Conclusion

First, as an update to my BGT audition - I received an email (Eventually) in early march stating I had not made it past the pre-audition rounds to the judges stages.  I am not exactly surprised nor disappointed in this result for various reasons which I shall go into shortly.

As a result of my personal experience from my audition as well as the researching I have been finding over the course of this project on TV talent shows- my opinion of them in light of this research has changed perhaps a little bit and has shed some light on a particular genre of TV that intrigues me, as well as the millions of viewers it seems to attract. The fundamental opinion on what I perceive TV talent shows to be however, remains the same. Through research into the construction of this genre I have found particularly through Susan Boyle's story- that the narrative devices used and the way the shows are put-together in terms of editing, music and camera shots are actually incredibly simple and obvious- which I suppose is the appeal as it makes for easy watching. In the defence of the producers of the show they are trying to create drama, tension, personalities and conflict all from some very brief 5 minute (or sometimes shorter) auditions. It could be said that some of their portrayal of people because of this heavy-handed approach comes across from anywhere between over-dramatic and downright insulting. It is in my opinion however undeniably entertaining. I am sure there is another research project which wishes to delve into human nature  to work out why we, as an audience, love to watch people fail and be completely  humiliated on television. There is an almost gladiatorial aspect of people placed in front of a studio audience and judges and having to face the challenge and contend with the dreaded "buzzers" and audience reaction. It is somewhat akin to gladiators being thrown into a pit to fight the lions.

You could argue in some respects that the producers of the shows lacks morals to purposely go out of their way to place "weird" and frankly in some cases questionably borderline mentally-ill people in front of a big audience, because they expect them to be entertaining and be humiliated. The fact is as my own pre-audition experience has taught me- the producers don't ask any questions (in my case) they are wanting a very basic snippet of you in which to judge you. If this was truly a talent show in the traditional sense then there would be nothing but fantastic performers but this show's primary agenda is of course entertainment and that just happens to involve the questionable practice of letting go of many top singers and making way for the select awful people. In that sense the ultimate goal of entertainment and creating a story from contestants, and the "reality TV" aspect of it shines through more, undermining the talent show format it follows. In the truest sense I don't believe these are really talent shows for that reason. You don't go to your towns local talent show hoping "I REALLY hope there's rubbish people here so I can boo them!" in fact, talent shows are usually an inviting and friendly situation. The need for instant-fame and the prospect of appearing on TV makes the TV talent show a gateway for the overnight-celebrity and attracts people somewhat devoid of the talent part. I should say there are some occasions where there are exceptions and some worthy people finally get the recognition they deserve and couldn't achieve for years- this is a fantastic opportunity when presented to the right people.

Speaking of talent shows I wish to conclude this with an observation and opinion on a recent experience from my foray into "Callington's Got Talent" on Sat 17th March 2012. My home town. I had entered and sang Bruce Springsteen's "Born to Run" on guitar. There were sound issues with the balance that night because the tech guy wasn't quite on the ball, so my guitar was too loud. I had came second place to some 86-year old who sang a few johnny cash songs despite a sub-par voice to be frank, and even his performance suffered from a loose jack lead. We were not competing that night for a record contract nor incredible fame, but rather a "golden pasty" award. Our audience was not a packed out theatre with cameras whizzing over our heads, but rather a half-filled town hall with a sea of mildly-entertained pensioners and the odd annoying child. This experience however, was far more important than my audition in London. Where as in London I was competing for a spot on a reality TV show where fame and fortune was a possibility overnight, here I was doing what performers have been doing for decades -earning your spot in the spotlight. Playing music live to an audience, and craft and honing your skills as a musician and performer in small venues. I didn't get a spot on ITV during a prime Saturday night slot that night- but I did get experience. I got some small offers for local gigs, a couple of handshakes from people who enjoyed my performance, an invitation to an open mic night and an invitation to a choir. So there's a result. And with that I join the ranks of the millions of musicians around the world trying to make a name for themselves and enjoying what they do. We may not get overnight success or appear on television. We may never play to huge crowds of people or get the recognition we deserve or at least think we deserve.  We keep true to ourselves and our craft and work our way up the ladder, because that's how the music industry works.

That said, I will watch Britain's Got Talent when it comes back on our screens this year, and I'll be intrigued to see those plumbers and gardeners with tragic stories who can sing opera surprisingly well, or little Jessica who is 5 years old and can do some impressive acrobatics. Or the man who dresses like a giraffe and plays the trumpet rather poorly, because that's entertaining,  and  that's how television works.

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Susan Boyle case study - In-depth clip analysis

To truly pick-apart why the Susan Boyle story was so successful . I wish to look at the carefully constructed segment of the show that had her audition, and how the editing, use of music and camera shots is used to construct a narrative that will appeal to the audience and ultimately have the desired effect that the producers want. For the purposes of this analysis I will be using the following clip from YouTube, that has the entirety of the segment  that was broadcast on ITV in August of 2009.

"At the moment I live alone with my cat Pepples...never been married, never been kissed"

These are some of the opening lines that we hear from Susan Boyle during her pre-audition segment. The shows producers wishes to establish that she doesn't work, lives alone with her cat and has never kissed a man. This early segment is also accompanied by a music track that whilst hard to describe I can only summarise as "bumbling" - as if out of some slapstick comedy from the early 50's that sets the tone immediately (when coupled with her introduction) that she is a bit of a strange character. The oddball lady that lives at home with her cat is of course a classic stereotype that I think they are trying to lean into here. When she is introducing herself there is a shot that is used here-

She is seen to be standing awkwardly and smiling to herself in the backstage area. An important shot that is used I think to distance herself from anyone else. Nobody there is supporting her. And she is stood awkwardly seemingly smiling at nothing in the room, with nobody near her. The reality of course is that she may have been smiling to someone across the room, and most contestants look nervous/awkward before an audition as I learnt first-hand.

She then proceeds to walk on stage doing a somewhat quirky walk- the sound of audience members laughing and wolf-whistling (in a rude and sarcastic gesture) can be heard throughout the entire audition before she starts to sing. It's interesting to note that these sounds didn't have to be included to a point because the shows producers can decide the audio levels on certain things. It's inevitable in that live open space that sound is going to be picked up from the audience but there will be multiple audio recording devices in and around the environment. As the judges start to ask her questions she is asked where she comes from - to which she replies West Lothian. and seems to stumble upon finding the term to describe it.

"It's a collection of...it's a collection of...villages. Had to think there"

This was obviously selected and used because it fits perfectly in the producers motive to make her come across as odd, and in this case forgetful, and arguably stupid. Or at least they are trying to imply that. The reality of course is this doesn't reflect her intelligence at all. Many contestants will find themselves stumbling over basic questions and forgetting things because it is such a high-pressured environment. Stood up on a stage with TV judges , surrounded by cameras, and stood in front of an audience of a couple thousand and it's obvious that the situation can make anyone nervous. The editor could of and probably has cut out such stumbles from other contestant's audition footage but this was perfect for that they needed.

This segment features numerous judge-reaction shots.

When she is asked how old she is- she replies for 47. The crowd is heard reacting to it and the judges facial expressions are used throughout the following segment as a reaction to the answers she is giving. This is further reinforcing to the viewers of the show that by this point the TV judges and the studio audience is very much against her and has already judged her. By that sentiment- the producers of the show naturally want the viewer to either side against her and judge her based on what has been showed, or side with her in a way that the viewer will want her to succeed against them. The following shot is absolutely crucial and seems to have gained the most response from my research on observing YouTube comments on the clip. When Susan is asked what she wants to do she responds with "I am trying to be a professional singer" to which immediately after there is a very brief cut-away to a group of girls in the audience laughing- one of which makes a very obvious eye-roll to Susan's suggestion.

This was obviously selected to be used at that moment as an obvious indication that the audience is against her and her dreams of becoming a singer are somehow a very far-fetched notion and unattainable in the viewers eyes. I find it interesting that there was a camera pointing at these group of girls at that very time - when cameras are going to be limited in how they can capture the audience. I think there is arguably a reason behind why they are young teenage girls as well- The majority of the viewers at home will largely be young teenage girls- so therefore it is establishing a group of figures in the audience, that the viewers at home can relate to. It's also setting up perhaps the perfect contrast- young teenage girls are the ones likely to be more concerned with image and looks than anyone else, and it has to be said that these girls could be defined as the typical "pretty" young girls that are judging this 47-year old. The wider context could be read into of course- that it represents but a slice of that argument of "image vs personality" - because here we have the standard definition of young and attractive- who are seen pre-judging the "ugly" but themselves coming across as having a negative portrayal of their personalities. The YouTube comments would seem to reflect that upon viewing this very brief portion of clip - the girls become almost the villains and are rather ironically pre-judged by the internet and tv viewers alike for being horrible in their reaction.

"The girl that rolled her eyes at Susan when Susan said she wanted to be a professional singer. She should die -.-"

"I want to see that bitch's face that was shown at 0:43after this performance."

"The girl in 0:43is such a fucking prat. -____-"

[Youtube, 2012]

There are many many strong opinions through comments on any given Susan Boyle clip related to this moment. I honestly believe that part of it is almost out of guilt that we ourselves would not like to believe we are so pre-judgemental in society, when as it shows so far that the clip is constructed in a way that hopes we have that reaction. The reality is- it's a small clip of a girl rolling her eyes which judging by the audio from the crowd was by far not the worst reaction Susan got. It's important to note that editing can always make things seem a certain way when that clip may have in fact not been from that audition at all- but from another one. The girl's reaction may not have even been at that particular point in time, or even related to that situation. The reaction that the girl seems to be getting is absolutely on par with, and an absolutely brilliant companion piece to the pre-judging of Susan Boyle. The viewers now on Susan's side- deems and judges the girl who rolls her eyes as a villain-like figure whose actions are seen as a reflection of a judgemental society in itself.

Before Susan begins to sing and the backing track kicks in- we are shown a short and quick montage of the judges reactions and some of the audience as a way to raise the suspense even further that the room are expecting the singing to be dreadful and have already assumed it would be. The pay-off then occurs- She begins to sing and the room almost immediately begins to clap and cheer. Another quick montage is then seen in the exact same fashion yet this time revealing the excitement and utter surprise that Susan has come out with this singing voice.

Reaction shots- judge Amanda Holden is seen dropping her jaw in sudden surprise.

It's at this point that the shots used is clearly trying to convey the sudden shift in opinion. Whereas previously  members of the audience were seen to be against her- here they are cheering wildly, clapping and there is an atmosphere of the room changing from hostile to supportive. An important shot that is used here is a sweeping shot showing the audience members eventually all rising and clapping, the standing ovations is naturally a fairly powerful image in which to convey this audience support.

At one point during the performance it cuts to a low-angle shot that is positioned directly behind Susan as he is singing to the audience.

This is quite a powerful shot- the figure of Boyle, the now performer- against the backdrop of the studio audience who are now in standing ovation. The low-angle perspective and wide angle could symbolise the fact that Susan has now won over the audience and judges and is in a sense "owning" the theatre now with her performance and stage presence. This shot really sets her up as a "superstar" image with just seeing her figure and the way she is standing on the stage- This shot very much reminds me of the traditional shots that you would see of some (now) "old-fashioned" female singers of the past, like Vera Lynn.

Another very important show is seen towards the end of Susan's performance, where Simon Cowell is seen with a massive grin on his face. What this does is it establishes that Cowell- who is known for being the "nasty" judge with harsh opinions and a miserable outlook - is now completely surprised and clearly happy at Boyle's performance. This shows that Susan has overcome one of the greatest obstacles that she had to face in her challenge and dream to be successful at this stage. This could potentially have an impact on the viewing audience as well- knowing that she has achieved this and seeing Cowell smiling for what has to be one of the few rare occasions he is seen doing so.

Simon Cowell, the "nasty" judge raises a smile.

At the very end of the performance we see Susan getting the verdict from the judges and the reaction from the crowd cheering- and a shot of one woman visibly crying with joy. Throughout this segment a slow instrumental of "I dreamed a dream" plays, a contrast to the otherwise bumbling music that introduced Boyle. The music builds up and hits a crescendo when she receives the verdict and reacts with joy, an effect which is hard as a viewer not be prone to some emotional reaction knowing the reaction she previously got, and her now triumph over the challenges and hostile reactions.

The actual song she sang should be noted- "I Dreamed a Dream" which is not only a hard song to sing, naturally, but an absolutely perfect song choice that symbolises Susan's story and the story of anyone who wishes to dream and try and achieve something. Part of the emotional resonance and reaction from the audience is in large part due to the song and what it stands for in the wider context of anyone who wishes to overcome challenges and reach their goals, but also the immediate situation of Susan having to go against the judgement and hostile reactions from the studio audience and the judges. The song carries the emotional strings that tugs at the audience and makes an impact along with the previous setup and establishment of her having to overcome great odds. This clip in my opinion would not be anywhere near as successful if it were not for this song choice.

In conclusion what I think is that the editors and producers at BGT should have a pat on the back and a pay rise, because for me It's a case of it's not so much an incredible story as much as a finely edited piece of television, that with the aid of social networking and the internet in general- propelled it above average heights and become nearly a social revolution and movement in itself. If I were to be cynical, I would say that the actual devices used and the construction of it is actually painfully obvious to me , and it's not exactly subtle. As a piece of entertainment - I think it's brilliant and the potential for making such an emotional connection to a TV audience is really impressive. Brilliant singers that are undiscovered and in their late 40's who don't have model-like looks are to be found everywhere , but the message behind this one through the power of a short piece of video is astounding and powerful.

Susan Boyle case study - Popularity and Success

Susan Boyle case study - Popularity and Success

The Susan Boyle story

On April 11th 2009 an episode of BGT aired that had a contestant called Susan Boyle. The 47 year-old  looked a little strange and some might say had questionable fashion tastes and appeared to be in very basic language "a bit weird". Her behaviour was unusual and the audience wondered why this slightly overweight Scottish spinster was proclaiming she could sing and wanted to be famous. And then she sang- and has since gone on to become the very definition of an overnight superstar and attracted millions of fans worldwide. Her first album went straight to number 1 and she is now a global superstar and sensation. Not bad for a 3 minute audition on TV. There is something about this story that has obviously reached out and transcended beyond the talent show genre and catapulted this into one of the most impressive success stories in recent years and a champion of the "internet age". I think there are various factors to this that added to the rise and popularity of this story and most of it stems from the story arc that the producers of the show was obviously aware of and helped construct.

The internet age and social media

One of the defining factors of the actual staggering rise of popularity comes from the fact that we are currently living in a society and "internet age" where  a video of your mum singing badly to Cher can be posted on Facebook and go viral to millions of people. Had this Susan Boyle story 10 years ago it probably would have aired on TV and been fascinating viewing, but nowhere near reached the popularity it has now. Shortly after the episode aired on April 11th- a video (of which there are now loads) of the audition was posted on YouTube and quickly got over 2.3 million views within the first 72 hours. As of writing, the highest video count for Susan Boyle's audition has reached over 82 million. There is no doubt that YouTube was an integral part of the success of this story- but social media sites such as Twitter and Facebook were also key in people spreading and sharing the YouTube clip.

Diana.C.Mutz writes about this in her research journal titled "The Influence of Perceptions of Media Influence : Third Person Effects and the Public Expressions of Opinion" (1989)

Here she describes a "Third Person Effect"

"The third person effect hypothesis predicts that people exposed to a potentially persuasive communication will expect the message to have a greater effect

on others than on themselves"

 (Diana.C.Mutz, 1989)

In relation to social media and this story- I believe that the natural story arc to the Susan Boyle story was constructed on the basis of it being a "Feel-good" story that featured universal themes that would be perceived as something that would make others happy. This "feel good" factor to the story made it something that people upon viewing it would be interested in sharing to other people knowing it would have the same if not greater effect on them. It could also be argued that the sentimental message of "Don't judge a book by it;s cover" was a driving force and idea behind the success that also influenced many people to share the story and maybe vote in the show.

"The effect that the communication achieves is not due to any direct persuasive

influence of the message itself, but rather to the behaviour of those persons who

anticipate, or think they perceive, some reaction on the part of others, and

behave differently as a result"

(Diana.C.Mutz, 1989)

I think this relates because I think there is a certain "guilt factor" present in the audition clip and the way it was constructed for the audience to perceive it. It's constructed in a way that would almost assume that we as a TV audience have already judged Susan Boyle by her looks, and that her sudden success and talent was a surprise to us. As a result- we feel guilty for judging her and may feel the need to share and spread the story almost out of guilt. I distinctly remember at the time of the audition clips success that there were several "Susan Boyle reaction videos" on YouTube featuring people commenting and showing genuine surprise and reacting to the audition clip at their computers- some even ended up crying. This suggests that the message behind it was one that people felt the need to spread to others and even share their own (sometimes rude and arguably genuine) reactions to , as an expression of the human nature of judging people.

As judge Amanda Holden says in the clip regarding the studio audience and herself "I'm thrilled because I know that everybody was against you. I honestly believe that we were all being very cynical and I think that's the biggest wakeup call ever"

[Britains Got Talent 2009]

Image is everything, and the rise of the "everyday"

As I have discussed in a previous post- the music industry and television media in general has often worked on the notion that you have to look attractive to sell albums and be in Hollywood films. I think that part of the success of this story was the notion that this clip was very much an uplifting message that people could relate too and a message that people could get behind almost as a wider-movement. Much has been said of the appearance of Susan Boyle - with British tabloids latching on and calling her the "hairy angel" and nicknaming her "SuBo". Television chat-shows and stand-up comedians use her appearance as an almost textbook definition of "ugly" to seemingly ridicule her for the way she presented herself. In a lot of ways - that is a reflection of television and the perception of image in the media, and arguably a reflection of society. The fact is that producers at BGT were obviously aware that her appearance didn't match the usual criteria of near-anorexic young attractive teenage girls and were likewise surprised by her talent at singing that she held. It's a slightly odd notion to assume that you can pre-judge somebodies natural singing voice, tone, vocal range and techniques purely based on what kind of dress they are wearing and whether they brushed their hair that day. Perhaps it is a reflection of peoples expectations brought on by the heavy image-centric music industry and entertainment industry. The popularity of this story relies upon the fact that millions of people did not agree with this idea of image and that Susan Boyle comes across as very much the "everyday" and unassuming, something that the everyday person who feels they may have a talent in life and missed out -could relate to. Entertainment Weekly described the story as "a victory for talent and artistry in a culture obsessed with physical attractiveness and presentation." This message of being pre-judged and overcoming the expectations of the studio audience and judges, coupled with a moving performance of a relevant song "I dreamed a dream" - was I think the defining factor of the success. It's a message that can translate to any country and to any language which would explain the worldwide success it gained. It is a modern take on the ugly duckling story. In terms of narrative it fits very neatly into one described by Christopher Booker , author of "the 7 basic plots" as the "rags to riches" story. Susan Boyle was undiscovered in a tiny Scottish village and now he's a rich global superstar who overcame all the odds.

The one of being judged on image has been described as a possible feminist movement by some. Letti Cottin Pogrebin of the Huffington Post wrote " although people may "weep for the years of wasted talent", Boyle's performance was a triumph for "women of a certain age" over a youth culture that often dismisses middle-aged women" Tanya Gold also wrote in The Guardian saying "the difference between Boyle's hostile reception and the more neutral response to Paull Potts in his first audition reflected society's expectation that women be both good-looking and talented, with no such expectation existing for men." 

This is a very interesting point to raise and is referring to a previous year's winner - Paul Potts. Middle-aged, overweight, and with a poor set of teeth- He never received any hostile reactions from the audience or judges when he claimed he was going to sing opera. Why was there not a similar reaction? perhaps it is true that in today's medium and television there is much more emphasis on women looking like models then perhaps there is of men. It is also interesting to note that shortly after Susan Boyle became famous from her YouTube clip and got the worlds attention - she had a Hollywood makeover. Which some seemed to argue that she was fine the way she was and it was part of her "everyday" appeal to people.