An Inspiring Story of an Unveiled Gift
Originally posted Sunday, October 21.
A few weeks ago, a friend sent me this video link. Have you seen it?
When I first watched it, my eyes blurred. Okay, I confess. They more than blurred—I even had to blow my nose! This morning, another friend sent it. I watched it again and it had the same effect on me. I do like opera, but it had nothing to do with that.
This is more than a "15 minutes of fame" story. There's nothing like seeing the extraordinary emerge from the cocoon of ordinary life. There's nothing like seeing the faces of prejudice or indifference drop like masks in the glow of a gift.
I'd like to collect the first impressions of others. Please share your thoughts about Paul Potts and the power of this moment.
Cell Phone Salesman Amazes Crowd
Part II, second performance
Part III, Added 10-24-07. The polished performance.
-----------------------------------------------
.
FOLLOW UP THOUGHTS
about undiscovered talent:
The comment section has been an interesting exchange of thoughts about talent and courage. LGS directed us to another newly-discovered talent who appeared on the same show as Paul Potts (though not necessarily during the same season) . This little girl is adorable to watch, and this boy singing the National Anthem is equally gifted. [The girl's second performance is little less impressive, but hey, she's seven.]
I must admit, however, I wince a little when I see children in the spotlight of celebrity and superlative praise. They're cute and confident and brimming with talent to be sure, but where does a little person like that go when the adulation stops and the spotlight fades? Equally troubling: How do their lives change forever if the spotlight does not fade? The thought should give parents pause, and yet some gifts bloom early. It's a tough call.
.
Learn all the musical instruments you like. Sing in the choir, etc. But when it comes to being a "child star," better to go through school like a normal kid, I say; better to experience life and then sing about it; better to learn from being broke and then get your big break (as Paul Potts did). Develop your gift, know what it's for, where it came from, and how you hope to use it. Fame is fleeting. Wealth is empty. Success demands more success. You can't know that as a child, and learning it ends your childhood.
.
I have another example that my daughter and I discovered about a month ago. We were watching this link to a performance by a singer named Imogen Heap. She's quite a vocalist, BUT she is not the undiscovered artist I'm talking about below.
.
While watching that link at Youtube, we came across a young lady who calls herself "Cats Will Rule." She has taken the Youtube slogan "Broadcast Yourself" quite literally.
.
The young lady below has excellent pitch and a "haunting" voice. [Her posture and breathing suggest she has not yet had training.] I can imagine her someday being "discovered," and if she is, I hope it doesn't ruin her seemingly happy life. Having said that, watch these clips and see if you agree that this "living room talent" has a unique sound. I have no idea who she is (and hope no one else does either), but if Catswillrule is to be "discovered," it may be a blessing in disguise if it isn't soon.
Speeding cars
Sophia
Fields of Gold
In the Arms of the Angels
Just For Now
Hide and Seek
Dancing
.
.
P.S. I haven't forgotten the Duncan Phyfe story... Please stay tuned.
A few weeks ago, a friend sent me this video link. Have you seen it?
When I first watched it, my eyes blurred. Okay, I confess. They more than blurred—I even had to blow my nose! This morning, another friend sent it. I watched it again and it had the same effect on me. I do like opera, but it had nothing to do with that.This is more than a "15 minutes of fame" story. There's nothing like seeing the extraordinary emerge from the cocoon of ordinary life. There's nothing like seeing the faces of prejudice or indifference drop like masks in the glow of a gift.
I'd like to collect the first impressions of others. Please share your thoughts about Paul Potts and the power of this moment.
Cell Phone Salesman Amazes Crowd
Part II, second performance
Part III, Added 10-24-07. The polished performance.
-----------------------------------------------
.
FOLLOW UP THOUGHTS
about undiscovered talent:
The comment section has been an interesting exchange of thoughts about talent and courage. LGS directed us to another newly-discovered talent who appeared on the same show as Paul Potts (though not necessarily during the same season) . This little girl is adorable to watch, and this boy singing the National Anthem is equally gifted. [The girl's second performance is little less impressive, but hey, she's seven.]
I must admit, however, I wince a little when I see children in the spotlight of celebrity and superlative praise. They're cute and confident and brimming with talent to be sure, but where does a little person like that go when the adulation stops and the spotlight fades? Equally troubling: How do their lives change forever if the spotlight does not fade? The thought should give parents pause, and yet some gifts bloom early. It's a tough call.
.
Learn all the musical instruments you like. Sing in the choir, etc. But when it comes to being a "child star," better to go through school like a normal kid, I say; better to experience life and then sing about it; better to learn from being broke and then get your big break (as Paul Potts did). Develop your gift, know what it's for, where it came from, and how you hope to use it. Fame is fleeting. Wealth is empty. Success demands more success. You can't know that as a child, and learning it ends your childhood.
.
I have another example that my daughter and I discovered about a month ago. We were watching this link to a performance by a singer named Imogen Heap. She's quite a vocalist, BUT she is not the undiscovered artist I'm talking about below. .
While watching that link at Youtube, we came across a young lady who calls herself "Cats Will Rule." She has taken the Youtube slogan "Broadcast Yourself" quite literally.
.
The young lady below has excellent pitch and a "haunting" voice. [Her posture and breathing suggest she has not yet had training.] I can imagine her someday being "discovered," and if she is, I hope it doesn't ruin her seemingly happy life. Having said that, watch these clips and see if you agree that this "living room talent" has a unique sound. I have no idea who she is (and hope no one else does either), but if Catswillrule is to be "discovered," it may be a blessing in disguise if it isn't soon.
Speeding carsSophia
Fields of Gold
In the Arms of the Angels
Just For Now
Hide and Seek
Dancing
.
.
P.S. I haven't forgotten the Duncan Phyfe story... Please stay tuned.
posted by .Tom Kapanka | 8:07 PM
31 Comments:
My husband and I were filled with goosebumps and tears of joy for the incredible voice Paul has. How wonderful that his talent is now known to millions of people, and this experience has given him confidence and selfworth.
Don and Lucile Elmore
Lucy,
Thanks for sending me this link. Gary sent it a few weeks ago and it hit me the same way. It reminded of that video from a year or so ago about that autistic team manager who went into the last home game and sunk seven 3-pointers. For that boy it was "one moment in time," but I think this may be a career change for Paul Potts. Thanks for coming by.
hi tom, paul's life will never be the same again. i believe this is his appointed time and season for bringing him before the world. i got goosebumps also listening to him. in the 2nd video, he seemed to radiate so much more confidence than the 1st video, yet still that quiet humility. i wanted to call and vote for him, but i just couldn't afford the looooooong distance fee. thanx for sharing this with us. i hope you hear how he did and will let us know.
Okay, pass the Kleenex. That was totally incredible. He's much better than Andrea Bocelli, who seems to be the tenor "flavor of the month" but who really isn't a very good singer. This fellow is amazing. I hope to hear more of him.
Tom,
Great blog. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I really enjoyed Paul's story. Aren't we all just a cell phone salesman waiting for someone to tell us, "You are of incredible value?"
Jeff Elmore
HC,
I think you're right. It was his appointed hour. As he put it, "It's what I was born to do." He lacked perhaps the confidence, the looks, the background (though I suspect he is highly trained), but the thing he lacks that will make him a standout in the opera and entertainment world is a big head and the thought that the world revolves around him or his success. Humility and a rare gift--what a powerful combination!
Josie,
I knew you'd like this. So glad you came by and found it. Paul is completely disarming when he talks and inspiring when he sings.
Jeff,
Good to hear from you [a friend and former student]. You're right. When I titled this "I needed this today" it had something to do with what you're saying: our need for purpose--to matter in a world in some way that matters to us.
That was awesome! I really like the Josh Grobin kind of opera. I have a couple of his CD's. You never know what a person might be hiding or is reluctant to share. This reminded me of a student at CCS last year who brought tears to my eyes and I am sure she made her mother so proud at her excellent speaking and singing performance in the Charlie Brown play. I was totally surprised and amazed at her talent.
You for sure can't tell a book by it's cover.
WOW! That is a powerful video! Thanks for sharing it with all of us.
I'm back and loved my visit to Michigan. What a beautiful fall you are having!
Jewell,
I had that same feeling during the play last year. Until try-outs, I didn't know she could sing like that. There was a lot of talent in that production. Here's a little trivia you'll find amusing. The Jeff Elmore in the comment above played Charlie Brown in the same production in 1983. That was the first musical I ever directed.
Nancy,
We'er still having "open window" weather up here. I don't recall such a warm October in my whole life. It has actually delayed the most brilliant colors. They're still a bit muted compared to a typical "frosty" fall, but I'm glad you enjoyed your visit up here. Next visit you must make is when we have a foot or two of snow. I'll bet that doesn't happen in NC.
That's it. The humility and the gift- and the fact that life sometimes gives us opportunities to share them with others. It does seem to be a rare combination in this world. I think it's most often not the gift that is missing in most peoples' lives, but rather the humility. I loved this. I shared it with Chip too. I'll bet that auditorium was amazing to sit in during these performances. The ones where Paul is as amazed at himself as the audience is. THAT is a rare thing to witness. I'll send my Nitty.Gritty. readers your way, if you like. I have nothing that can top this to blog about today. =) By the way...I enjoyed Charlie Brown with Brock at my side last year. He wants to be in a musical someday. I'm sure I could work on props.
Omigosh, Tom, thanks so much for letting me know about Paul and his incredible talent. Of course, I'm a little biased towards Welshmen as I have Welsh blood and I absolutely adore the country. And the 2nd video really hit home because it's the song we played at my mother's funeral 5 years ago. Paul has been given a gift from God and I truly hope and pray he will be able to share that gift with others around the world. As others have asked, please do let us all know what happened in this competition if you ever find out.
Hey you! I posted this on my blog a couple months ago and I never get tired of watching him and the faces of the judges and the crowd. He is wonderfully talented. I can't wait to see how popular he becomes in the future.
I've been so busy with my art that I've not been posting but I AM reading yours when I get a chance. Thanks for remembering me!
Oh and although I had a blast at the football game this is much more my style! :O)
What comes to mind for me when I see this video is someone who gets the rare opportunity to live out his dream. He is inspiring, not because he is 'ordinary' wanting to be 'extraordinary' but because he is courageous enough to go for his dream - to walk in his giftedness - even though he isn't necessarily anyone's idea of what is a 'confident' man. He had the nerve to chase his heart and his passion. For me, as a Believer, it is always always always the sweetest thing to witness another person's journey to embracing their uniqueness. Absolutely powerful...
Rosheeda
love this one..
and for you- read the story and watch the video at the end..
rose
http://cjcphoto.com/can/
Hi Tom,
I had seen this before but Paul Potts deserves as much if not more airing than he is getting. Thanks for raising awareness about him. And if you liked Paul, I would also recommend the following which I think you will like at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QWNoiVrJDsE which is a video of 6 year old Connie Talbot. Cheers.
That boy can sang and i bet people are lining up to buy cell pones from him now.
Nice to see them that were kicked about by their peers shine.
Peace
TWM
Josie,
I had a dentist appointment this morning and there is a conference going on in my office so I'm temporarily able to answer in the middle of a day.
Thanks for the hat tip from Nitty Gritty.Your readers are always welcome here.
I'm confident Brock would enjoy being in a school play and equally confident that you'd be great at any of the creative elements! =)
Leslie,
Until I saw this on the internet, I didn't even know England had the same show--Simon probably originated it over there and brought it here. I'm not sure what season this was, but I do hope we hear Paul Potts puts out a CD whether he won or not.
Tracie,
I didn't see this when you posted it. Last summer I was distracted. =) The internet is funny that way once videos go "viral" they travel from friend to friend in various circles. Glad you've survived this far through the pigskin season.
Rosheeda,
You're right. While he is extraordinary...that is not his goal. He is very brave. He just wants to do what he's gifted to do and for the reasons explained in the second link, he has been picked on and "lacked confidence" much of his life. I think whatever success he has from this experience will not change the appeal of his deep humility.
Thanks for stopping by.
Rose,
Thank you for telling us about Team Hoyt and that inspiring video put to one of my favorite songs:
I wanted to add a link to help others find the video but for some reason the whole text became a link. Click this text and scroll down to the video, Folks.
LGS,
Tracie had seen it, too.
I looked at the link you directed us to.
Seeing little kids perform like that reminds me of when I used to lie on my back and hold my daughters up as they stood in the palms of my outstretched arms. They could stand like that endlessly until my arms were too tired to hold them. Then they’d reach an age sometime between two and three when they were afraid to fall and from then on, it was very hard to keep them in my palms. This little girl is a natural and she’s too young to know that what she’s doing may someday take courage.
I think Rosheeda at "Passionate and Purposed" said above is right about Paul Potts. His courage to face his “lack of confidence” is as extraordinary as his voice. Here’s the link LGS provided.
Six year-old Wows Simon
TWM,
It is a good underdog story, isn't it. I'm hoping he was not in the same season as the six-year-old LGS told us about. I think he would win, but you hate to do that to a little kid. =)
that was amazing. I am generally not a huge fan of opera but even I had goosebumps.And Simons' face was priceless!!!
On a side note, I linked here from Jodi's blog, but: Hi. Mr. Kapanka. This is Sara Hansen that graduated from Walnut Ridge in 1996. Isn't it a small (blogging) world!
I saw this story several weeks ago when a friend sent it to me. I was awed by the singing. I was amused by the faces of the judges. I cried when they gave him a standing ovation.
Sara,
Wow! That's a first! It would be very interesting to know how you first got to Nitty Gritty. You must have been surprised to see who was at Patterns of Ink. Your class was one of the most unforgettable mixes of personalities and characters ever to come through my door. We used to have a good time, didn't we! Did you know your class put a blog together a few years back?
http://wrba-classof96.blogspot.com/
Good to hear from you, Sara.
Here's a post about the class of '86. You may not remember them, but what it says is true. I remember we did "Charlotte's Web" your Junior year and "Diary of Anne Frank" your senior year.
http://patternsofink.blogspot.com/2006_08_01_archive.html
Dr. John,
There is something about a truly spontaneous ovation like that. As you can see from some of the surprises in the comments. I'm really glad I posted it.
All,
As sometimes happens with my posts, some of your thoughts prompted the "Follow Up" at the bottom of the post Tuesday night, after the above string of comments.
Wow. Catswillrule is amazing. I would definately buy her CD if it was available. Great discovery, Tom.
Wow. Catswillrule is amazing. I would definately buy her CD if it was available. Great discovery, Tom.
I viewed the Catswillrule videos. She definitely has a gifted voices -- untrained, but gifted. This is one of the reason I find YouTube and other video resources on line so fascinating. There's real talent out there. Not the Brittany Spears crap, but real talent. Thanks for sharing.
LGS,
I agree.
I agree again.
Just kidding. You must have hit publish twice by mistake. I've done that. I know you like "Fields of Gold." She does a nice job with that once she gets going. Did you like the beverage commercial in the middle? =)
JRT,
My daughter and I can watch Youtube for hours. It's kind of random. You start watching Imogen Heap, a top artist, and then you find yourself equally intrigued by a completely unknown kid. She knows how to pick songs that suit her unique voice.
May her anonymity hold out until she's old enough to keep it all in perspective.
My,my,my... I just never know what I will find when I enter the world of "patterns of ink"! Simon... I mean Tom, you have so many hidden talents that your readers were not aware of! You taught me how to "chain link", you do all of those plays with the kids, you find talent on you tube, and you can tell if someone really knows how to sing. I usually can tell if someone can't sing because I can't sing, but you can actually pick up on the talent and if they have been trained or not. I am amazed... do you really know how gifted you are?
This blogging "stuff" is so much fun... I get to hang out with really intelligent people, which makes me feel so much more intelligent! Now that is a blessing indeed.
Nancy,
I'm just watching game one of the World Series but decided Boston probably has it clinched.
There are a lot of "wanabees" out there on Youtube, but this young singer has a very natural gift, a good ear, and an eye for songs that suit her range. I hope she is just enjoying high school for now. I wonder if her parents know she is doing this on Youtube. I'd be a little nervous about that if she were my daughter. If she never transitions to public performance, perhaps she'll someday simply bless her children with beautiful lullabies.
As for Paul Potts, based on that 3rd video link, I think he will be singing opera or cutting a CD soon.
By the way, I have not directed a play since moving into administration about ten years ago, but I did do it for nearly twenty years. I enjoyed that part of teaching very much.
Loved the Paul Potts story. (So did Jack). When I watched his first performance it was sheer joy! It made me laugh and cry at the same time. I watched it just before I left for school this morning. It inspired me! Each time I thought of it today it made me smile! I also checked the other links that you had posted in "gifts unveiled" when I got home tonight. They were very interesting as well. Isn't amazing to see all the gifts and talents that so many people have? It's even more intriguing to see how they develop them or use them. (Such as your gift for writing :)).
Thanks for sharing, honey!
Love ya
Kathy
Hi, Sis,
I usually don't do comments during the day, but it's lunch break and I thought I'd better say that these kind words are from my sister. =) Don't want to start any rumors at POI.
Thanks for leaving a note, Kathy. I know those squiggly letters are a pain. Maybe I'll take them off to make it easier. Sometimes I have to type them two or three times myself.
Tom
Paul Potts Update:
A few weeks after this post, HeiressChild informed us that Oprah had a show on the most fascinating Youtube broadcast and Paul Potts was one of them. He later one the competition, "got signed," and has already sold over a million dollars worth of records.
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