nails it and it is very well written. Losing BTG probably saved Susan Boyle's life

By S Saltzman.. Posted May 31 2009 at 7:26 AM.

your article is all too tdoom and gloom. life can go wrong whether fame and celebrity call or not.

shes 46 and it must be nice to have a shot at your dream on such a scale, after such a quiet life.

she now needs support, structure, her brother perhaps, pr media help, counselling/coaching and support it may not last for ever, but lifes the roller coaster you have to ride.

with her special needs she needs right pr. but yes it is odd and a strain, masses of people knocking on ya door for autographs, chats and photos sheneeds time, more tim to acclimatize

By millie.. Posted May 31 2009 at 7:06 AM.

KAREN CARPENTER was a voice,ARETHA FRANKLIN is a voice. SUSAN BOYLE? Very average. Good luck to her anyway,she'll still do well out of BGT.

By jerbear.. Posted May 31 2009 at 7:01 AM.

Carole I am so glad someone has put his to words. I love Susan, but as you can see by comments above people DON'T understand. I do hope someone is there to see her thru-BGT and the world owes this to her! She doesn't deserve any less. Thank you.

By KateOHio.. Posted May 31 2009 at 4:35 AM.

A beautifully written piece.
I am angry that the public vote was fixed and hope you can do something to publicise it. One Susan fan group hung around a u-tube of her audition. Americans, Brits, Japs, Germans,Swiss there. Way before voting opened a group entered to post " phone 09011322209 to vote for Susan!" ( Susan's ended in 08...Diversity's 09)They flashed signs telling people from America to call a fictitious number to vote for Susan from out of GB. They did this on every contestents site except Divirsity. When we tried to call to vote for Susan BT told us that operators were unable to complete calls...the Scottish lines were completely blocked for up to 20 minutes.
I am sure a lot of people voted for Diversity. They are a great group, but if their fans thought cheating was the only way for them to win there is something deeply wrong.
Would you please investigate this? All the logs must still be available. I'm sure you will be as shocked as I was.
Susan may have more resiliency than she appears to have. I am not so quick to judge her temper by her mild mental diability. I am not mentally disabled and I recently told a nurse in a hospital to do something anatomically impossible to herself
I will NEVER watch another show from the Simon Machine. He is a cruel, manipulative man behind cruel teeth that in the dark ages would probably tear the throats out of children instead of just making them cry.
Sincerely
Mrs. Blair-Newlands

By Suzanne Blair Newlands.. Posted May 31 2009 at 3:13 AM.

i think that susan boyle was robbed tonight regardless of her mental state she has a wonderfull talent and a voice second to none i just hope that she is allright in weeks months and hopefully years to come. susan boyle captured peoples heart all over the world but i do think that the media has over blown susan. shame really as she is a very tallented individual

By brian hughes.. Posted May 31 2009 at 3:23 AM.

God bless susan and may the public accept and understand her. She is just a fellow human being that has been blessed with a wonderful voice. However, she should not be changed in any way. Let her be to sing as and when she wants to

By jennie.. Posted May 31 2009 at 12:22 AM.