Susan Boyle sings! What's the science?

April 16, 2009

The internet is abuzz with Susan Boyle's singing talents. The unemployed 47-year-old wowed audiences and judges recently on Britain's Got Talent. Even notorious curmudgeon and judge Simon Cowell (who also portrays notorious curmudgeon and judge Simon Cowell on American Idol), was left nearly speechless by her beautiful singing.

But her talent notwithstanding, what's flooring people most about Susan's story is that she's not - and how do I put this nicely - "attractive" in the classical sense of the word. Her appearance definitely had everyone in the crowd prejudging her abilities, even mocking and snickering at her when she first got on stage. But then she opened her mouth, belted out "I dreamed a dream" from Les Miz like a pro, and SNAP! She shut the world up.

So, amazing as this all is, what's the real science behind singing? Why can some people sing like angels, while others (including me), sound like a bunch of angry cats fighting? Researchers are looking at speech pathology to find out why.

Discovery News' Kasey-Dee Gardner looks into the science of singing in this video:

WATCH VIDEO: Have you ever wondered why some people can sing and others can't? Discovery News' Kasey-Dee Gardner speaks with a researcher who is studying just that.

Watch Susan sing here:

Comments

[Mizzou12]

I go to the University of Missouri-Columbia, and I'm highly involved in the music school (choral ensembles specifically). And I've never seen any of these people before.

[TJ]

This is a story of how first impression can be immediately WRONG!

Susan Boyle has stunned the world and at the same time been welcomed by many into their homes and their hearts.

The world is a better place with her in it. And, it is a sad case if this woman is not hired to travel the world to bring joy to those who are lucky enough to hear and "feel" her joy.

Susan Boyle you are KISSED by many.

Good Luck to you dear lady. Good Luck

[Jim Lyman]

Once in a while the human spirit soars to a place where we all are thrilled, stunned, and thirst for more of this rare human talant. That a sound, a moment, a song. a person a setting can all come together and be shown to millions of people all over the world is better than any miricle Ive ever seen.....this is really extaordinary.....a message! The power that exists in todays communication for the positive capabilities of the human kind is just beginning! Bless you Susan Boyle....what a breathe of fresh air!

[tim]

What do looks have to do with talent. Is it something we expect as a combination?

[Carol]

All the nips and tucks and makeup and body image cannot compare to raw God given talent. Hollywood, take notice. Beauty is what is heard and not seen!! Good luck to this talented woman with the beautiful heart and soul.

[sue avery]

every singer today tries to see how many times they can slur a note.she did not have to slur or roll her notes not one time.i am honored to hear her sing.honored..sue avery

[Phyllis Trombley]

I saw this on a news program and I was in awe of her performance. I admit that it seems only beautiful people seem to get anywhere but her singing was amazingly beautiful. I hope she gets the opportunity to continue. A new hair cut and a prettier outfit is all she needs. Talent like hers should not go to waste.

[CAPSTONE]

definitly the lord's BLESSINGS IS UPON SUSAN, AS YEARS WENT BY SHE WAS RIDICULED, MOCKED, SEE WHAT OUR MIGHTY LORD WILL DO TO HER LIFE, SHE WILL BE CHHOSEN AND SHE WILL SHINE FOR HIS GLORY FOR HER GREAT HUMBLENESS, SE THE WORLD HOW THEY JUDGE HER LOOKS, IN GOD'S SIGHT EVERYCREATION IS BEAUTIFULL YOU PEOPLE COME TO THE REALITY WORLD.

[Boudicca]

What is wrong with all these people who are SURPRISED when a person who, to quote "these people", is not classically attractive has a talent? How many attractive people are there who can't sing? Should their existence make us think that only [pick your adjective] people can sing? What surprises me is that the internet community has apparently learned nothing from Paul Potts. Tell us, James, exactly why does it amaze you that she can sing? If you've never heard her sing before, why the glued-shut mind until forced open by reality?????

[Boudicca]

And I guess I'm STILL not through raving ..... how insulting and cruel for people to keep commenting rudely on her appearance with every "compliment" they think they're bestowing!!!! How stupid does this sound --
"Gee, I can't believe you graduated, you're so ugly!"
"Gee, I can't believe you did something right, you're so ugly!"
"Gee, I can't believe you won that award, you're so ugly!"
The one person who handled her with class at her audition was Simon. As awful as he can be, he had the decency to treat her like a lady and was extremely kind.

[Hammad]

inspirational and proving the famous adage 'don't judge the book by its cover' right.

[John Davis]

Wow, she is certainly not much to look at but boy can she sing!

RT
www.privacy.pro.tc

[Rob]

Fantastic voice and a fantastic talent. She just needs some confidence in herself and she will win this years competition. Just outstanding!

[Heather]

I have to say that every time I listen to her I get chill bumps! Her voice is absolutely beautiful! I want her to get a CD out quick because I can't wait to buy it. I read somewhere that Simon is already working on signing her to his label. I hope she inspires many to appreciate great music like "I dreamed a dream". I bet she could sing "kyles mom is a b****" from south park and make it sound beautiful. lol! We love you Susan Boyle!!!!!

[Abel]

Dear John Davis,

Susan Boyle needs confidence? Are you mad? She said beforehand that she was going to "rock this house." Ms. Boyle walked on stage, took Simon's best shot and then proceeded to stun him and everyone else.

I'd say the lady is loaded with confidence and now she's fired the vocal shot heard around the world: Judge her on her talent, not on her appearance.

Wow.

[nina l]

the only thing "attractive" singers have that ms. boyle doesn't (besides less talent) are personal trainers, stylists, personal cooks, and plastic surgery. hollywood: take note; the world can recognize real class and talent and we speak with our wallets. now please put on some underwear. susan rocks.

[Bill B]

As they say, "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder." I learned long ago that plucked eyebrows and finely coiffed hair don't mean anything when it comes to personality or talent. There are too many people, so concerned with their appearance, they are blind to the real world around them. I hope this is a wake-up call but I suppose most will just hit the snooze button and go on.

[Billie]

What Susan gives all of us "everyday" folk is "HOPE!" Not only is she inspiring us with her beautiful voice, she's inspiring us with her boldness to go, and do, and show that EACH one of us --- has a gift that we should cultivate and GIVE to the world ---- to make it a better place. I'm cheering for her and can't wait to buy her music.

[warren finseth]

just want to point out that 'angels do not sing' as your article intimated. this is a common misconception, even among the most faithful Bible believers.
i only point this out to challenge anyone to find me a verse from anywhere in the Bible that says that angels sing. in the process, i hope it will get some people to open their Bibles.
As far as Susan Boyle goes, she just about brought me to tears and that is unusual for me. the fact that she may be seen as physically 'unattractive' only adds to her persona and speaks volumes of her character.
Susan's voice is a gift from God and one that He chose to not even give to His angels, which only makes it more special.
just hope the greedy people (who are already smelling $$$) don't get to her and change her to the point she is unrecognizable. We already have a Britney Spears...who i happen to like for 'other' reasons!!!

[Simon]

Warren,

Try Luke 2:13. The Greek word for what the angels do (aineo) is to sing someone's praises.

[Meredith]

Anyone else having trouble accessing the video? I keep getting a page saying that it has expired. The article is somewhat empty without it. As a singer, I'd be very interested in it.

[Jorge]

Hey sorry folks, video was down for a bit. But now it's back!

[warren finseth]

Simon.

Thanks for the reference. Luke 2:13, in my KJV Bible says "...heavenly host, and praising God 'saying'...." And, I realize the Bible has been translated to death (so to speak).
Can you furnish me with more Biblical references and possibly, where I could look up the Greek word, 'aineo'? If I'm going to be telling people 'angels' don't sing', I want to be absolutely sure, or else make a complete retraction of what I wrote earlier.
As it stands, I'm not convinced by ONE verse from a source that is unknown to me.
Again, appreciate your feedback.
my direct e-mail is warrenf@prtel.com if you'd care to correspond that way.

Thanks again,
Warren

[James Gardner]

Down to earth with a voice from heaven.You are so elegant
Stay as you are and share your beautiful voice wit us

[kandid]

Susan, indeed a very beautiful voice