Vocal equipment is something you're born with, or not. You cannot fake a good singing voice (I know a number of people who would love to, and would if they could). The sound she makes is the sound she makes, and if it's not there in the vocal cords no amount of post-production can put it there. But I do take your point about all the window-dressing. "Special-needs chic" is a nice turn of phrase, and I know exactly what you mean. Unfortunately.

But with the variety of alternative forms of listening available now, I really think she can rise above all that and go her own way and still keep an audience interested. Maybe not the kind of audience that fills commercial arenas, but an audience just the same, comprised of individuals all over the world tuning in to her at every hour of the night and day. And I'm sure if you were able to bring them together in one spot and one time they would fill a stadium. Or more.

I really do think it ain't over for her, and doesn't ever necessarily have to be. Though - for the reasons you have given - this does require being perceptive, also making intelligent and realistic choices. I hope she - or anyone genuinely acting on her behalf - will.