Another underdog for us to chew on
The world likes to pretend that it loves the underdog. Susan Boyle of “Britain’s Got Talent” is a great example. When she appeared on the television program and sang “Climb Every Mountain” or whatever song it was that she sang (See? Memorable), the response was overwhelming. She was a great story: a housewife from a small town, with dreams of becoming somebody. People were swept up in the hysteria, claiming that her performance filled them with strong emotions. It was “the most amazing” thing they’d heard in some time. It made them weep and take out no fax payday loans and no fax cash advances for soft Kleenex. For what, I won’t say.
I didn’t buy it then, and I don’t buy it now. And mind you, I’m an idealist who likes to believe in happy endings. But I encourage fans of Susan Boyle to take a look at themselves in the mirror. Not long after Boyle was voted off the show, signs that she is a normal person began to emerge… she became belligerent and was hospitalized due to exhaustion. Where are her fans now? Most have disappeared, writing the woman off as another flash in the pan. It’s cynical and it proves that such fans are hypocrites hypnotized by the flashing of their own media screens. Be realistic, people. Susan Boyle was a regular person with some vocal talent. I wish her the best.
So who’s the next Susan Boyle?
(because you know you want one)
That would perhaps be Kevin Skinner, the “America’s Got Talent” chicken catcher. Isabelle Carreau blogs for TV Squad that America “definitely got some magic” during the recent “America’s Got Talent” audition show. Kevin Skinner had a lot to do with that, although Carreau claims that overall, the performances were good. Here are a few of the highlights (lowlights?), capped by the Kevin Skinner performance of Garth Brooks’ “If Tomorrow Never Comes.”
- Jeffrey Johns, the Singing Librarian – Here we have a tiny librarian (5-foot-3). The man had good stage presence and energy, but his voice didn’t quite captivate. Subscribing to my underdog theory (that people pretend to love them when they really don’t care), this guy would be kept around long past the time he should be
- Carol Lugo, the Dancing Sexagenarian – She’s 62 and loves to flit about with lots of oomph. Gotta have that oomph to draw in the audience, particularly when the rest of your show doesn’t follow any definite plan. I love how judge David Hasselhoff said she had “amazing” talent. Of course we all know the Hoff has “amazing” talent, otherwise he wouldn’t be one of the best-selling pop artists in Germany
- Joseph Harris, the Yo-Yo Yenta: Well, I don’t truly know whether he’s a gossip monger or not, but clearly he bounded all around the stage. Gotta do the old razzle-dazzle if you’re going to rise above Tom Smothers’ old “Yo-Yo Man” act. Next time, bring along Y0-Yo Ma to play Bach cello suite number one behind your act. It’s infinitely hopeful, and you need hope
- Thia Megia, the Singing Teen – She’s 19 and has that big voice that can knock you out of the box at first. Then you get up and realize you wouldn’t buy her albums. If she proves me wrong, great. Carreau thinks this girl is a front runner on the show
- Kevin Skinner, the Man of the Hour – Give him the Susan Boyle treatment immediately, so that people other than me have something to blog about. Oh, wait… I’m a hypocrite. That’s right.
"Go for it, chicken catcher!"
Kevin Skinner appears to be a simple unemployed chicken farmer who’s looking to make more of his life. I applaud the effort and must say that I didn’t find his Garth Brooks take to be unpleasant. Over length, the holes become apparent, but he certainly did a better job than I would have been able to do approximating Neko Case. Carreau thinks his looks and accent were “a barrier” to her appreciation of this man, but I say “Fah!” You probably loved Susan Boyle, and she had plenty of both of those.
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BTW, Kevin can opt for a payoff of the million-of course it’d mean a lot of taxes taken out all at once. Probably would wind up with about $250,000. Kevin has been doing a few benefits since his win–told producers to put all he earns from them into St. Judes. Kevin will make a lot of bucks no matter what his critics say-”Chicken Catcher” T-shirts, etc. He is a big supporter of St. Judes, has done charity work way before he became “known”-and I know he will be helping his family quite a bit and many others who are very needy in his home town. At this point, the only “thing” he has expressed so far that he might want for himself is a new-er truck, but he said the one he has is nice, so he’ll have to think about it. Kevin isn’t into this only for the bucks-he enjoys performing and helping those he can. Even if he went “broke” in a few years for whatever reason, I feel Kevin will feel a deep satisfaction within himself. Kevin won because of the totality of who he is-not his voice, but when he “croons” a song-people listen. I agree that Kevin does not have a great voice-needs extensive vocal training, also needs to be very aware of his song choices and singing abilities. . If he can touch people now, being so “raw”, just wait ’till he gets that training!! As far as Padilla-she will make it big-great talent-no worries about her! Wish I could have been at the big reception and “party” Mayfield had for him on the 26th! Named a street after him even, and the 26th of September is now “Kevin Skinner Day” in Mayfield. BTW-did you know Piers (sp?), on an interview, admitted on Kevins’ final AGT performance he had thoughts of “buzzing” Kevin due to some of the “flat notes” he was hitting-but chose not to -also because of who Kevin Skinner is, and that he, “Piers”, stated he also felt If Kevin won, would be a great morale boost of those of us who are struggling with today’s economy. I myself will most likely never “make it big” -be famous-but how nice it was to see Kevin win!. I am still in awe of his genuiness as a human being. I’ll say it again–”Ride on, Kevin!!”
Whoever wrote this article evidently
doesn’t pay attention to anything.
I totally disregard his view on Kevin
Skinner and Susan Boyle. These two have
more talent than a lot of well known
celebrities can ever dream of. It’s
amazing how jealous a lot of people
can be when they see others going for
their dream and being successful. Susan
is more popular than ever and her album
is #1, this is in presales only. Just
wait til it comes out in November!
Just wait till Kevin does his Vegas
show, and puts out his album! The
author of this article must live in a
cave to get all his info so wrong!
What do you know?? Get your facts straight! Susan Boyle is not a housewife. She never married.
As for Kevin, he is a good looking guy who can move a heart. What a smile he has!
Go kevin!
Your humble persona is just what this country really needs! Maybe the political big wigs forgot how to humble theirselves and filled their pockets out of greed. Well thanks for taking us back to the simple things in life!! Keep singing and God Bless!
karen
i knew right from the first song you sang that you’ll be the winner on americas got talent. My you go with GOD and be who HE brought you to be.
Many blessings KEVIN. REMEMBER WE FELL IN LOVE WITH YOU FOR WHAT WE SEE IN YOU FROM THE BEGINNING, SO DON’T ALLOW ANYONE OR ANYTHING CHANGE YOU.
You know what,who cares if he can sing or can’t. The rest of the top ten will go on and get big jobs. They did not need to win. Kevin is a true american and does have talent. I would like to see the kevin haters do a better job. YOU CAN’T. So shut up and and get on with your life! KEVIN YOU ARE #1
Leave it alone, for God’s sake. Kevin won fair and square. There are many great artists who don’t do the stupid vocal gymnastics you see on Idol. Kevin sings from the heart. He sings the song to his audience. You can understand the words. What a refreshing change from all the crap floating around out there. Deal with it. He won!
The Kevin Skinner critics could make the same complaints about Kris Kristofferson and Bob Dylan but I don’t think those guys are lacking a fan base.
I loved the audition – soulful with limited range.
After that, not so good.
He needs strict management and careful selection of songs if he is going to last.
His range is very very limited. I pray he doesn’t believe his own press.
Keep it simple, and soulful – with strict limits on song choice – and he may survive this.
According to Wikipedia, Kevin’s $1,000,000 prize will be given out at $25,000 a year over the next 40 years! How can that be? If true, it’s a ripoff.
Forty years? $25,000 a year? What if 75 year old Grandma Lee had won?
kevin may not have the “educated” voice, but he has the natural talent and he sings from his heart. Given the time, he will bring out the best in him and we will enjoy his songs even more.
Best of luck to you kevin!
rmd from Macedonia, OH
you people need hearing aides…..
this guy is so off key and out of tune it’s painful
THE WORST SINGER TO MAKE THE FINALS BY FAR…..
Same thing the first time I ever heard Randy Travis. His voice doesn’t appeal to me at all, but Kevin Skinner, having a not so good night, nailed all the rest of his songs on AHT. Don’t be so quick to write him off. He DOES have talent! And who are you to judge? Just another unimportant, no talent, uninformed critic……?
Melody you dont even know the guy….He could be a jerk….
Geez you people are weird
Delusional! Straight up: Kareoke. That rendition of “Don’t Want To Miss a Thing” had zero passion, zero expression, and zero notes sung on key. How can anyone regardless of faith, background, or musical history NOT hear that the guy can’t sing!?! Sorry to say fans, but this is one act that will NOT last in Vegas. If you want to listen to his off-key crooning, arrange a private concert, but please, don’t subject the rest of the world to that racket. Barbara was robbed- though not fully. She’ll have a singing career in 5 years. Kevin will be in his home town, sure thing, at open mic night. My blood boils that people would vote for that act over any of the competitors on that show. Sorry, AGT, you’ve lost a viewer.
America’s Got No Talent! Kevin Skinner is probably the most overrated person to win this competition. Granted, he has a good story, but the man simply cannot sing. He looks like an alcoholic!Someone mentioned that he sang his cover songs better than the original…what were you listening to? He is flat, off key and tone deaf! I give him a week with a Vegas show before he falls off the earth. The true talent was voted off…but I guess you never really hear from the winners of this program anyway. It is the second placers that go on to fame!
It has been reported that Susan’s CD is #1 in sales in all categories on Amazon.com and it’s still in pre-order status. I don’t think she’s lost any fans. Get real………
This WAS THE TIME FOR KEVIN. Kevin is SOULFUL. With some support and stage comfort he will come out of his shell and shine. He brings us all HOPE.
PS Steven Tarlow I cant believe you’re doing an article for Personal Money and have it so wrong. Susan Boyle’s debut album, I Dreamed A Dream, sensationally topped the online-retail charts, quite a feat considering her record is not even released until Nov. 24.
Thousands have pre-ordered the record on Amazon.com, just days after the release was announced. That’s resulted in Boyle’s climbing to the top of the charts, beating heavy hitters Whitney Houston and the Beatles to the top spot.
So how do you like them apples? Kevin will hold his own as well.
It’s his backstory that won you over…He only sang cover songs and badly at that, so talent? I don’t think so….
Now if he mauled originals I might give him more respect
Did any of you people actually hear this guy sing after the audtition?
He was terrible!!!!!
The guy can’t carry a tune and is horrible off key and quite frankly bad…
Sorry but the truth is the truth
Just Awful!!!!!
Susan Boyle has not been written off my her fans. Her first Debut Album has topped the Amazon best seller list as of Sept. 4th. She will be performing on America’s Got Talent on Sept. 16th when this years winner (Kevin Skinner IMO)will be announced. Her official website is: http://www.susanboylemusic.com/gb/home/
or did it??
well-suddenly my first previous post did show up-what happened????
I see u dont like my comments which I didnt think was anything out of line from above: ie:> A copy paste:)>”Where are her fans now? Most have disappeared, writing the woman off as another flash in the pan. It’s cynical and it proves that such fans are hypocrites hypnotized by the flashing of their own media screens”<”so that people other than me have something to blog about. Oh, wait… I’m a hypocrite. That’s right”.
<< sarcasm –and far more than my benign posts you wouldnt allow-or is it the one who posted that is the owner of this thing and cant allow others to put in their own honest opnions of it because might be against what you/they wrote? oh well. (I know THIS wont show up.) AND the one posted that was full of inaccuarcies- such as Kevin being a chicken farmer-he was a chicken CATCHER-and Thia is 14-not 19.
Just take it with a grain of salt when anyone says “bad stuff” about Kevin Skinner. My guess is they are probably jealous or just enjoy finding anything they can say for attention, even if it’s to downplay an artist like Kevin Skinner. Look in the mirror as one said- I did and what I see is someone who appreciates Kevin’s sweet mellow voice and his ability to make contact with us on an emotional/spritual level with his song. That’s all one needs. I also noted many say Kevin is/was a chicken farmer-he is not. He was a chicken CATCHER. Someone has to catch and load the millions of chickens we consume every year, and although its not the “nicest“ job in the world, it’s an honest job, and Kevin made no pretenses when he was asked what work he did. A real honest and genuine person, a great singer, a humble soul. Ride on, Kevin!
Steven Tarlow can’t even get his facts straight for sure. There’s always someone who, with seeing someone rising to fame, gets all unnerved and just has to find a way to put them down. He makes his comments with a 2 sided sword, praise on one and cutting remarks on the other. Kevin Skinner is who he is and if Steven doesn’t like that, too bad; Kevin might even shed a tear on the way to the bank. Might be a touch of jealousy even , of which I am sure he (Tarlow) would deny and even defend. Kevin Skinner , in his singing, doesn’t just belt out a tune, he does it with feeling, and that is what is so likeable about him. Raw emotion, along with the fact he has a nice sweet voice, put it together, and why wouldn’t he win? Well, we do have to get out there and VOTE. What Tarlow says on the downswing about Skinner, take with a grain of salt, and by the way, Kevin was a chicken CATCHER, not a farmer ( just another of his factual errors) and the fact that may be something many would not who want to make public if they had that sort of job, I admire Kevin for being so easily straight forward about his former occupation. Certainly opened him up to some teasing-but Kevin was just being real. Kudos. . Someone has got to catch and load up the chickens we devour by the millions every year; If Tarlow ever eats chicken, he can thank those who have caught them, and maybe he might even taste a bit of Kevin as he swallows it down? Look in the mirror? I see someone who likes Kevins’ singing and will vote for him, my motive is mine as is anyone’s. . Tarlow, look in the mirror and maybe you might see why you have such a need to belittle those who try to better themselves, and why you need to cut into their efforts with your 2 sided sword. All anyone needs is praise and love, even you, Tarlow. Win this AGT or not, Kevin Skinner is on his way!
You have said, so eloquently,exactly my own take on the criticisms and snide remarks. Kevin Skinner has proven that hopes and dreams can come true. Our nation needs this so much right now. I gave him all ten of my votes and look forward to buying his first CD. I’m 72 years old, have been friends of many of the country stars for many years. They will greet Kevin with open arms and gladly give him any nudge or advice that they have gotten, themselves, on their way to the top. I live in Gallatin, Tn.and love my country music.
I’m from kevins home town and to get just to where he is even if he doesnt win is probably more than he hoped for he is a sucess already. I know this has changed his life forever and I hope he wins. As for the chicken catching somebody has to do it where do you think KFC gets it from
Kevin, Kevin, Kevin
You are such a blessing to us all.
You bring tears to our eyes, yet you uplift us.
Remember to keep it simple – Like Johnny Cash did – and you will be adored for the rest of your life..
Yolanda
KEVIN SKINNER, WHAT A VOICE !
YOU GO KEVIN,WE LOVE YOU ALL OVER
THE WORLD! YOUR ALREADY A WINNER!
GOOD LUCK KEVIN!
Kevin Skinner has sung every one of his songs so far…..better….then the original artist. That is amazing. He is a winner, and I only hope that he is blessed with guidance that will keep him focused and honest and true. Way to go Kevin…….
Catherine
Kevin Skinner’s wife was in the bio wearing a yellow t-shirt:
http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae307/kevinskinnerswife/kevinskinnerswife.jpg?t=1251909770
WHO THE HELL IS SUSAN BOYLE??? ANYWAY,
KEVIN ROCKS!!!!
I am in love with this man. Whether he wins or not – he is already there. I can’t wait to see and hear more from him.
i love this guy too <3 He’s awesome!! It’s nice to see a good guy make it so far.. (: i hope he makes it far either in America’s got talent or in the world of Country music.
he has my vote for sure too!
God bless y’all!
This could not have happen at a better time with the recession, this is the lord talking to us all, he has given us Kevin Skinner and what a powerhouse just continue being yourself Kevin. My wife & I cannot wait to hear you again, we would vote for you in a milli sec but we live in B.C. Canada.
Lily
I am praying that some one from the “Grand Old Opry” WILL GIVE HIM A GUEST SPOT. i AM ALSO A FAN FOR LIFE.
NORA
what’s with the chicken chasing? chickens are abused as it is.
I am so happy for Kevin Skinner!!! He is living my dream and it couldn’t have happened to a nicer guy. I hope he goes all the way but if not Kevin I am a fan for life.
Melody
I believe Thia is 14 not 19, Susan Boyle is not a housewife but lives alone with her cat “Pebbles”, continues to get hits on her performance on the internet (last time I check it was at 72 million) and her following continues to grow not diminish. Otherwise the facts that you give may be correct. Also, Susan Boyle suffered oxygen deficiency at birth which caused brain damage – but perhaps that doesn’t matter…
CHICKEN CHASER
Kevin Skinner is a down home country guy. im from his neck of the woods and totally understand. i love this guy. he has my vote. im a country girl myself with a country accent and i get made fun of all the time. im a singer myself. im glad that some hicktown guy finally got up there. Kevin i hope you win! maybe next year it will be my turn. Haley