Desperately Seeking Susan

Elizabeth Schriver
Op-Ed Response Two
June 15 2009


Ricky Jay, a slight of hand artist, actor, and author has recently contributed to the New York Times by composing an article that addresses the phenomena that is lovingly called “Susan Boyle”. The popular English television show, Britain’s Got Talent, has gone state- side this season with a rush of interest in one of its contestants, Ms. Boyle. The 47 year old Scottish woman who dreamt of being able to sing like Elaine Paige has rocketed to stardom within the past few months. During the shows auditions, Susan’s frumpy look led the judges of the show to doubt her ability and as soon as she set foot on the stage the audience was snickering. But as she gave the crew the thumbs up to start the music and opened her mouth to let forth her first note, the world was hooked. Susan Boyle’s stunning performances earned her a place in almost every tabloid, website, and newspaper in Great Britain and across the globe. Jay points out that in Susan’s case, her appearance worked to her advantage. When a frumpy old woman stepped onto the stage, the viewer’s expectations were lowered. The media favors performers that are both talented and attractive, so when an unattractive performer is exposed, less is expected from them. Boyle’s age and looks made her an underdog but combined with her exceptional talent her “flaws” made her an instant emotional favorite.


Jay interweaves other success stories with his rendition of the Boyle fairy tale. He seems to be desperate to prove that physical traits greatly affect the success of performers, and that select few “underdogs” are able to rise to the top because audiences are shocked that an unattractive person could have an extraordinary talent. Jay does not undermine Susan Boyle’s talent, but he does seem to question her success. He states that her success relied on her unlikely appearance as much as it did on her actual vocal talent. As soon as she was no longer a shock and a brilliant performance was counted as ordinary, she was no longer a favorite. Jay closes his argument by crying “She’s unknown, we’re surprised. She’s embraced, we’re disenchanted. Next?”