All For The Ratings

Hat tip: my husband, who caught it while watching the news.

Yes, I guess the PR and recruitment people for Britain's TV talent show, Got Talent, are all getting bonuses for finding the perfect "surprise" talent, Susan Boyle. I agree with Tanya Gold that it shouldn't surprise anyone that a show-stopping voice can come out of a homely woman. To see and hear her click here.

I have no doubt that the judges' comments, grimaces and gestures were all scripted and rehearsed. And to keep the show from spilling out of its allotted time slot, Boyle and all other contestants were coached on what questions they'd be asked and how to answer. Yes, like in beauty pageants. Without rehearsals, everyone would just go on and on or freeze up. There are also a slew of try-outs and casting sessions until the actual program. That means that contrary to the "shocked faces" of the staff and judges, they were all well prepared.

It's so "Hollywood." They found an older and white Jennifer Hudson, the American Idol "surprise."

I just hope that Boyle's post "amateur night" doesn't hold the same sorts of tragedys as Hudson's.