Michael Moran
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The UK’s bloggers were virtually unanimous this weekend in praise for a peculiarly British success story: Not, as one might imagine, motor racing wunderkind Lewis Hamilton but shy retiring opera-singing hopeful Paul Potts, who won the ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ final against a seemingly unassailable army of musical moppets and baton-twirlers.
Of course Mr Potts' talent has a more readily exploitable nature than many of his rivals, a fact which did not go unnoticed at Did You See That? :
"It was no suprise to hear Simon Cowell announce at the end that Paul would soon be in the recording studio recording his first album. Simon must be delighted because with this kind of act, you don’t need to find new material, you can unashamedly re-record the popular operatic classics."
You can say you’ve arrived when you’re on Wikipedia , so Paul has certainly arrived. The online encyclopedia notes that:
"During their programme there was some controversy as to the 'undiscovered' nature of Potts' talent, who was portrayed on the show as simply a mobile phone salesman, whereas he has in fact appeared in four amateur opera productions and in a concert for the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.Potts responded to his critics saying that he had not claimed to be completely untutored, but had never performed any concert for pay, and was therefore amateur, and that the lessons he had received in Italy he had paid for from his own savings."
The dispute over his amateur status hasn’t swayed the blogging public one whit, however: Dozens of blogs both in the UK and the US – where his performance has been watched by thousands on YouTube – have responded with almost unanimous fervour.
The Daily Reel is typical in its unstinting approbation:
"After Paul Potts reprised his stirring rendition of "Nessum Dorma" in Sunday night's final episode of Britain's Got Talent, host Ant (or Dec -- I get them confused) announced that all of Britian had gone "Paul Potts Potty." But you stand corrected, Mr. Dec (or Ant): it's the entire world that's watching. Congratulations, Signore Potts, on your victory, which includes a record contract and live performance before the Queen. Bravissimo!"
Blogging so you think you can dance was similarly impressed, favouring us with the unique insight:
"Federico Fellini only dreamed of being that Fellini-esque."
While Remote Control expressed a generous passion for the ‘extras’ show broadcast on ITV2:
"Presented by Stephen Mulhern, a former Royal Variety performer himself, the material put on the gogglebox has been worth watching. It hasn't just been extended interviews with the losers, or 'this is how we do this' type stuff. No, they had Piers doing beatbox. Say what you like about the man, but he's not afraid to have a go at what he's slating. Can't wait for next year!"
...but evinced a more tempered enthusiasm for the singing telephone salesman himself:
"There's no denying he has talent - but does the world really need another opera singer turning out albums in time for Mother's Day?"
Mad Musings of Me went further:
The video has been watched like 1.3 million times (more than one upload) and has attracted 5,000 comments, over 90% of them being hysterically over the top, saying he is the greatest singer ever. Well, I suppose if you have never heard anything but rap in your life, anyone who can more-or-less hold a tune is so out of your experience, that, without any valid comparators at all, you are likely to wet your pants. Good Luck to the guy. He's rubbish, but there you go.
Adventures of Cal spotted the same gag everyone else did, but was there more quickly, and more laconically, than the rest of us:
"Paul Potts has won Britain's Got Talent, which is wonderful. It's been a while since an ex-Cambodian Dictator has won a reality TV show. Except for when Hun Sen's ride got pimped... "
Ian Bone added the crucial point that Britain’s latest hero was having more luck with opera than he had with politics:
"POTTS GETS MORE VOTES THAN MONKEY TO BECOME MOST TALENTED MAN IN BRITAIN -FIRST TIME BRISTOL LIB DEMS HAVE HAD A MAJORITY! Yes - that poor bulllied unconfident opera singer you’ve voted for tonight was in an earlier life the so confident Councillor Paul Potts - Lib Dem councillor for Eastville in Bristol. Elected in May 1999 PAUL ROBERT POTTS had earlier contested the seat in 1995 with another POTTS - his brother. One of Paul’s fellow East Bristol Lib Dem councillors scarpered to Holland and had to be extradited on vote rigging charges. So remember tonight - vote early, vote often, vote LIB DEM. Straight up - well done POL POT - you’ve redeemed the good name of Bristol after that disgusting tory toff EMILY dragged our city into the mire after BIG BROTHER. It says a lot about Bristol that someone should leave it to find fame and fortune in Port Talbot! What next - Ex-Lib dem councillor JOHN ASTLEY on ‘EMBARASSING ILLNESSES’ or ‘HOW TO LOOK GOOD NAKED’. This one could run and run…….all the way to Amsterdam!"
The last word, though, has to go to our friends at No Rock & Roll Fun :
"As if the programme itself didn't disprove the title - why would a country that possessed talent gather round to watch Piers Morgan instead?"
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Paul potts may not have the best voice in the world he can certainly evoke feeling with it, which is surely what music is about. I am a 44 year old, world hardened man, and paul's preformance and story nearly made me cry. The best of luck to somebody we should look up to...noy shoot down
neil, cwmbran, Wales
I have never been a fan of Opera. I know very few names of Opera singers, Pavarotti stands out because it is mentioned so often.
Since seeing and hearing Paul Potts, I was so impressed, I find myself scouring the internet trying to learn more about Opera. It has opened my eyes thanks to Paul Potts.
James Rego, Hamilton, Bermuda
I would like to add a few words about Paul Potts
quality of voice, I can only say that having been coached by the great Pavarotti for a number of years , one would expect some passion and conviction in his singing, but this is definetely lacking ! though I do like the his vocal quality.
Olivia, Nottingham, England
Well, I bought his album & enjoy it more every time I listen to it. I also have music by Pavarotti & Bocelli, along with Sara Brightman. It's great to see the little guy gain success. Let's be kind and not so hard on him. He can sing.
Em, Cleveland, OHIO
I wish this man well! He seems nice enough, and has had the struggles of many average people in the world, however, not all average people can afford to foot the bill for singing lessons in Italy. I would adore being an opera singer, but have not the voice nor the money for singing lessons. Carerras, Domingo, Parvarotti, Bocelli and Lanza, are all opera singers who sing a wide range of musical notes with the greatest of ease, which makes me want to listen to them indefinitely. I find Paul Potts Opera voice very strained at times to reach high notes, so much so, that it becomes too painful for me to listen. I could tolerate him for only a short time. I do not know if singing lessons will correct this, or if this is where Paul's voice will stay. For now, Paul's voice would be good on a cruise ship, but not Carnegie Hall. I am glad at least he has won money to help him fix his teeth and improve his standard of living.
Lily Darcey, Anytown, USA
Paul Potts is a half decent amatuer....people praise him because they are pop fans and haven't heard any real opera before...its a shame that this is what opera will become famous on...a 36 year old man whose vocal quality is that of an amatuer in high school. I understand every ones obsession...but its due to the simple fact that they havent been exposed to true quality voice. I feel like i have the liberty to say this because i have been a student of classical vocal technique for some time now so this is not some ill planned statement. Paul Potts won the show based on surprise. People arent used to good voices (and still arent if they continue to listen to him.) Hopefully what will come of this is a greater interest in opera and a realization that Paul Potts isn't as great as they though and that the TRUE greats of the opera world such as the late Luciano (and i say that with the deepest of reverence), Caruso, Domingo, and Carreras are the true quality tenors in the opera world.
Dr. R. Merrile, Medona,
Paul deserves all the success he gains, he belonged to a little known Bath operatic society .(where I live) On one occasion he cycled from Bristol to Bath (11miles) after work to appear in an opera in Bath theatre , he sang wonderfully well,but the locAL rag music critic didn't mentioned his singing, he only mentioned the state of his shoes.
I am glad that Paul has been able to stuff the critics words up his aria and proved what a good singer he is
I for one wish him well
Andrew Chappell, Bath, England
I;m in New York. My son said have you heard about Paul Potts. I didn't know what he was talking about or anything about the show. He played Youtube for me of Paul and I started to cry. -at first I couldn't believe it. I thought it was a punked show. but then realized I was watching something really extraordinary- a rare moment of literally watching a star being born. very moving
thought
alice peterson, new york, usa
I watched Paul's first performance over and over, totally surprised and unable to hold back tears, only to discover that this was a worldwide reaction. I emailed the youtube links to my friends who were similarly stunned. I hope Paul is the catalyst for many who knew nothing about real singing and opera to learn about its beauty.
This is sort of a Rocky Balboa story, the triumph of the ordinary guy. Wonderful story, wonderful music and fabulous singing. Can't wait to buy Paul's first CD.
Bridget Hayes, Portland, OR, USA
The world needed a very heart warming story to awake to and you Paul Potts are it. We hope to hear alot more of you. Go forth and shine new star.
Carole Gralia, Port St. Lucie, Florida USA
"in four amateur opera productions"
Thats right, AMATEUR. IE UNPAID. Professional, does it for a living. An amateur does it CAUSE they LOVE IT.
Fortunately the Internet has given a voice to many who have intelligent reasoning in their blogs BUT Mad Musings of Me is an example of the SHALLOW end of the gene pool that should NOT have access to the net. "Good Luck to the guy. He's rubbish, but there you go." WTF?? And how does one from the shallow end justify that.
Good on ya Paul. Ill be buying your CD. I love what you have done for the bullied people of the world. Im a massive classical music fan and also a heavy metal guitarist and teacher of Amateur musicians and will be recommending opera to them.
BB, Brisbane, Australia
This is regarding Paul Potts from Britain's Got Talent.
He was wonderful. Everytime I seen him sing on TV he was so passionate he made me cry.
Beautiful voice.
Good Luck Paul,
Bravo!
Nancy , Stockholm, NJ / United States