Britain's got talons

by Greg McDonald

So Susan Boyle’s in hospital? Congratulations Simon Cowell, and the screen-addled nation in whose name you wheel out vulnerable victims for sneering ridicule, for proving that when it comes to preying on the weak like vultures, Britain’s got talons.

On this blog six weeks ago, following her TV debut, we hoped for Susan Boyle’s own sake that she would go no further in the contest and be spared the life-destroying fame she evidently wasn’t cut out to handle. We failed to anticipate that the national claws would be out for blood within a month.

Yet Boyle’s humiliation pales into insignificance compared to the exploitation of children on these shows.

The eagerness to please on their cherubic faces, the hint of frightened tears in their little eyes – it’s enough to make a child abuser reach for the record button. The parents who expose their kids to judgment by the likes of Piers Morgan aren’t worthy of raising them.

In a just country, a guy like Simon Cowell – whose next teeth-whitening job will be paid for by the breakdown of a shy spinster – would one day know such suffering himself. Instead in Britain we laud him, according to a poll last week, as a potential prime minister!

As the paparazzi vultures flock to Boyle’s bedside this morning, Britain’s talons have cut deep enough. Let’s get Cowell and co’s circus of cruelty off our TVs, and do the one decent thing we can for Susan Boyle – leave the poor woman alone.

Comments

[Anon]

Susan Boyle got what she wanted "to be as well known as Elaine Paige.

[The Real Bogus Anon]

What is interesting is that this blog attracted 214 comments! Clearly this type of show does push the buttons of the average British viewer.

[Brian Wylie]

The show panders to the poor taste of the viewers who enjoy watching people destroying themselves and being destroyed by judges who vie for who can be the nastiest. There is very little real talent comes out on thes eshows and as far as Susan Boyle is concerned, you could hear much better voices at just about any "go as you please" contest at working mens clubs. The likes of Leona Lewis are very rare and most disappear without trace. Many get through the heats just to give judges and viewers a good laugh. Most are what useed to be "Music Hall turns" which disappeared years ago because the public stopped going. If it wasn't for TV hype, you would never hear of most of the winners again.For a middle aged lady with a wobbly voice to get through to the finals give you some idea of the standard. I wonder how many times in the future we will see the dance troup that won on TV, they aren't exactly Riverdance are they?

[Paul Watson]

These people complaining about BGT may do well to remember that these fame seeking individuals WERE NOT dragged off the street by Cowell and his cohorts. They auditioed of their own accord. Whilst I find such programmes distasteful, do please "blame" the correct people and not just blame toothy Cowell.

[les lee]

kids under 16 should be in their own adaptation of this talent show ...
to have 10 year olds in the same show as adults shows the blatant desregard of childrens emotions by the likes of simon cowell and company.
what it does show though is the ammount of grasping "parents" that abound in this country .... regardless of a childs talents it is thoughts of mega money that spurs this type of parent on .... and it could be construed as a form of child abuse to inflict the sort of pressures that are undoubtedly piled on to the youngsters on this type of show !

[Fayvor Shammah]

THANK YOU MR JERRY SPRINGER; we need more elders like you around. Let DEPRAVED JOURNALISTS learn some wisdom from MR JERRY "WISDOM" SPRINGER.

[Filiz]

Get this page off your website NOW and just leave the woman alone. Its people like you and the media who are to blame not the judges.

[Jay]

Everyone who enters the competition should realise that the further they progress the more likelyhood of fame will follow them. They do show their personalities and TV exposure comes with it. I'm sure ITV emplye psychiatrists and doctors to ensure that peoples health abd psychological behaviour is monitored. It makes for good television and no one is to blame.

[Fayvor Shammah]

Thank you jon jon and pam; God bless you for those wonderful comments. Having gained a bit of understanding about where Susan Boyle is coming from - oxygen shortage at birth, lost her dear mum in recent past, I developed more compassion for her and have committed to devoting time into praying for her future and wellbeing. Nobody knows the full story of her life or her secret pains and trials. It is good that in an environment like the UK, people who are challenged in the area of things like learning ability are given a chance. I grew up abroad and if you are sort of slow in any sense of it NOBODY WOULD GIVE YOU A CHANCE TO PARTICIPATE IN CERTAIN ACTIVITIES.

I wonder why the press appear to publish anything LIKE MAD MEN portraying themselves to be BELOW LOWER ANIMALS who I believe would do better if they were in the shoes of some of this LUNATIC JOURNALISTS.

I came across a rather demeaning and uncalled for caption on the front page of a 20p newspaper yesterday (2nd June 2009) and was disgusted!!!

I am praying for Susan and hope that the producers and organisers would deal with her sympathetically and with great understanding helping her into the bright future that lies ahead rather than not believe she could handle it.

Like other people in the past, the PR expertise is more than able to bring out the best of any potential stars irrespective of where they are coming from.

Susan, I love you and can assure you that God is on your side. Be strong, you can handle the bright future that lies ahead. Enjoy it and play it safe. God bless you.

[SIMON]

If you take in consideration that this lady is from what we have been told useto the quiet life,sitting at home with her cat then imagine for a second if you were in her shoes what it would be like going from that,to haveing the press and media from day one from her first audition going crazy over her,and haveing the parasitic vulture paparazzi hounding her and takeing pictures any chance they can because she is hot news both here and in the usa after her autition being put up on youtube,imagine what all this attension would do to you if you were like herself,

i think we would all end up in a rehab with stress,its not the show thats at fault over her stress its the media and every part of it,personally the media should focus on real issues and real life events rather than reality shows and celebrities,

i really thought the media would change and laws put in place to protect celebs after our princess diana's death as it was the paparazzi who are to blame for that,and in a way our greed and thirst to read about peoples private lives in newspapers and magazines,

we go on about our human rights and our invasion of privacy when we hear about more cctv cameras being installed in streets and the identity card schemes yet we think it is morally ok for the media paparazzi and magazines to invade famous and celebs lives so we can read about it,

WE ARE ALL HIPOCRITES AND SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF OURSELVES

[John M]

Many of the different comments have their own grain of truth. However, programmes such as Opportunity Knocks have been with us for many years and many 'ordinary' eople have been given the chance to shine.

It is possible that Susan Boyle, in these dsys of equality, could have made a case against the programme makers had they decided not to allow her to progress in the programme. She could have claimed discrimination. The Disability Discrimination Act could have been cited.

The irony is that Susan Boyle was not ridiculed or pilloried. Instead, she was admired and promoted as a wonderful talent. Her problems stem from her needs, her disability. It is quite possible that, had she won, she would have found the pressure unbearable.

Why can't a compromise be found? She could make a small fortune as a recording artist, appearing only to promote her albums on occasional chat shows. She should be able to capitalise on her talent but not at the expense of her happiness.

Blogs like this mightr be criticised by some but they do at least show that people care - that society hasn't been completely destroyed. Everyone deserves a chance. Were Stevie Wonder's promoters ever accused of similar things, I wonder?

[ali]

Why are simon cowell and other judges getting the blame for Susan's problems. She is a grown woman who decided she wanted to audition, and it was the papers who hounded her and reported on every little thing she did. We all lose our temper and do stupid things, but our small errors are not spread all over the media

[Toni]

People know what these shows are all about when they enter them so how can the judges be blamed for the outcome.SuBo can sing but obviously was not cut out for fame but decided to carry on regardless. And lets face facts here, weeping kids get away with a lot more than adults - would diversity have been given a 2nd chance in the semis if they'd have mucked up and shed a few tears? I think not!!!!!!

[G Hull]

Cynical old me wonders if Cowell didn't make a bet with someone that.... 'He could make ANYBODY a star'. Is that too far fetched?

[Gareth]

Why discriminate against people with problems like Susan's. We should work out ways to help someone like Susan to achieve, or at least the chance to achieve, a highly respected status for the talent they have. She/they should not be denied the opurtunity because it is uncomfortable for us.

Are the media band wagon also going to learn from this? I doubt it.
Simon Cowell et al are looking after Susan in the best way at the moment, hopefully they learn from this as well and ease her into the position she deserves.

[stuart]

GET THIS BLOG OF THIS CHANNEL NOW.
It is this what perpetuates the public appetite for this awful rubbish. There are far more important things for people to discuss than weather or not a TV show is to blame for a someone’s mental break down.

[DB]

JUST WHY THEY LET THIS WOMAN GO SO FAR IS ABSOLUTELY BEYOND WORD'S OR THOUGHT'S....TO BE FAR SUSAN CAN SING...SADLY SHE APPEARS TO BE A LITTLE UNSTABLE, AND STARDOM CAN SOMETIMES BE THE FINAL NAIL, IN THE COFFIN, FOR SOME PEOPLE...BUT FOR SURE, SHE SHOULD VE BEEN TAKEN OFF THE SHOW, WEEKS BACK

[Andrew Burrell]

Let's be honest here: Anyone who enters themselves into these (reality?) shows must be aware of the consequences. This isn't the first time this show and countless others have been on. And I'm sure that there is a disclaimer they sign when they register. So, it's up to the contestants who are willing to take that step and accept the risks that tag along with it.

[Euan]

personally i think she was ill to begin with and no one is to blame

[planenut]

Susan Boyle has a fantastic singing voice, good luck to her for her future. If you take this programme off, then you can take most of the rubbish off the set and bring back the test card, and give the country a chance to talk with each other instead.

[JB]

AND BLOGS LIKE THESE JUST ADD FUEL TO THE INFERNO.

ISPs are just as bad as the Press and the rest of the media.

GREED GREED GREED.

They all wish they were politicians.

[Hudson]

This is the most ridiculous "report" I have ever read, how can you sit there and tell the British public and Simon Cowell that they are the ones to blame?! People have their own thought processes, they can choose not to participate in reality TV! And as for children, when do we ridicule them?! When Hollie Steel broke down on friday, I felt some of my faith in the British public was restored when the crowd tried to will her on and clap her through her nerves, and then when Simon Cowell insisted on finding her more time to perform! Even if we shouldn't allow young children on here, don't you think it's the parents who should decide that? You should write for the sun...

[stefanovitch]

It is very sad that Susan Boyle has possibly had a breakdown for which she is hopefully recovering with help of kind understanding people. If she had won would she have had a breakdown but for a different set of reasons?
There is no doubt that she has a fantastic voice and it should be heard by everyone, if she wants it to be so.
Simon Cowell I believe will be as shocked as everyone that Susan has had a breakdown and he will be sensitive enough to know if Susan can be successful and how to help her be so, after all he will benefit from her success too (I think).
As it is a competition there are winners and losers and many congratulations to Diversity for winning it, they were outstanding! Although Susan was stunned at the time she was very gracious and I'm sure that her congratulations were sincere.
There are always winners and losers and on high profile shows like BGT with all the hype that surrounds them which is fuelled by the media, there will be disasters and celebration all the way through to when the credits roll at the end of the final show. The media coverage on the show was very effective but nobody was ready for the aftermath.
Was there anybody behind the scenes to help and support all the contestants and bring them back to 'reality'? Was it satisfactory and was it the right support at the right time? Susan had sounded the alarm bells very early on that she was suffering under the pressure, but was this more hype to raise the interest levels of the public at large even higher?
Fabulous show, long may it continue and I hope that Susan recovers and goes on to sing again. Good luck to Diversity, very original and well deserved winners!

[Richard Fleming]

Susan Boyle was badly let down by publicity seeking promoters who revelled in the fact that the press( who are completly culpable) were hounding this poor mis-guided women until she broke ( more news..sell more papers)More publicity more viewers, more income from sales of advertising..more bonuses..me! me! me! Have a good look at yourselves..each and every one of you ..then..feel ashamed..feel very small! then try to do better and change the system before you are done away with!

[Len Watson]

It's Jeremy Kyle with music!!!

[jonjon]

blame the media and the viewers! remember how those people/tv viewer/me laugh at her. everybody thought she is one of those nerd geeky looking wannabee, but then again susan shows what really god bless some of the best talent to the least person.

everyone thought its a one horse race, but then again, by mistake, she got the second place, we blamed her for what happen. now what? continue our satisfaction on laughing at her again and continue saying to the world that she is a nerd geeky looking persona!

leave her alone guys! peace brodah!

[SAS]

Im quite sure that Susan did not check herself into the priory, she is being guided by her new manager in the best way to prepare for her new career (otherwise how else would she have been able to afford to check into the priory). She will be there for a short term to calm down, whilst they groom her for the future that she would not have had without BGT. I expect that she has had unpleasant moments throughout her life, and has possibly had those same kind of outbursts before, and in BGT she has met a lot of new people, she has amazed millions of people and is appreciated world wide, and been given an opportunity to fulfil a dream that would have otherwise been impossible. She loved it out there on that stage, she was in her element. She is possibly sad that it is all over and that she didnt win, the emotions have kicked in which is natural in anyone, particularly if your home life was the complete opposite, but there is more to come for Susan and she wants it as much as her agents do, who are also set to make money out of her future.I hope that she will be fine (but Im quite sure she will be). I believe she has had some of the best moments of her life and she will embrace those, she entered the competition, she had some idea of what to expect and Im sure she will not want to walk away from what may still be to come. good luck to her. (She is in the priory for a reason, someone is looking after)

[janice]

Boris Johnson for prime minister would be really good

[janice]

Simon Cowell for prime minister - that would really be the end - the man only thinks of one person and thats himself

[andy]

to lou, that just shows the relentless ignorance and naivity of the british public. more people would rather pay for a vote on a mundane, repetitive "talent" show than vote in their countries elections, directly after an expenses scandal. isnt it time the british public changed their tv, format after all we can pretty much predict the whole series of x factor and bgt these days!

[pam]

I belive Simon has nothing to do with Susan's breakdown, Susan wanted it and now got it but can not handle the pressure so let us not blame Simon and his team otherwise the show was very intertaining as there isnt any good tv shows for families these days.

[Essie967]

I don't normally post on thiese things but I just had to say something - Just because Susan Boyle may or may not have either a learning disability or mental health problem does not mean it was wrong to have on BGT! The problem is not the show, but the media, as always, who seem to think they are allowed to pry into people's personal lives, spread their pictures everywhere and then not take any responsibiity for the consequences. It is not Simon Cowell or BGT that put Susan on YouTube, or the front page of every newspaper, that was down to the paparazzi and contributers of YouTube and other sites....maybe if they had had a little more respect and considered how their actions would affect Susan she would not of been under so much pressure but been able to enjoy her little slice of fame and share her amazing talent...

[Mary Hinge]

Looking at that pic of susan boyle, the only thing she is suffering from is constipation

[lisa pratt]

It is Susan Boyle or her family and friends fault. She is so obviously not up for the public spotlight to be put upon her. They are the people that know her best and should have looked out for her.

[djvani(bulgaria-macedonia)]

Am here in uk 3 years ,am dj in balkan countries ,and i see S---- is one ,,no scrupuli,, person who just see money in any potencial (INOCENT)person ,and what i realize this year from b.g.t. susan have very big confrontation with him -preasure and others like him .lady-susan ,i think (is mine only mine) but i hope and british population opinion ,she deserve better treatman like fenomenon.by the way show(B.G.T.)look more like child show then for adult.i sugest this show to be on 2 parts adult part and child(junior and senior)part.then all be have potencial and force to win in that category.and by the way i think: last opinion of judges is funny and no have sense (on final)because judges not decide ,public vote decide...and judges make just simply mistake that way ,they upset people who is in that show and try to give the best of they performance..thanks for atencion ,but i think B.G.T need changes for next year...this year must be lesson for all, especial for S¬---- who must to stop to be so arogant....people see that they is not blind.

[mejustme]

This is just lazy journalism.

Look at the real news - over 200 people missing, most probably dead after a plane crash; two people kill themselves after the death of their beloved son; young men and women dying in wars; the 65th anniversary of one of the most brutal battles in history.

Yet here is Greg McDonald, posting some tripe about a television show and it's so called "stars."

[Charlie]

do you really think that this show is evil? look at the last two winners of the show, Paul Potts and George Sampson. they are still doing great today, with the money flowing in, and Potts playing arenas as huge as the Sydney opera house.
Andrew Johnston, Faryl Smith, George Sampson, Aidan Davies. maybe the wannabee journalists who write rubbish such as this should take a look at just SOME of the children on this show who performed great, and who have gone on to do greater things.

[L.A]

All said and done,S.B has a house, thinks for herself and runs her own life.She entered the competition on her own accord,no one is to blame but herself.They panel of judges put her through on her talent and merit,and gave her a chance the same as the rest of the acts,This same question would be asked if another act won and cracked under the experiance,its life.As for the little girl,she blew it,on stage end of chance as far as im concerened,the same chance everyone else gets,letting her have another go just because she`s cute,will open the flood gates for others to have another go if it werent quite right.Letting her have another go,hasnt taught her anything about the fact you not good enough,only have a tantrum and you get your way.

[Katie]

It is definatly NOT simon cowell's fault. I mean if Susan Boyle couldnt handle it then why bother going on the show in the first place. it is obvious that if she had won then she would get alot of press after her so either way it was clear she couldn't handle it herself. how did she expect to become famous. she cant be the only celebrity in the world that doesnt get press. if you go onto a show like that then you have to understand that if you are good then the press are going to pick up on you and give you loads of attention. why should Simon Cowell be blamed for it. if it wasnt for him then loads of people wouldnt be able to fulfil their dreams and if it wasnt for him we wouldnt have stars like Girls aloud or liona lewis. my goodness the people blaming simon cowell are stupid. its susans own fualt she should be able to tell her own strengths simon cowell cant control everything to do with the show. and just because she couldnt hack it doesnt mean that other people should be blamed for her own mistakes!!

[Rick]

Some of you really need to get a life, if indeed you have one! This show provides amusement and gives SOME the opportunity to make good in their lifetime.There's enough doom and gloom about to even worry about this?

[BGT Suck!]

BGT sucks! You people are either retarded or just plain stupid to watch morons make idiots of themselves.

[Jac]

I don't think BGT viewers... the millions of us... can really play the saints here. how many of us have not been hysterical with laughter in the initial trials with various loonies making fools of themselves. lets face it.. we laughed right to the end with stavros flatley.

With susan, her song was poignant as well as wonderfully sung. I suspect this lady has had problems in the past and will have again. BGT is just the trigger this time... or rather the rise and fall from grace that came with it has triggered something inherent in susan. BGT is not responsible for this. if the finger should be pointed at anybody lets look to the likes of lily allen and the spiteful outbursts against an ordinary woman doing something that should have been enjoyable to her.

little holly was awful viewing, frankly awful, but lets not forget the various other children who seemed to thoroughly enjoy their participation in the show. i wonder if parents themselves need to be responsible for knowing whether their children are capable of performing and competing in front of millions.

the show is a great platform for those wanting 15 minutes of fame, and those millions who want to watch. that's great. but parents of children are responsible for their children, and lily allen and co should really think before opening their gobs

[Andrew Watkinson]

I think what's required here is a little common sense. BGT is a great show that truly entertains and provides a platform for people to launch a career and better their lives. It puts the spotlight on the good and bad throughout the audition process which millions of people find entertaining and funny. But this is part of the problem as well as part of the success. Producers deliberatly choose people based on their entertainment value. Some of these people are chosen because they're great, others because they're hopeless and some because they're more than a little bit odd. The difficulty lies when these people are not just eccentric but ill - and I believe it's the producer's duty to be more sympathetic to the individual's needs rather than focussing solely on what makes good TV.

[Lily Anne]

I don’t believe that any of the people that appear on BGT need to be pitied, or are being exploited as many writers suggest. It is purely a fun programme.
It says more about the people criticising than the people taking part. We are all different, which make us unique.
It is the media that are wrong because they can’t handle anything slightly outside of their ‘comfort zone’. They need to get educated and except people for how they are.
Susan Boyle is a human being, and that’s it. She had absolutely no control of what was happening around her. The media make up their own stories. There is no one that wouldn’t be mentally exhausted after all the hype and attention, and with mental exhaustion comes uncharacteristic outbursts.
People are saying, she new what she was going in for when she entered BGT. She could not possibly have known. GIVE HER A BREAK EVERYONE. And long live BGT and all the humans that take part.

[David Bibby]

It was a competition. This is getting silly now. If you need to blame anyone its got to be the press. Many people got great enjoyment from either watching or particepating.

[ferfuksake]

who the fuk cares anyway ...wat a lot a crap !!!
get on with your lives.....if you have a life.

[Catwoman]

Dont blame the makers of this show. People choose to enter themselves into these kind of contests, no one forces them to! If Susan Boyle was that shy she wouldnt have gone into this in the first place, and as for Holly - well, she had a temper tantrum and got her own way on the show - so who is manipulating who? I just wish Diversity good luck for the future, they havent been getting the recognition they deserve because of all this other stuff going on. They won, and all the best to them. At least they did it with a bit of dignity!

[StueyR]

Well, at least she got sent to a top notch hospital, if she never went on BGT she more than likely end up in hossy @ some point.Not as good as the Priory

[Simon Cowpoo et al]

Well Justine Time, I am an adult with an IQ of 153.

Take your own advice and don't bother posting, you boring numpty.

As soon as SuBo auditioned for BGT she voluntarily put herself in the public arena. Now she is manipulating it as much as (pushy mums daughter) Hollie did with the audience.

Ugly people don't become stars unless their looks become part of the act, as SuBo well knew. So she is a valid target for ridicule. A lot like yourself.

As for the bunch of giggly schoolgirls saying keep BGT because Simon Cowell is gorgeous, come back when puberty is over.

[jon kc]

Why slate it B.G.T is more entertaining and a far superior programe than big brother ever was roll on next year for more of the same
Britains got talent is what Saturday nights was made for
long live Simon & co

[Julian Davies]

You Paparazzi get right up my nose. You are the reason that Susan Boyle is in the state she is, you hound these poor people who are not used to the pressure, and when they retaliate against you, you print all this rubbish about them losing it. I am not surprised that Susan is mentally drained with you lot on her back all the time.

Leave Susan and Simon alone, I think that BGT is one of the best shows on television, and Simon is a very fair and up front speaker, that is what people do not like about him, he tells it like it is.

[Frin]

Leave Susan alone. She went on that show because she has got a talent. No one, least of all Susan, could have predicted that she'd be catapulted into a situation where she's been viewed by 160+ million on the internet. Someone should be there to help people deal with the media spotlight both good and bad. I doubt there are many people that could cope with the meteoric rise that Susan had.

She's talented, she's unassuming and to say she should have been prepared for what happened after her first audition is complete falacy. No one saw that coming.

I guess people are after her downfall because they can't stand to see someone do well.

Typical British - build someone up, put them on a pedastal and then throw coconuts at them until they fall from grace. You should be ashamed!

[bubba]

what happened to Susan Boyle?
Did she have a breakdown or something......does anyone know if shes ok??

[Onion]

I just sat and read these comments and note that the problem here is that there are not many of you who are diverse! It doesn't do for us all to be the same but your comments about Susan Boyle are disgusting. I hope that you never have a child or relative who is suffers from any kind of breakdown, or disability because what an awful life they would have with you guys around them. Grow up and get some respect for others. You are probably just the sort of people who go around moaning that there is no respect anymore.

[Abi]

Never before been so incensed by your one sided view of BGT.
It is THEIR decision whether or not to perform and it is THEMSELVES who initially decide to audition.
Get off your high horse you moronic prissy nimcompoop!

[Lou]

The joy of watching reality talent shows (rather than just reality shows) is seeing the performers grow from first round auditions on to semi finals and then finals. Susan certainly did. BGT provides an opportunity for us, the great British public, to choose one of the acts at the Royal Variety Show. The alternative is that a producer chooses all the acts. So, if you watch BGT you're watching a part of personal journeys as performers grow in confidence and develop their acts, and also you're a part of choosing an act at the Royal Variety. If you don't want to watch, as many of my friends and colleagues don't, you miss out on the highs as well as the lows. The low points of the show, for me, are the performers who genuinely believe in their talent even though it is misplaced. Susan is a performer, and performers have always needed to be able to deal with the pressure of performance and the demands of their audience. I wish her all the best and hope BGT will continue to enable us to share in some great performances. Interesting that less of us are expected to vote in the Euro elections this week than voted on BGT...

[tantantan]

BGT = A good family show that needs a little rethink especially when it comes to the pushy parents. Childhood is a time for fun not tears in front of thousands.

Why vote through a child because it cried????

AS for Simon Im not a fan but his comments are mainly true.

The one thing I hated above all was Amanda's lips, how off putting they were.

As for stopping show, No but it does need to take into account the children above all else.

Remember its about talent. Good luck Susan but please everyone give her a break. A bidg well done to Diversity you were fantastic.

[Pauline]

Whatever was happening to Susan B that led to this stay in the Priory surely should have been picked up earlier by her nearest and dearest. Where were they? For someone who has led such a sheltered quiet life surely someone should have given her better advice. For this incident to bring such reactions against the show is rediculous. As for the children taking part, perhaps someone in the organising team should decide on a Junior BGT, with a more suitable panel and leave the adults to accept whatever comes their way if they enter. Unfortunately you will never end "pushy parents" syndrome and after all many of these kids really are talented!

[gem]

If Suzan Boyle didnt want all the fame and attention why on earth did she go on the show in the first place? In my opinion she always had a screw loose, im only suprised she didnt lose the plot sooner. Everyone seems to think she is this fragile lonely woman, I think that is just what the press make her out to be. Shes lost the plot coz shes hacked off she didnt win...SHAME! Alot of hype has been created over her because people think she has this fantastic voice, she has got a good voice but lets face it the only reason she is plastered everywhere you look is because shes fat, ugly and a bit mental so nobody expected her to be able to hold a note! Im sick of hearing bout her its just boring now. My advise to The Priory would be keep her there!

[K Lewis]

When is Top Of The Pops Comming Back ?
Sooner The Better & Take Cowell Of The Screen For Good !

[MLG]

It is people like you greg mc donald who are to blame for susan boyle not being able to cope. its the publicity that she has got that has had this effect on her, not the show. and you're just another person adding to that publicity by having this on the orange homepage.

[Ben]

If anyone is to blame it's the sad tossers who watch reality TV instead of actually taking part in the reality that exists beyond the TV set in the corner of their rooms.

[dave]

simon cowell is the reason why music and entertainment is so bad nowadays, he has people like ms boyle signed to a contract before they know whats hit them then into a recording studio to make an album which is rubbish but he dont care because he's raking in, he also signs silly little tossers in boy/girl bands nobody has heard from a year later but he's made a few more quid out of them. And why is the BGT series so long itv must be raking it in from advertising. Oh yes are you people on some sort medication if you think cowell is so wonderful, maybe you should follow susan boyle into the clinic and see a doctor.

[Mell]

its definitely not Simons fault, if Su-Bo didnt want fame she shouldnt have appeared on a TV programme, its her own fault and im so glad she didnt win shes a weirdo in my opinion.
Diversity were worthy winners :)

[D]

The biggest culprits in all of this are the paparazzi. If these programmes where left to run there course, contestants would gradually get used to a bit of fame and fortune, but the press want to pry into every aspect of their lives and tear them to shreads. Shame on them.

[john aspbury]

Its not simons fualt who do the acts look to when they want to know the truth not the other two mupets but simon susan put pressure on her self the week before in the hotel dont stop acts getting noticed because of one person that can not hack the pressure

[Justine Time]

Well Peers,Simon Cowpoo,and Little and large.. Is it Idiots day out or something.. If you have nothing of interest to say.. then I would suggest you stop showing your ignorance .. I woyulod assume you are either children or have thementality of a child either way it's best kept to yourself..

[Peter Green]

I am pleased to say I have not seen one second of BGT. I can only comment on what I have read. The audience of BGT can only be described as those who enjoy seeing others suffer no matter what age. Is this entertainment? certainly not and the likes of Cowell make them selves millions on the back or this cruelty. It is about time British TV changes to good entertainment instead of these cheaply made reality shows. Remember while we all shout about this crass TV a very few get very rich. I ask you, will the Queen look forward to seeing a bunch of idiots jumping around on stage or a person lifting objects by the lobes their his ears.

Ridiculous.

[The Bogus Anon]

Julia Parry Jones
As was mentioned earlier, Susan Boyle's own brother didn't know anything about her supposed learning difficulties. I think they were a figment of the publicity machines' imagination.
She is not simple, she is just an unsophisticated lady who has led a very sheltered life and more effort should have been made to shield her from the public glare.
She has a good voice - not a great voice, but probably good enough to earn her living at it if she so chooses and I'm sure most people wish her well.

[Molly]

Can't feel sorry for any of the contestants. They all enter the competition voluntarily.

The winners, Diversity, were fabulous and worthy of first place.

As for the "losers" I am sure quite a few will be laughing all the way to the bank when they sign lucrative contracts with various agents and promoters.

Wish them luck but don't feel sorry for them. It was their choice, just as it is our choice whether we watch the show or not.

Personally, I am looking forward to next year's competition.

[justin]

susan boyle looks like a caring person but i guess it's her own fault for going on as many people have said u must have seen the earlier seasons but even tho i hate simon cow i hav to say it's not his fault in any way i think it's her own fault for entering but she has to be happy now she is making her dreams come true and surely everyone wnts to fulfill there dreams?

[Dee]

Did no one listen to Susan Boyles brother on the news. Susan was a little home sick,,missing her cat, feeling the pressure but her biggest worry was that no one would want to hear her sing now that she lost first place.SHE WANT'S TO CARRY ON BEING A CELEBRITY AND SINGING. So please don't blame the show. The press (as always) have to shoulder some of the blame They can make or break people and shatter lives Good luck Susan

[bb]

its certainly not the shows fault everyone who goes on it now must have seen previous shows and know what it entails!

[mel]

who cares if she found it hard? i'm sorry but the way she behaved when she got thru on the semi final showed sb to not be shy like people like to think. if she can't hack it who's fault is that? we don't force these people to go on tv. they all know by now whats gonna happen. as for the kids being upset,its not the show at fault but the parents,they supposedly know their kids so why did they let them go on if they can't cope???? surely they needed parents permisssion to go on? and diversity deserved to win,they were the best performers on the night.

[BADMINTONMAN]

GREAT SHOW SHAME ABOUT SUSAN,MOST OF US WOULD LOVE HER TALENT BUT COULD WE COPE WITH THE FAME? AS FOR TAKING THE SHOW OFF TV ARE ALL THOSE MILLIONS OF VIEWERS WRONG??

[Janet Seaton]

Why blame Simon Cowell, each one of the acts knew what they were letting themselves in for otherwise why go in the first place. I feel sorry for SB but you cannot blame Simon Cowell, it cant have been that bad a show or why would so many people/press be interested. And leave Amanda Holden alone just because she looked drop dead gorgeous - Simon Fulla only jealous, and besides if it is not your sort of programme you do not have to watch it, or are people too lazy to get up and switch the television off. I have never watched Big Brother and never will but I have that choice.

[Lyzar Katie Ruth Lilly]

Why is it Simon Cowell's fault!?

Get a life. We agree with the person above. Nina.

We liked Susan but it was her choice to go on to the show.

It's not Simon's fault at all, he is just doing his job. He really likes Susan anyway and he is such a caring (and good looking) man and we love him. Not to mention our lives wouldnt be the same without BGT and XFACTOR.

I agree, Simon is so generous, gives loads to charity and gives people a chance of fufulling their dreams! Plus he is gorgeous-as! So whats the harm in that!?
He's a legend anyways and if BGT or Xfactor ever ends pretty much everyone i know would be very upset. So no, Talent shows are great, this is just one time a woman cant take the fame, but everyones different, some can cope, some cant. Good luk tho Suuz, and i cant wait until Xfactor and Britains got Talent next year. another chance 2 c simon too, even better xxxx

Simon Cowell FOREVER =D
x L0ve Youuuuuu xXxXxXxXx

[zowoco]

I think Boyle's voice is way above average, that she has tenacity, charisma, courage and staying power. Not too many ladies in their 40's are prepared for instant media celebrity staus and the wolf pack that follows on. Susan went in a month from total nobody to most famous and talked about woman in Britain. We've certainly got a talent for tearing someone's life apart overnight. I wish Boyle every good fortune in the future and hope she can sing her way to a career success. I shall always be happy to hear her splendid voice. :)

[Nina]

NO ONE FORCED SUSAN TO ENTER?

LIFE WOULD BE BORING WITHOUT REALITY TV. ITS JUST CAUSE SUSAN COULDNT HACK THE LIMELIGHT DOESNT MEAN THAT OTHERS CANT? SHE CHOSE TO GO ON THE SHOW ! MOST PPL WOULD BE HAPPY WITH IT. AND I THINK SHE QUITE LIKES IT. ITS JUST DIFF FROM HER USUAL LIFE SO ITS COME AS ABIT OF A SHOCK

BUT I RLY LIKE SUSAN, SHE SHUD HAVE WON!

BUT I REALLY DISAGREE. THE END OF REALITY TV WOULD BE SO SAD,

I LOVE SIMON COWELL AND HIS PROGRAMMES ARE THE MOST WATCHED. REALITY TV FOR EVER! :) :)

YES MR COWELL ;)

WHY ARE SOME PPL SO HORIBLE 2 HIM??

X FACTOR AND BGT ARE MY FAV PROGRAMMES AND EVERYONE ELSES THAT I KNOW. SIMON IS KING OF TV, SO JUST BCOS ONE PERSON IS STRUGGLING TO LIVE A CELEB LIFESTYLE DOESNT MEAN IT SHUD STOP. COS THT WOULD PREVENT OTHERS FROM GETTING THEIR DREAMS.
YOU AUDITION FOR A SHOW = U SUFFER THE CONSEQUENCES IF THERE IS ANY.
THO I DO LIKE THE LADY,

BUT SIMON IS GENIUS.
LEAVE HIM ALONE, HE ENJOYS MAKING THE SHOWS AND WE ALL ENJOY WATCHING THEM SO WHATS THE PROBLEM?????

EXACTLY THERE ISNT ONE

I LOVE SIMON AND I LOVE HIS SHOWS.
COWELL IS KING X

[anon]

LEAVE HER ALONE! HER PERFECT DREAM HAS BEEN SHATTERED.The lady was just seconds away from £100,000 and the chance to perform in front of royalty, I think she is bound to be feeling a little peeved, and needs to let off a little steam.(as you lot seem to be doing at the drop of a hat.)I PERSONALLY THINK SHE WAS VERY BRAVE AND A GOOD EXAMPLE TO OTHER LONELY PEOPLE . As fo the show "It must go on". Its the type of show people have been asking for ,for decades, and now we can do it so lets get on with it and hope no one gets really hurt.Lets not turn into a bunch of nancies for the sake of a few tears and anguish,its being shared by millions of people and a lot of them are suffering a darn sight more without the help and publicity to go with it.
I thought the show was good not perfect but very entertaining.

[singinggg]

Nobody forced Susam Boyle to enter the competition. I entered singing competitions (on a smaller scale) for years. You do it for fun and if you win that's a bonus. It's little Holly I worry about - she shouldn't be pushed too hard it will ruin her voice, and her childhood which to be honest is the most important.

Diversity were great but Julian Smith should have won - now that was REAL talent!!!!

[mike o]

No-one forced Susan Boyle or any of the other acts to go onto the show, so these people who are complaining shouldn't start blaming the British public for what has happened. There are some class acts "found" by this form of tv (Julian Smith etc)and it would be wrong to axe such a show just because of one incident. Would Paul Potts be where he is now if it hadn't been for shows like this. Talent shows have been around for years and have "discovered" some of the best ever acts....Les Dawson, for one!

We are such a nation of whingers and "big girls blouses" for want of a better phrase.

Far worse on BGT was the voting for Holly....the same people who voted to keep her on the show are probably the same people now moaning about Susan Boyle's "treatment"

The worst incident on this show was watching the pushy mother of Holly.......thats the type of person we should be concerned about, she was disgraceful forcing her daughter to carry on and wow, did the little girl know how to milk it. Spoilt comes to mind!

Life is all about ups and downs, the highs and the lows, the success and failure and we all have to learn this way.

For those of you who don't like the show and are calling for it to be scrapped.....the top right hand button (usually coloured red) will turn off your tv...........but then you wouldn't have anything to moan about, would you?

[Uncle Pauly]

Surely it is up to parents to decide what is best for their children. There will always be a Simon Cowell. Parents should let children be children. I blame them.

[ivy]

I think SB is a tough cookie, she doesn't strike me as someone to be pushed around. I think in the end she expected to win. She was publically very gracious in defeat but didn't cope well with losing afterwards. But she didn't really lose did she? Simon Cowell has already signed her by all accounts so she'll be what she said she wanted to be. We should all be careful what we wish for though!!

[caz]

why dont you leaver her a lone its people like you that are part of the problem let her have some peace and let her get on with her life with out beening hounded

[david wilkins]

dont blame cowell and team, all contestants enter voluntarily and are chasing a dream,and better life .whats the excuses for the so called pop stars who make it big and cannot handle fame and waste a fortune on drink and or drugs. what a list that would be, or do we blame somebody else for failures every time

[julia parry-jones]

It was well documented prior to this ladys appearance on the show , that she had had "learning difficulties" ths has a wide spectrum of definitions, but as she was not architypal in appearance for the beauty of her voice, the powers that be took advantage of that. The persons responsible are those who let her go ahead, knowing what effect it might have.

[jeanette]

No one forced Susan Boyle to go onto BGT. It was her own choice. Nobody could have anticipated this happening, after all Paul Potts seems to have coped with all what comes in having a wonderful voice pretty well. You don't hear about him 'not coping'!

[Justin Time]

Well Mr Reliable I wonder which charm school you attended, that you should refer to someone in such a manner.. and who said she had these problems before she went on the show. That is NOT for you to presume nor should you believe everything you read in the newspapers, seems you are as gullable as everyone else, only someone who has not an ounce of feeling would make such a statement or refer to the Priory in that manner. Maybe you need a visit yourself as it sounds like you are on the edge of a similar experience to Susan. I don't think that talent shows are 100% responsible for what has happened.. I do think it is the public who demand such entertainment and the papers who hound people down in the name of journalism. Everyone is entitled to have a dream some are realised others are not.. No-one could have forseen the terrible price poor Susan has had to pay.. and for what? She had a dream to become a professional singer, what's wrong in that?..at least she can sing unlike the likes of Lily Allen, In my opinion cannot sing, well not as in really sing, she makes all the modern noises and that is waht counts these days NOT real talent.YES that's my personal opinion of her as was her opinion of SB.. but then no-one forces me to listen to her as no-one is or was forcing her to listen to SB.. Can we not just wish Susan a speedy recovery as any normal human being would and stop hounding the poor lady even while she is recovering.. Simon Cowell does what he does, no-one forces you to watch or to take part in tearing the contestants apart. I just thank god there was a proceedure in place to take care of such situations.. and laud the member/s of staff who had the common sense to put the proceedure into operation.. Maybe Susan will not be able to avoid a breakdown altogether but at least she will be taken care of by professionals, and hopefully make a speedy and full recovery.. I for one wish that to Susan. ANd just say that whatever her decision is in the future I wish her well wherever her path shall lead.

[rebecca]

Why is it Simon Cowell's fault? He is a business and i believe, a decent man. He does a lot for charity and through these shows (BGT / X Factor etc)he gives a lot of british people opportunities that they may not otherwise have had. He does change lives. These people who enter in to the programme must have some idea what they are potentially getting themselves in to. The shows have been running for enough years now. If SB has got learning disabilities then it would be nice if she got the support she needs, not bringing her down at the first hurdle. It doesn't stop her singing. Albeit somewhat different, Gareth Gates got over his stutter...

[A Mother!]

Could Susan have Asperger's? It wasn't widely recognised in Susan's early years. Many intelligent adults are undiagnosed with this and appear to be strange, eccentric, odd bods, etc. With support these people can go a long way. Mr Einstein is thought to have had this particular LD. Perhaps that's why Susan's brother was unaware that she had learning difficulties.

[Peers Morgan]

Send Susan home - obviously the village will be missing its idiot

[Simon Cowpoo]

Have you ever seen troosers like this then Susie babes?

[Little and Large fan]

Look at the picture of Susan Boyle and ask yourself - where's Sid Little?

[Eddie Large]

Just to reassure you all that my sister is happy at the priory. Dunno if they can do anything about the shovel that smacked her in the face though....

[John]

A think its funny that she didn't win ha ha

[Luis]

Wait a moment, are you sure that SB really needs to be in The Priory?
Or is it possible that the stay is already improving her value from the PR perspective.
After all these antics her value is skyhigh. SC could not make that much money out of Diversity, they are not going to sell CDs, so the second choice as to do.
But, pay attention SB is not that great a singer, she is average, what made her interesting was the entire package, so they are adding value to the package.
So she'll make a record or 2, will go the USA, and all the parasites around her will make a lot of profit, after that they will be ready for another BGT. Like with the MPs we deserve what we got, be it MPs or this great circus. We keep paying for the first ones and watching the others, so it is indeed our fault. Switch the TV off and read a good book. Much better.

[The Bogus Anon]

Susan Boyles own brother was unaware on national tv yesterday that she has 'learning difficulties'. Apparently she attended main stream school and coped fine.
He said too much was made of her alleged disability. Well that's the great British press again for you. Squeezing every last drop of pathos out of the situation.It IS the fault of the media that these vulnerable people lose the plot. She was in a hotel and was hounded 24/7 by the pap.
I'd do more than say the 'f' word if that happened to me. These kind of shows shouln't necessarily be taken off air - that's throwing the baby out with the bath water, but more protection from press intrusion would go a long way towards making the experience more bearable for the contestants.

[Sue]

The newpapers are much to blame for the pressure these people come under. And this is the case with everything nowadays. Fleet Street has a lot to answer for. Anyone attending auditions (even if they are not on TV related) subject themselves to praise or ridicule. Look how many west end shows have children in them. How many of them have been in tears which we are not aware of following an unsuccessful audition.
Also how many celebreties, not going through the Britains Got talent process end up in some form of re-hab. With regard to Susan Boyle, if she does have learning difficulties then those who know and care for her should maybe be partly to blame for this. But on the other hand does she not deserve a chance, with help and support maybe she could succeed. There are others in entertainment who have disabilities but have shown they have great talent.
One final point, we could also be said to be responsible. If millions of us didn't watch the show then it wouldn't be on TV in the first place.

[Simon fulla]

Of course it's the shows fault, and especially cowells.
No pain no gain, in other words , the more the pain, the more the gain. And we all know who gains most out of these freak shows.The man with the freak smile, and he thinks he looks good for his age. Getting value for money then , eh .Oh, and what about the ambitious ms Holden, having a few thoughts in simons direction, i see. Thick slapper , looks like her husband needs to start getting his bits together. (how many has she crapped on now ?)