NPR: A Pearl Among Swine

A Pearl Among Swine

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OK, maybe I've been away for too long, and ordinarily my cynicism is worn on my sleeve, but I find this absolutely amazing. On "Britain's Got Talent," a spinoff of "America's Got Talent," they have discovered something truly remarkable. Which is surprising in a show judged by Simon Cowell of "American Idol" and featuring, according to the the Scottish newspaper The Daily Record:

"A piano-playing pig, a monkey puppet miming to Michael Jackson and a flaming knife-wielding Scot dressed as a Native American..."

It's the kind of show that seems to be one more sure sign of the apocalypse. As Cowell himself says in the show, "It says a lot about the world today when I'm enjoying a monkey puppet more than Michael Jackson."

But it also says a lot about the world when you see a pudgy Welsh cell phone salesman with bad teeth open his mouth and out comes something magical and moving. Leave all prejudgment at the door.

- JJ Sutherland

5:02 PM ET | 06-13-2007 | permalink

Comments (Send a comment)

Incredible! "Magical and moving" in truth! And it was obvious that he loved music and found true joy in the singing. I hope that media and celebrityhood don't suck up the beauty he has to offer, chew him up, spit him out, and then abandon him as "yesterday's news". His gift needs to be appreciated, enjoyed, and shared.

Sent by Suki | 11:15 AM ET | 06-15-2007

Suki - exactly my thoughts.

Sent by Irene | 12:07 AM ET | 06-16-2007

As a music teacher, I have just given up on American Idol...But then this and Siumon being wowed and the pure joy and tears and wonder of this man. I wonder if there is any hope for an American to WOW us sooo...or to even try!!!

Sent by o shelton | 1:21 PM ET | 06-16-2007

NPR thank you for finding the story of Paul Potts, interviewing and telling his story. From the moment I heard him sing I was intrigued. I followed the story all weekend. He did win. He became more and more wonderful as he went on. Thank you for sharing something so wonderful with the NPR listening world.

Sent by kate | 1:45 AM ET | 06-18-2007

I am a musician and have never been very impressed by anyone on Americna Idol. I saw Paul Potts perform, and it's like my heart jumped across the sea and landed in Britain in that audience! His voice is incredible, and he is a sweetheart too. He seems determined to remain true to himself, which is important with all the attention he is sure to receive. I am so glad he won the contest, and when his album is released I'm snatching it up!

Sent by Amy | 9:18 PM ET | 06-21-2007

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