April 17, 2009
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"You've Got Pluck, Girl"
I've used this space to write about schadenfreude in the past. Usually, it's been in relation to American Idol, and the cruelty of the auditions. When Paula Goodspeed killed herself outside of Paula Abdul's house last fall, I wondered if the tide had shifted and if people would finally tire of laughing at the misery of others. Of course, reality TV is rooted in such schadenfreude and it will always be present. But the eventual success of people like William Hung (who's now a millionaire) and Paul Potts have given these underdogs the last laugh. When Susan Boyle's video went viral, it marked a true tipping point in the medium. In his blog, Douglas McLennan writes about the "New Arts Gatekeepers", and Leonard Jacobs expands on this by stating:
With everyone from the lowliest poor person to the Pope, presumably, atwitter (literally and figuratively) over Susan Boyle — who I hereby predict will become the enduring symbol of this we-have-hope period — I have been reflecting on a blogpost by Doug McLennan on his Diacritical. McLennan writes:Power in the mass culture model is controlled by gatekeepers - the TV networks, radio stations, record producers, publishers. They had power because they could afford expensive cameras and studios and recording equipment essential to making things and getting them to an audience. Some of the “talent” - the musicians, actors, writers, journalists - did very well in this model if their work found a huge audience. The vast majority of musicians, actors, writers, and journalists did considerably less well.
The mass culture model only works when the means of creation and distribution are limited in some way - a small number of TV channels available, for example. One could think of the record companies or the TV networks as middlemen who were essential for an artist to connect with a large audience.
But the online world has largely been a revolution of plenty. Now anyone can make studio-quality recordings, professional-looking books or movies or radio shows. So goodbye to the middleman, right?
McLennan next quotes another writer who views the middleman mythos with a quick-and-dirty historical mega-analysis that returns him to his point:
Gone are the days when a Sol Hurok could make a star or a Tchaikovsky Piano Competition winner have an instant career.
…Now artists can produce their own work and often distribute and promote it better than the old channels could. But one can imagine so many voices braying for attention that just being able to make and get one’s art out to an audience doesn’t mean that there’s an audience interested in it.
And that brings us back to Susan Boyle. What is going on in terms of the media hoopla surrounding her proves that mass media is still the gatekeeper, yet it is necessarily a partnered gatekeeper; i.e., TV can launch but the Web must distribute. Just read the comments on this story alone. Indeed, Boyle will now have a career that is so indescribably instant that just three or four days after her appearance on Britain’s Got Talent, rumor is she’ll sign a contract with Simon Cowell’s label.
As Mark Blankenship points out on his blog, Susan Boyle means so much to us now because she "Rebukes the bitchy cynicism that often defines reality talent shows, and she isn't young."
"When we laugh at someone for being a freak, we’re laughing out of fear. We’re laughing because we want to prove that we are not like that loser over there. If we can shame the people who don’t belong, then we can prove that we do.
When we embrace an outsider, though, we’re paving the way for our own acceptance in the future. Eventually, we’ll all feel like outcasts, and none of us wants to be laughed at. The Susan Boyle Story suggests we won’t be. Instead of fearing for our own eventual shame, we can count on society to hear what’s beautiful in us. We can trust that if we just show our true selves, we will be embraced.
Whether or not that moral is true in the real world, it’s alluringly true in the Susan Boyle Story. By participating in the narrative that television has constructed for her, by cheering her on and watching her video over and over, we can not only feel good about graciously welcoming an outsider, but also feel relief for helping create a world that will someday welcome us.It's the same reason Slumdog Millionaire connected with so many people around the world. Most people alive today have never lived in tougher times. These stories connect us all. DListed reports that, "Even Patti LuPone, the original Fantine in Les Miz, called up Susan and said, "Susan, you've got pluck, girl." Way to slap a ho in the caterpillar-brows, Patti!" Of course, Susan's choice of song didn't hurt either. It's always been one of mine and Claudio's all time favorite songs! So now we know who's going to win "Britain's Got Talent". I guess now, only one question remains:
Update: Here are some photos I took of Adam and the others at the American Idol after party in 2009.
I personally, don't like Adam Lambert (sorry Jason). He just annoys me. It has nothing to do with his sexuality. But let's face it, Adam Lambert makes Clay Aiken look like Frank Sinatra. I'm personally rooting for Kris Allen, but if Adam can win American Idol, more power to him. David Hernandez couldn't do it. Danny Noriega couldn't do it. Sanjaya couldn't do it. Clay couldn't even do it. If family friendly Idol viewers can vote for Adam despite their "Prop. 8 voting and Milk watching preferences", then maybe there's hope?
There are still some reasons to enjoy schadenfreude!
Comments (28)
America ain't even worthy of an idle... yet
woah gay idol?! isn't that too extreme hahaha i saw that lady on TMZ and she needs to wear a bra >__<
yes gay idol. according to my friend Obama set a chain domino reaction and Adam would win cause of it. :SHRUGS:: i havnt really paying attention to Idol this year since i have other shows at the same time. from clips ive seen, he seems pretty good. is he trying to bring back glam rock look? Dad thinks i look like him if i put on weight. lol first danny now Adam. blah
ps im loving this whole xanga-facebook alerts. esp since i dont check xanga as much as i use too.
made me look for my music player and pick the puppets. saw susan boyle's video yesterday when my officemate told me all about it. what a voice! good thing for the program to show this kind of ability without actually being picky on looks.
i wonder if she'll do an elphaba song soon.
lambert's image may overflow with self-importance but he's the most talented artist there. he's my pick.
the first part of this post wasnt lost on me. yeah i think it's great this lady is becoming commercially successful in spite of some other factors in her life that in previous days would have prevented her talented from ever being heard, but i just havent kept up with that show or her so i dont want to comment without hearing her sing first.
WOW! I never thought she could sing this beautiful!
i've never watched idol once! - i'm so deprived - or is that depraved? peace, Al
@aliceandrandy - That's the question!
@Sc12EeN17aM3 - Your friend compares Obama to Adam Lambert? That's a new one!
@Renatojr3 - Good idea. I'd like to hear her sing from Wicked!
@curtainsopen - He is talented, but he still bugs me.
@Dezinerdreams - I don't think anyone did. Thus the viral nature of the video.
@pukemeister - No comment!
Yeah, whatever. I think this discussion is a little misguided.
It's like whatching Jerry Lewis receiving a standing ovation at the
Oscars and complain he's not as funny anymore... Overanalysing
a detail that leads you to miss (dismiss) something really big. Among all the stupid reality shows about "celebrities" that are
even more stupid, picking this instance to argue if the producers of
Britain's Got Talent knew, did not know, or altered camera angles for
effect seem to miss the main point by an Atlantic Ocean. She is a lot
more real than the Kardashians, Lohans, Dancing Stars, Bachelors,
Survivors, Big and small Brothers altogether. Unless they wanna say she
has faked her life for 47 years... And the song... oh the song... if it was by any chance picked by
the producers, all the power to them. Among all the possible choices,
it was a perfect match that ran the risk of going unoticed by 98% of
the population. I need my own blog. :))
I give Adam lots of credit. Not only IS HE TALENTED, but he does seem
down to earth. Comparing him to past "gay" contestants, he seems much
more mature than others... he just knows that when it comes time to
perform, he gives it his ALL. He's all about "showmanship" and brings
it.... but he doesn't have to be "on" all the time.
Saw an interview with him; seemed really down to earth and real. Of course America would be ready for that!
Clay "almost" won based on his talent, not due to him being gay... the
same goes for Adam. He's VERY talented. Some people are just born with
it, and he is. Whether you care for his style or not, he's got the
talent to win. I still hope he DOESN'T win just because I don't want
him to be stuck under the thumb of the AI producers afterwards.
adam lambert? omg yes...that guy can do anything...i want to see him on broadway big time...so he's a little different...who isn't?
If America wasn't ready...they would have voted him out after those pictures surfaced.
Whats sad is if he makes it to the finals and DOESN'T win, everyone is gonna bitch and say he lost cause hes gay.
if america isn't...it should be. sad that it's even a debate. GO ADAM!!!
I have a feeling that at least Adam wouldn't try (or couldn't try) to
hide the fact that he's gay... if anything I think he'd be more PROUD
of it than Clay was. Look at how long AFTER Idol it took Clay to accept
it and come out. Regardless, Adam has the talent to win. The next month or so will bring that answer.
Maybe most of America, but remember how those Claymates would act when the rumors about Clay first came out?
Why wouldn't we be ready? I mean come on, we already have RuPaul!
I'm actually hoping Adam DOESN'T win, for that VERY reason. I'd much
rather see him come in 2nd or 3rd place... in doing so, he'll have much
more control over his musical career, and won't be stuck in the grasp
of the IDOL machine when it comes to his career.
As I see it, Lil, Matt, Anoop, and Kris are all the next ones that should go based off of voice strength.
And by the way my 2 choices from the beginning were Lil and Anoop.. so
Im losing a bet if they do go lol.. and we couldnt pick danny or adam
because those are easy choices.
...as for Lil Rounds... she was my original first pick early on in the
game, but just as SIMON has said, somewhere along the way she's lost
herself and her confidence. She's got an amazing voice, but she's
lacking the confidence and the spark that could have easily put her in
the top. What part of her personality have we learned about her along
the way? NOTHING. This upcoming week (disco week) could possibly be her
saving grace... she needs to seriously pull out all the stops and do
some Gloria Gaynor, Donna Summer, LaBelle or soemthing where she can
truly shine. If not, I almost guarantee she'll be the next on the
chopping block to go.
I think there's already a gay idol--Ellen, and also Danny Roberts.
great...a gay ai winner!! he'll make some crappy...overproduced
cd...that will be marketed heavily...to the gays!! he'll start
marshalling pride parades!! he'll do a round of circuit party
appearances...and wind up falling in love with gay aiken!!
GGGAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!!
1. He over-dramatizes: I mean, come on! He turned Cher's "Believe" into
a freakin' power ballad! The things he does, in my opinion, are so over
the top and annoying. He should stick to musical theater and leave pop
to those who can actually sing it without sounding like they're trying
too hard."" The idea of A.I. is to not only show your talent that you can sing, but
to ALSO make these songs THEIR OWN. Adam so far has been the STRONGEST
contestant doing this. He's been able to take EVERY SONG that he's
done, and perform it flawlessly, AND has made them all HIS OWN. (ie:
the CHER, Johnny Cash, Tears for Fears, etc.) He has KNOWLEDGE of
music, and KNOWS how to make it HIS OWN, which has been his biggest
attracting factor. 2. It's just an opinion of mine, but he acts like he KNOWS
he's so good. The Idol title should go to Lil Rounds, in my opinion."" You're certainly welcome to your opinion, and I respect that... with
that being said, I think there's a BIG difference between him KNOWING
he's good, and being obnoxious and conceited and disrepsectful about
it. At no point in this competition has he been egotistical about it.
He's not flaunted his talent in front of others. He's simply stepped
up, and done what he does best... PERFORMED. You can't deny that. Whether you love him or not, he's GOT the talent and stands a VERY GOOD chance of taking this to the finals.
My parents whom are so Republican, conservative, prejudiced,and
homophobic (dad more) actually love/like Adam Lambert and want him to
win, so yeah i think America is ready 4 a gay idol!
I'm more curious if the gay idol is ready for America....
Of course America is ready for a Gay Idol. When your the best, then
your the best regardless of orientation. I don't think anyone had
dwelled on him being gay and the "straight America" just likes to be
entertained. I have always liked Idol, but this year I LOVE Idol. Adam
is the best ever...
Haha, Susan Boyle definitely = Idol!! I love her. Adam, eh, he's a great performer but he's not my cup of tea. I don't
like his voice. I think now is as good a time as any for a gay idol
though!
susan boyle= IDOL!
i think he would have a better career as the main colorist at super cuts.
I don't think they care and its kinda obvious anyway. With clay he was
alright but not very interesting. Adam is easily the most talented
singer and the most entertaining. There are a few other talented ones.
Everytime I watch Kris sing it weirds me out because he looks very much
like my ex, he's good but that kinda ruins it for me
Adam Lambert bugs the everloving shit out of me for the following reasons. 1. He over-dramatizes: I mean, come on! He turned Cher's "Believe" into
a freakin' power ballad! The things he does, in my opinion, are so over
the top and annoying. He should stick to musical theater and leave pop
to those who can actually sing it without sounding like they're trying
too hard. 2. It's just an opinion of mine, but he acts like he KNOWS he's so good. The Idol title should go to Lil Rounds, in my opinion.
who cares....
I will never have an idol, especially since it consist of worshiping, which I will never apply to a normal human being'
Honestly, I think America is ready for whatever TV tells them is popular. If Gay Idol is on TV, people will embrace it for some reason. And you know the drama would be killer!
lol the last comment you got is pretty overwhelming.
And I think the article about Susan Boyle is spot on. Everyone loves a good underdog story. It's good seeing someone normal succeed against the typical industry standads =D
@Rm2046 - Thanks! That was actually a bunch of comments that people left on connexion.org about whether or not America was ready for a gay Idol.
Have a great weekend!
whew!! some comments you got there Carey! Any way Susan Boyle rocks.
I like Adam Lambert for his talents and his originality and I don't care for his sexuality. He's an attractive guy and his appeal should get him enough votes to continue to the finals.
schadenfreude!
I learned a new word, today. I don't get the hype about Susan Boyle; okay, she can sing. If we never judged her in the first place, it wouldn't be so remarkable. She does have a great voice, though.
Sanjaya's not gay is he?!
Oh dont get me started on danny noriega, he issss sooo funny! I love susan boyle, shes beautiful on the inside and out, honestly thats the best part :) I love her personality. Did you listen to her recording of cry me a river?
@ZSA_MD - Yep, apparently a lot of people have an opinion about Adam Lambert!
Thanks. 
@Cultur3sh0x - You don't care "for" his sexuality, or about his sexualitty??
@beatingdrums - I guess the world just loves an underdog story...especially now. Glad you learned something!
@Loltothepower - LOL...surely you're being facetious about Sanjaya Jin. Did you ever see the YouTube video of him at the drag show? It was excrutiating! And yes, I did hear Susan's "Cry Me a River". GLH!
Well, first have you heard this guy on Britain's Got Talent? LOVE HIM http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uLVtepgE5EY watch past the first minute at least....after Simon interrupts. Go Shaheen!
Second, I think there is a strong top 4 on Idol at the moment. and, You missed my very favorite Adam picture from Burning Man I hope it attaches in this comment :)
@pamfitz99 - I put the video of Shaheen on my Facebook last night
Didn't get the Burning Man pic though.
i'm so out of the loop with the whole american idol show thing, i didn't even know that they've had so many gay contestants.
@rudyhou - Stick with me kid!
ooh, a mention on your site...I'm so honored!! I don't hold not liking Adam against you, Carey. I would be perfectly happy with Kris or Adam winning. What I can't live with is Danny. No artistry there whatsoever, yet he's right up there in popularity with Kris & Adam.
@jasonbasin - That's because he played the dead wife card!
HAHAHAH!! I'm dying!!
@jasonbasin - http://www.nypost.com/seven/04282009/tv/idols_itunes_shocker_166567.htm
@CareyGLY - LOVE THAT!!! I personally downloaded Kris' "Falling Slowly" and "To Make You Feel My Love." I'd go all the way with Kris (to the finals). I want Kris on top (of me). I want Kris to win (my hand in marriage).
@jasonbasin - What makes you think Kris is a top? I was hoping he wasn't