The Ugly Duckling

Practically everyone has read or at least heard of the story of the ugly duckling. In some ways, many of us can even relate to it. How many people have felt and be made to feel that they do not fit in, they do not belong? We were always told when we were young that we were different, special. But it is against our very nature of being accepted, isn't it? I suppose deep down, every person would prefer to blend with the crowd, have a click rather than to stand out. As the very meaning of being outstanding means- you're always going to have to stand outside; alone.

And so this brings me to a new star. Miss Susan Boyle. She's 47, way uglier than any hobbit I pictured, but she really can sing. She sang Dreamed the Dream from Les Miserables (I never could pronounce that) at the auditions for Britain's Got Talent. You should have a look at the faces of the audience when she said that she wanted to be a famous singer- as famous as Elaine Paige. And it is an irony how that actually happened- overnight.

Her voice was great but what really made me jump in the bandwaggon along with legions of other supporters was how much the song came alive because it meant a lot to her. It's true I wasn't exactly misty eyed, but at the end when she sang 'Life has killed the dream I dreamed' I thought it was excellent.

But why is she so famous? Why was the audience on their feet by the time she finished? Maybe deep down inside we always wanted the ugly duckling to become a swan. Perhaps, she does not need Britain as much as they need her. She is afterall, an indomitable symbol of hope and all things possible. And at times like these, we need that more than ever.



Here's the link to a video of her performance on YouTube:
Susan Boyle 'I Dreamed a Dream'