Inspiration, brought to you by a 47-year old woman.

I'm totally behind.

I'm sure you've already heard of Susan Boyle, of Britain, and how she wowed the judges and audience on Britain's Got Talent (I guess this is the original version of American Idol. I dunno. I don't watch tv.) The judges and audience couldn't show less respect when she walks onstage and chats with the judges before singing "I Dreamed a Dream" from Les Miserables. The middle judge (girl in a green dress) even puts her hands up behind her head, showing Ms. Boyle her armpits, which seems particularly dismissive to me. Members of the audience (as well as the judges) sicker and roll their eyes. Then she sings. And she is surprisingly good. And they have to show her respect. It's wonderful to watch their attitudes change.

Now I don't think it's a great voice (I'm not going into all the pedagogical stuff here, but my opinions are backed by many years of vocal training and several vocal degrees from well-respected conservatories, so...) It's quite a nice voice, presence, etc., but -- like every singer I've ever known -- there's always work to be done. (Seriously, every good singer is always trying to get better. Even Renee Fleming. Even Domingo. That's part of being an artist.) But she has tremendous guts to do this and she acquits herself beautifully. It's an inspiring performance that should remind us all to take chances whenever -- and wherever -- we can.