It is amazing how jaded some of us seem to be. Susan has a really good voice and genuine sensitivity to the lyrics, both on this and "Cry Me A River". Even the audience and the judges, who've been harshly criticized by some of us, should be cut some slack. They all realized almost immediately that they were wrong to judge a book by the cover. She won them over almost immediately--and maybe they will remember this for the future. Even Simon's smile seemed genuine.

And I say this as one who agrees with Diane completely--(much as it pains me to agree with her on anything--I'm sure it pains her too)--- on "Les Miz", and on Webber's creations as well. For me "Les Miz" is an overripe travesty of the book, with only one worthwhile song, "Master of the House". The musical manages to be both overblown and dumbed-down.   Obviously everybody has his or her own taste. I like rock a lot and I like some operas. But the combination is a pretentious mishmash. And I have seen the show--not by choice.

I would sentence everyone who has seen the show to read the book -- (I'm surprised that Don, who has read the book, also liked the "musical")--and some would find out what they are missing.   Hugo creates a whole world which envelops the reader. I found the show tedious and unconvincing, and the rock element was jarring.

But this is totally immaterial to Susan's BGT performance. Her song really spoke to her--and she made it speak to the audience, and us, as well. She really did have a dream--and who knows, perhaps her musical dream may be realized. At least she's already proven uncounted numbers of skeptics wrong.

And I also agree with Mooh-- and maybe now even church choir singers will get a bit more respect. He's totally right that choral singing teaches you a huge amount that helps you in any singing.