About

Earl Aagaard’s opinions about everything that interests him. Og also enjoys gardening, travel, reading, woodbutchery, and lots of other stuff.

Monthly Archives

Join Og's Mailing List

OgBlog.net

COURAGE: PAUL POTTS SINGS NESSUN DORMA ON BRITAIN’S VERSION OF AMERICAN IDOL

Paul sells mobile phones in Cardiff, Wales….but he dreams of being an opera singer.

He doesn’t just dream - he’s working during his off-hours at making his dream a reality, and is reported to have a bio on the Bath Opera company’s website.

However, no one was quite prepared for what happened at his debut for “American Idol” in Britain. Watch closely - the expressions on the faces of the panel members are priceless…and a reminder to each of us that we oughtn’t to make snap judgments on insufficient data.

UPDATED BELOW

Imagine what it must have been like for this unassuming young man to stand up there and sing for Simon Cowell!! It takes a special brand of courage, friends….which makes the ending all the sweeter.

What do you think? I’ve listened four times now, and it still blows me away…..

Just to compare, here is Luciano Pavarotti:

Paul’s voice is plainly not as well-controlled, and not nearly so powerful, as the master’s…..but his delivery is more passionate, his voice is sweeter, and the quality of expression is surely better. At least, it seemed so to me—or maybe it’s just my love for this story. A young man who sells mobile phones but has always seen himself as an opera singer—they could make a movie of this!

Dream! And work to make it happen! An inspiration to all of us.

UPDATE: This clip gives a brief review of the qualification round seen above….and then the semi-finals, when Paul Potts came in a tuxedo and brought the judges (as well as the audience) to their feet!