Susan Boyle's got talent

Apr 24 2009 by Alan Shaw

THERE’S still another six months to go until The X-Factor returns to our TV screens. American Idol has finished now, which means that to keep Simon Cowell’s money rolling in, Britain’s Got Talent is back.

I hadn’t intended to watch this series until I stumbled across the first episode, showing the Scottish auditions. Ever since Cowell criticised the lack of talent this side of the border – to be fair I think he only did it once, but we never forget these things – I like to watch in the hope that someone will make him eat his words.

When 47-year-old church volunteer Susan Boyle took to the stage, I hate to admit I thought he was going to be proved right. And I wasn’t the only one – everyone in the Clyde Auditorium looked set to dish out their biggest mocking of the day. Until she started singing.

It shows how embarrassingly superficial we are – the judges, the audience, even me watching at home, never imagined she could have been responsible for such a superb rendition of I Dreamed a Dream. She was rewarded with unanimous approval and is already being tipped by bookies to win the show.

And if that wasn’t enough, the clip from the programme has been seen millions of times on the internet and even Hollywood star Demi Moore wrote on her Twitter page that watching it brought a tear to her eye.

The fact that Susan walked on stage without the glitz or glamour that we’ve come to expect from these programmes was, I think, her biggest charm. It let her talent shine through even more. And I hope that never changes. Susan, keep being yourself – if Simon offers you the full showbiz makeover, tell him where to go.

Just a word of warning for her though, former X-Factor winner Steve Brookstein is in the middle of writing a book called “X-Factor Nightmares: The Manipulations, The Greed, The Deceptions.” He’s calling it the book that “Simon Cowell didn’t want written,” as it lifts the lid on exactly what goes on behind the scenes. It may be worth picking up a copy and looking out for the warning signs.

I’ll talk to you on the Breakfast Show on 96.7 West FM, Monday to Friday from 6am. Remember we’re online too at www.westfm.co.uk, with all the news, entertainment and some great competitions!