Occasionally we watch one of those shows that celebrates humiliation in the name of finding talent. The beginning tryouts of Generic National Song & Dance Show are famous for being awkward, uncomfortable, and thus, funny. Oh, and sometimes a performer impresses both us and the judges, but that's not the point, is it?

The truth is, I don't like watching those talent shows. I'm too self-conscious myself to really enjoy the socially-disabled. I'd rather read.

Until...someone apparently and painfully unpopular breaks through the low expectations and shines, truly astonishes the audience, including the judgmental judges. I'm unabashedly a sucker for those performances. Paul Potts still brings a smile to my face, and I positively had goosebumps when I heard Susan Boyle. Is it their lack of beauty and social graces that endears their stunning talents more profoundly to my heart? Perhaps. But I'm also inspired by the chance an unlikely someone gets at their unlikely dreams.

I hope these little snippets lighten your day, too. (I also recommend this excellent, thoughtful article, specifically about Susan Boyle, but also a commentary on our superficial society.)

Paul Potts

Susan Boyle