Sunday 31 May 2009

Winners and losers

OK, so I wouldn't ordinarily follow up one post with another on the same subject, but given how big the Britain's Got Talent final was (over 19 million viewers - unheard of in a multi-channel age) I felt I needed to close the book on the subject.

Watching the show last night I was struck with an almost Calvinistic sense of predestination (I win extra points for using big words). It was as though there were nine contestants competing for the trophy, with Susan Boyle as a kind of wild-card-cum-guest-star. As a consequence, there was an uncomfortable atmosphere as the other nine acts gave their all in a show that seemed to be a foregone conclusion - as predictable as Lost having a season finale with a WTF moment. By the time Piers Morgan told Susan she was his favourite contestant and that he hoped she would win, it seemed as though the fat lady had sung (sorry, easy joke).

But then Diversity took to the stage, with another stunningly choreographed performance showcasing their wild-haired bespectacled secret weapon, who looks more and more like Scary Spice's Mini-Me.


And somehow, all the hype, coverage and hyperbole took second place to a genuine display of spectacular talent.

As much as I loved Susan's performances, and watching her go from spinster to superstar, I can think of no more fitting ending to a talent show than for the most talented act to win. And although there's an anti-climactic sense of 'is that it?' about being denied the denouement we all expected, we should be happy with how it turned out. Unfortunately, the media now have to cover their backs for making the SuBo story run and run, which is why half the headlines about the result seem to be about who came second, rather than who actually won. Even the press conference this morning with the Essex-based dance troupe focused more on Susan than anything else.

The reason Susan caught the imagination of the world wasn't because she had the most remarkable voice we'd ever heard. It was because she reminded us to look beneath the surface. She told us to never give up on our dreams, no matter how old we are. And she proved that eyebrows demand regular management.

More importantly, she showed us that winning wasn't as important as proving to the world that we have something to offer. Think back to her first audition, when she finished her song and walked straight offstage - she wasn't there for the judges, she just wanted her chance to show what she could do. She dreamed a dream, and for a few weeks, it was one we all shared.

1 comment:

  1. I can't believe anyone would call Diversity 's act the most talented one. Take away all the lights and tech gimmicks and it is a male cheerleading squad act. Its not even dancing. Susan on the otherhand can stand alone. Her voice is a musical insrument . Fair dues,apples to apples, Susan is the true talent. I know there may be many reason's why she didn't win,there is an untold story here. But anyone with common sense can see who was the most talented performer. But lets face it,BGT is not really a talent show ,its a popularity contest and its is manipulated by the media and by the bookies.

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