What should Susan Boyle sing next?

Subject: RE: What should Susan Boyle sing next?
From: Alice
Date: 21 Apr 09 - 03:41 PM

WHISTLE DOWN THE WIND

she sang it on MSNBC, for newscaster Monica Novotny

Subject: RE: What should Susan Boyle sing next?
From: Jeri
Date: 21 Apr 09 - 04:27 PM

Regarding a makeover, I honestly don't think she should have much done, at least not right now. I don't think she has the best voice, although it's very good. She does have a plainness that's quite charming, both in her clear, clean singing and her unassuming appearance. I don't think she's unattractive though. I think she has a country-girl sort of beauty that partially comes from the joy she takes in singing--she GLOWS when she sings.

They can help her out a little, but I hope they keep in mind that people like her, not in spite of her looks, but because of them.

Subject: RE: What should Susan Boyle sing next?
From: Genie
Date: 21 Apr 09 - 08:08 PM

Well, maybe she could do "Dance 10, Looks 3" from "Chorus Line?"   
But only if they subject her to some sort of "extreme makeover" -- which I don't think she'd agree to.

(Would they let any contestant sing that song, 'unsanitized', on BGT anyway?

Subject: RE: What should Susan Boyle sing next?
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 21 Apr 09 - 09:55 PM

This dress is meant to conceal a lot even though it is rather fitted. You can see the model is of "normal" proportions, not a spaghetti strand.

This is even better. A gown and jacket with beads for sparkle.

Simple, better lines than the dress last time.

Or really surprise folks.

SRS

Subject: RE: What should Susan Boyle sing next?
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 22 Apr 09 - 12:39 AM

Here are a couple of refresher links:

The original Susan Boyle performance

and her

Cry Me a River.

(For reference, here are Ella, Julie London, and Barbra Streisand singing "Cry Me a River.")

SRS

Subject: RE: What should Susan Boyle sing next?
From: oldhippie
Date: 22 Apr 09 - 03:51 AM

All the traditional songs from her region that she has probably singing around the house for years; that would make a great 2 or 3 CD set.

Subject: RE: What should Susan Boyle sing next?
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 22 Apr 09 - 11:11 AM

Kat, the remarks on that NPR program are all over the board. Some who dismiss the topic outright, others who have a more practical approach:

Collette Mak (LibraryGirl) wrote:

I'll admit that I found this a strange topic for TOTN but, okay, it IS something people are talking about. My two cents--Ms. Boyle has an amazing voice and she sat a lot of people on their heels when that voice came out of an unasumming package. That's part of her charm but that won't take her where she wants to go--the surprise is over. A make over to give her look that works well on TV and stage is a sensible suggestion. You can bet the judges pay attention to wardrobe, makeup and hair when they perform. It's not a different standard for her, it's the same standard.

and

Regina Brunig (Parinama) wrote:

Your discussion of Susan Boyle misses the point: The world fell in love with her, not inspite of her looks, but because of them. The magic came from a mixture of the unexpected power of her voice with the generous spirit of her delivery in the face of a unanimously unkind reception from the audience. I hope she stays as frumpy, natural and open-hearted as she appeared in that first song.

and

Chris Kar (weecamlass) wrote:

The important thing here, to me, is not whether she needs a makeover. Why has she become so popular? It's partly because of her talent, but it's mostly because we are all thrilled to see a "regular" person succeed - without the "handlers" or the makeover. People are crying out for more authenticity, less judgment, less conformity. We are tired of how much our world judges us (especially women) on our appearances above all else. She succeeded not in spite of how she looks but because of it - because she is just like the rest of us, and there's nothing wrong with celebrating that. And when she succeeded, we all did.

SRS

Subject: RE: What should Susan Boyle sing next?
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 22 Apr 09 - 11:29 AM

Something Wonderful   (The King and I)

Subject: RE: What should Susan Boyle sing next?
From: Genie
Date: 22 Apr 09 - 02:24 PM

Demo recording of Susan Boyle's, from 10 years ago:

Susan Boyle sings "Killing Me Softly"

I think she could do any number of songs that Streisand, Midler, etc., have done. Not sure going back to musicals from the '40s and '50s is such a great idea, unless the songs have become standards that even kids today would recognize and/or she puts a whole new twist on them.

Subject: RE: What should Susan Boyle sing next?
From: Murray MacLeod
Date: 22 Apr 09 - 02:49 PM

I think she should do When You Say Nothing At All, and dedicate it to Miss Easeby, Sinister Supporter, Jack Campin and greg stephens.

Subject: RE: What should Susan Boyle sing next?
From: Rifleman (inactive)
Date: 22 Apr 09 - 03:00 PM

I'd perfer this woman didn't touch anything by Carole King...

I think she should do When You Say Nothing At All, and dedicate it to Miss Easeby (sic), Sinister Supporter, Jack Campin and greg stephens and Murray Macleod

Subject: RE: What should Susan Boyle sing next?
From: Alice
Date: 22 Apr 09 - 03:01 PM

Wow
Thanks for that link to Killing Me Softly!

Subject: RE: What should Susan Boyle sing next?
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 22 Apr 09 - 03:05 PM

The trick is to find something that allows her to display her vocal range with a song that is popularly recognized as a very beautiful piece. Sounds simple, doesn't it?

Interesting how these other songs she recorded are turning up. Clearly she has been trying for a career for a while, but it was getting the attention that was the tough part. There may be a few producers kicking themselves by now.

SRS

Subject: RE: What should Susan Boyle sing next?
From: Alice
Date: 22 Apr 09 - 03:17 PM

I read an article today about a friend from the village who had a copy of the demo tape and had been told by Susan that she had spent all her savings to have it made to try to be a professional singer. The friend remembered the tape when Susan appeared on BGT, so now the recordings have come out. Only a few copies were made. The article said 2 songs were recorded. I don't know if the other one was Cry Me A River, which ended up as a donation to the Charity CD, or if there is yet another song from that old demo tape.

Subject: RE: What should Susan Boyle sing next?
From: Jack Blandiver
Date: 23 Apr 09 - 04:40 AM

dedicate it to Miss Easeby, Sinister Supporter, Jack Campin and greg stephens.

Apart from anything else I was first attracted to Folk Music because it seemed to represent something genuinely human, away from the marketing, hype, bollocks & lies of mainstream so-called culture & the utter ghastliness of its music. As a tender 14-year-old I was very impressed that I could sit in the dirty back-room of a pub watching an unamplified, unaccompanied singer giving her all before an audience of 15 people who'd never heard of her either but were nevertheless moved to buy copy of her LP Airs & Graces, as indeed was I. My feelings on the purity of Folk Music notwithstanding, the ghastliness of the other thing remains very much intact - as does the marketing, hype, bollocks & lies of mainstream so-called culture as evidenced by the hype-fest over poor Susan Boyle that has somehow spilled over into these threads.

What should she sing next? Maybe she should try this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_WvYa1rH2ns

Subject: RE: What should Susan Boyle sing next?
From: NormanD
Date: 23 Apr 09 - 05:12 AM

I am really surprised at how much score-settling this thread has generated (and the previous, now locked, one). It reminds me, a little bit, of how much hysteria there was after the death of Diana Spencer in 1997 and how difficult it was for some to voice a view contrary to the prevailing social mood. No comparison here, of course, just an example.

In relation to old hippie's suggestion that she should sing "All the traditional songs from her region that she has probably singing around the house for years; that would make a great 2 or 3 CD set", I can only ask: why do you think she knows any, or would even be interested in singing them? Because someone comes from a non-urban background doesn't mean that they're immersed in the culture of the region.

In a current mag feature on Scots singer Eddi Reader (now renowned for her wonderful interpretations of the songs of Robert Burns) she notes that she was brought up in a working-class city community, the only music in the house was that of the radio, trad music did not figure at all, or make any impact on her style or taste. She developed her interests and skills in later years. Just being Scots didn't make her know her cultural roots, or even be interested in them.

Maybe it's the same for Ms Boyle? Are we starting to turn her into something / someone we want her to be rather than what she is, and wants to be herself? Is this any different from commenting on her appearance?

Flame away!

Subject: RE: What should Susan Boyle sing next?
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 23 Apr 09 - 09:50 AM

NormanD, I frankly wonder at why you think this remark would be controversial? If you read through the suggestions people are coming up with they are all over the place, but are suggested because of the scant evidence we have of the vocal range and possible repertoire of the singer in question. So far her performances fall within popular culture--but perhaps these are what she put forward, thinking those were her best bet to get into professional performing? No one has disputed or suggested that where she is from automatically makes her a singer of Burns songs or of a certain category of Child Ballad. It would be lovely if she does sing them or show interest, but we simply don't know. If you read that in, I think you saw wishful thinking.

We're all just guessing. As the opportunities arise, we will learn more.

SRS

Subject: RE: What should Susan Boyle sing next?
From: Alice
Date: 23 Apr 09 - 10:33 AM

Interesting comments about Susan Boyle singing songs of Scotland... I would bet she sings songs of all kinds from many sources. By the way, her family is Irish, Catholic, even though living in Scotland, and as much as other types of music, she sings hymns, as on her frequent visits to Knock. There is plenty of info now about her from interviews with her voice teacher, her neighbors, the parish priest... anyone can find the interviews with a web search.

Subject: RE: What should Susan Boyle sing next?
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 23 Apr 09 - 11:17 AM

I hope some links to those interviews will be posted here, when people come across them.

Subject: RE: What should Susan Boyle sing next?
From: Alice
Date: 23 Apr 09 - 11:22 AM

her parish priest, on Susan Boyle

Subject: RE: What should Susan Boyle sing next?
From: Alice
Date: 23 Apr 09 - 11:55 AM

Interview with her voice teacher, the Independent does not allow a link to the article,

so just Google:

The Independent Don't Lose the tune, warns man who taught Susan Boyle to sing


-- snip

But he has reservations about the TV talent show route to fame: "Sometimes I feel it is so sensationalist. I feel they sometimes are not allowing the more intelligent Susan to come forward. I look at the names people are calling her and I think this is worse than what she is leaving behind. This is not respecting someone, saying they have a voice like an angel and then calling them names," he said.

"Susan is a woman you can sit down with and have a very intelligent conversation. She is one person with whom I can say about my own act 'do you think that song should be dropped?' or 'is that working?' She is one person whose judgement you can really trust."

He said the much-reported mild brain damage she sustained during birth barely affected her daily life.

"She is being portrayed as being lucky but she is someone who is not just a talented woman but she has a real intelligence. She may have had the problem when she was born but it does not affect her 99 per cent of the time.

--snip

Subject: RE: What should Susan Boyle sing next?
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 23 Apr 09 - 12:28 PM

New York Times article is interesting.

http://tinyurl.com/d2js7o That Independent link seems okay. I stuck it in Tinyurl, though, because it is kind of long.

I hope her friends and family are able to provide support and buffer her from the insanity out there. She sounds like a lovely woman.

SRS

Subject: RE: What should Susan Boyle sing next?
From: katlaughing
Date: 23 Apr 09 - 01:26 PM

Just by chance there is an interesting interview of comedian Carol Leifer whom I knew nothing about before this interview. She has just written a book called If you lie about your age, the terrorists win. May or may not have some relevance in this instance.

Subject: RE: What should Susan Boyle sing next?
From: katlaughing
Date: 23 Apr 09 - 01:33 PM

One that keeps coming to mind is I Don't Know How To Love Him from JC-Superstar

Subject: RE: What should Susan Boyle sing next?
From: Don Firth
Date: 23 Apr 09 - 01:43 PM

Very good article in the New York Times, Maggie. That about says it, I think. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to get the other URL to work.

As to the nay-sayers and the cynics, I feel as Virgil did when speaking to Dante about the inhabitants of the lowest level of Hell who, because of their aloofness and lack of humanity, had more than earned their dismal fate:   "Let us think no more about them, but look once and pass on."

Don Firth

Subject: RE: What should Susan Boyle sing next?
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 23 Apr 09 - 07:06 PM

Don--here's the entire thing.

http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/dont-lose-the-tune-warns-man-who-taught-susan-boyle-to-sing-1671687.html

Good quote.

Subject: RE: What should Susan Boyle sing next?
From: Little Hawk
Date: 23 Apr 09 - 07:21 PM

How about if she did some of those killer Helen Reddy songs like:

"You and Me Against the World"

or

"I Am Woman"

I have not had the (Cough) joy of hearing a spirited rendition of either one of those gems in, well, some time now, and I can't help but wonder why? I mean, who would not want to subject themselves to such stirring stuff? Who, I ask you?

Subject: RE: What should Susan Boyle sing next?
From: GUEST,Bob Ryszkiewicz
Date: 23 Apr 09 - 08:16 PM

DUETS! She could do one with Mick Jagger. "I Can't Get No(SATISFACTION)..."

But seriously Amigos, there's little point in regurgitating what's been done before...Unless you want to appeal to a small market segment...

If she really wants to be a singer, get an agent and start searching for great NEW songs from
the world's best writers...I'm sure that with the right team she could put together a killer album...poetic, charming and memorable.

Granted she would pretty much HAVE to do the song from Les Miserables & Cry Me A River, and a "tip of the hat" to the folks back home with a Classic Scottish/Irish/U.K piece, eg. "Wild Mountain Thyme"(hope I spelled it right),
but it would be cool to have a few surprises on there too.

Be a crying shame to kill the momentum she has going for here now. But Simon Cowell isn't an idiot, I'm sure they are working on something as we speak.

Hang in there Susan, they don't call it show BUSINESS for nothing...

bob

Subject: RE: What should Susan Boyle sing next?
From: GUEST,Bob Ryszkiewicz
Date: 23 Apr 09 - 08:19 PM

Make that, for HER now.....TYPO, yeesh...BR

Subject: RE: What should Susan Boyle sing next?
From: Don Firth
Date: 23 Apr 09 - 08:32 PM

Thanks, Maggie! Good article. And her teacher sounds like a good man. I hope he's able to protect her from the more predatory types. But from what he says, and from what she said about taking it all "in baby steps," I get the impression that she has a pretty good grasp of the nature of things. Let's hope. . . .

####

Actually, considering all of the many good possibilities, and also considering the fact that she has probably already decided on what she wants to sing, I wouldn't presume to try to tell her what she should sing. But a few months back, on the Classic Arts Showcase channel, I heard tenor Finbar Wright (who appeared on the "Three Irish Tenors" telecast on PBS) sing THIS.

But probably not before a screaming audience. It starts out gently, it's very lyrical, and it has a good dynamic range that would let Susan's voice really soar. I think that she could do a fine job of this, and I would love to hear her sing it sometime. Words by ??, music by Fredrick Chopin (Etude, Opus 10, No. 3, "Tristesse").

Don Firth

Subject: RE: What should Susan Boyle sing next?
From: Alice
Date: 23 Apr 09 - 08:46 PM

When I watched her singing Whistle Down The Wind, I kept thinking of ...

For she's a fine, big, strong, lump of an agricultural Irish girl, She wears no paint nor powder, and her figure is all her own

Subject: RE: What should Susan Boyle sing next?
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 23 Apr 09 - 10:40 PM

This thread was started as a speculation, but I think it is equally a wish list--songs we'd like to hear how she handles them. Heck, she's only 48, she has time.

Don, this isn't the first Chopin to make it to song form. Prelude #20 in C minor became "Could it be Magic?" in Barry Manilow's hands.

SRS (who as she types hears strains of Villa Lobos etude #11 coming from the next room)

Subject: RE: What should Susan Boyle sing next?
From: Joe Offer
Date: 23 Apr 09 - 10:46 PM

So, I was wondering....WHEN will Susan Boyle sing next? Is there some kind of competition in this "Britain's Got Talent" think, or is it a one-shot, sink-or-swim proposition? We see the "Dancing With the Stars" dancers every week. When are we going to see Susan performa another song, perhaps without the interruptions of the first performance?

-Joe, still not convinced she's more than a really good karaoke singer-

Subject: RE: What should Susan Boyle sing next?
From: GUEST,Bob Ryszkiewicz
Date: 23 Apr 09 - 11:24 PM

Hi Kids: Got to thinking what Joe was saying in the previous post. I think Susan Boyle is a good singer. But what made that performance was the CONTRAST, sadly, between her looks and the voice that went along with it.

The point I was trying to make before was that she needs to be nurtured. If whoever guides her career from now on can meld the look, personality, and singing ability into a complete package, she will be around for a long time. If not, I think she will return to obscurity in 2 years.

She is NOT Celine Dion. And with all due respect, Celine is a great singer with a voice that can cover a variety of songs. And she can do the Vegas thing. But there were times when even SHE did a bit of overkill...Listen to Jennifer Rush doing "The Power of Love"....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lr0xJBsVbZY
Now when you hear Celine's version, you could say "great job", but Jennifer CAPTURED "something" in that song that Celine missed. And to these ears, Jennifer has the edge on that song...And where is she now? (And sure, 25 years is a long time)...

Wishing Susan much success...
bob

Subject: RE: What should Susan Boyle sing next?
From: GUEST,Bob Ryszkiewicz
Date: 23 Apr 09 - 11:43 PM

Jennifer Rush & Celine Dion...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jXChmr_Y1d8
BR

Subject: RE: What should Susan Boyle sing next?
From: Little Hawk
Date: 24 Apr 09 - 12:00 AM

Yeah, that Jennifer Rush vocal is really something, all right.

Subject: RE: What should Susan Boyle sing next?
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 24 Apr 09 - 12:22 AM

Joe,

I heard the date, but I don't remember. Early May, and it looks like it is on Saturday, so I'm guessing May 2 or 9.

Here are some links with various bits of information, and the first video, for reference.

Original YouTube video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lp0IWv8QZY
(as of late April 23, 2009, 41,895,287 views)
Don't you love it how the jaws drop?

For comparison, here is Ruthie Henshall singing, with words.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SHBkhw9DRqc Another story.

Amanda Holden on CBS (she hears "Cry Me a River"), plus info about the 12-year-old from last week. If you look back at the original video, the exchange, when Susan realizes Amanda's second vote gets her to the next round, there is a lovely nod of affirmation that goes a long way to making the judge panel look humane.

In early May is Susan's next performance on the program Britain's Got Talent.

Neighbor interviewed
Neighbor has given Susan friendly kiss story.

Missed revenue stream on YouTube (spat between YouTube folks and ITV)

SRS

Subject: RE: What should Susan Boyle sing next?
From: Murray MacLeod
Date: 24 Apr 09 - 02:38 AM

Bob Ryskiewicz, I take exception to your remark about Jennifer Rush, "where is she now ?".

Jennifer Rush is one of the biggest draws on the European concert scene, she has a new album coming out this year, she is singing as well as ever, and she is still as drop-dead gorgeous as she was 25 years ago.

Subject: RE: What should Susan Boyle sing next?
From: Alice
Date: 24 Apr 09 - 09:46 AM

Elaine Paige talks to Larry King about Susan Boyle

(there is a very short ad that plays first, then it goes to the Paige video)

Subject: RE: What should Susan Boyle sing next?
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 24 Apr 09 - 10:19 AM

Interesting to finally hear from Elaine Paige. It must be difficult to have lots of interviewers asking speculative questions--hoping for an answer that will end up locking them into a commitment (a concert, a tour, whatever). It is such early days yet. And I wonder--because she idolizes Paige, even if they sounded a bit alike, wouldn't more contrast in voices go further for a good concert? Otherwise it will simply be for comparison. I would think a pairing along the lines of Carol Burnett and Beverly Sills or Burnett and Julie Andrews--where they were different enough that they weren't being compared.

SRS

Subject: RE: What should Susan Boyle sing next?
From: GUEST,Bob Ryszkiewicz
Date: 24 Apr 09 - 10:57 AM

Murray: World view, World view. She's near invisible in North America...Airplay? T.V.? Commercials? DA BIG TIME!? Great to hear that she's still going strong in Europe. She's a great talent...Love her...bob

Subject: RE: What should Susan Boyle sing next?
From: Alice
Date: 24 Apr 09 - 07:09 PM

Interview with the man who put Cry Me A River on the charity CD.

He says he unfortunately threw away her original audition tape long ago.

Subject: RE: What should Susan Boyle sing next?
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 24 Apr 09 - 11:40 PM

I talked with Betty Buckley's mother this evening. She and a friend (a retired broadcast journalist in this market) had both seen Susan on YouTube and loved her performance. I pointed out to Betty, Sr., that many of her daughter's recordings were probably getting a lot more airtime this last couple of weeks because so many people were looking for other recordings of songs, and enjoying the comparisons. It will be interesting to see if anyone reports a blip upward in sales in this category of women vocalists/show tunes.

SRS

Subject: RE: What should Susan Boyle sing next?
From: Alice
Date: 24 Apr 09 - 11:43 PM

Video from when Susan was 25 singing in the pub, I Don't Know How To Love Him.
http://www.casttv.com/susan-boyle/susan-boyle-jesus-christ-superstar/3y85vc

Subject: RE: What should Susan Boyle sing next?
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 25 Apr 09 - 12:38 AM

Someone had to do some digging to find that--and from the days of huge clunky recorders and no extra lights.

Subject: RE: What should Susan Boyle sing next?
From: Alice
Date: 25 Apr 09 - 09:14 AM

It says it was a family gathering, so probably a relative had a video camera for the occasion.

Subject: RE: What should Susan Boyle sing next?
From: frogprince
Date: 25 Apr 09 - 09:49 AM

The "Don't Know How To" video is interesting. She already sang far, far, better than I ever have or ever will. But I wonder if this represents anything like her best at that age; I've known "unknown" 15 year old girls who were more impressive than that. My tentative take would be that she didn't happen to be anything like an exceptional child prodigy, but between training and experience she has really developed well. All of which is probably just irrelevant blather; I'm with those who consider her to be a joy and a wonder.

Subject: RE: What should Susan Boyle sing next?
From: GUEST,Bob Ryszkiewicz
Date: 25 Apr 09 - 10:49 AM

Alice: Interesting to have had the opportunity to see that video...Thanks...bob

Subject: RE: What should Susan Boyle sing next?
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 28 Apr 09 - 03:45 PM

It's no surprise that some kind of "make-over" was going to happen to Susan. Though apparently Cowell isn't happy (I don't know why--I think she looks good), Susan has darkened and styled her hair, and it looks like she may have new glasses. Or the eyebrows were also brought into line and the glasses look better. Modest changes, all.

Here is a link to the CBS Early Show article and photo. This is the kind of change one would expect--not to go out on a limb with color or style, but to simply stay in line with what her color was before she started to turn gray, and to give her an up-to-date cut. It's the least she, and we, can expect! (If I were she I wouldn't wear those big fat beads any more, either.)

SRS

Subject: RE: What should Susan Boyle sing next?
From: maple_leaf_boy
Date: 28 Apr 09 - 09:03 PM

She's an amazing singer.
I think a good song would be "A Case Of You" by Joni Mitchell.
Best of luck to her in the next round of the show. If I had the money
right now, I'd bet a lot of it for her to win the contest.