So for the record, he apparently attended a performing arts high school, but "could not continue with any professional training because of his financial situation" (according to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Choi_Sung-Bong). So he is by no means a street urchin who had never sung before.

There was also a bit of a controversy because he apparently stated that he had been trained to sing in high school but it was edited out for television audiences. This would not be the first such occurrence, as recently on So You Think You Can Dance the choreography performed by two of the performers was directly lifted from another group (called Les Twins), and nonetheless praised for its originality - apparently the duo did credit their source, but it was edited out to make them appear more impressive.

I also learned from this research that apparently Susan Boyle had recorded a CD for charity before her appearance, and Paul Potts had been an amateur operatic singer who had taken a masterclass with Pavarotti.

For the inevitable cries of "hater" out there - I do not think that this diminishes their talent or achievement, or how tough this kid's life has clearly been. But people do not just turn into semi-professional opera singers by practicing in their rooms...

@Abel_Prisc: I might have overreacted a little there, but I was reacting to the title of the Video "10-Year Old Releases Demon of 55-Year Old Opera Singer" and the general hype surronding "amateur" opera singers like Paul Potts (who had some professional opera training by the way) and the like.

To quote myself: "Considering she's just ten, this is an amazing voice"

Considering she's just ten, this is an amazing voice, but please keep it real. Compare her performance of "O mio Bambino caro" to that of a seasoned opera singer on a pure technical basis and its crap. And nobody in their right mind would expect it to be different. This takes years and years of training. Not just talent.

Just compare a seasoned opera singer like Angela Gheorghiu http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ul9OTShQ_rc

or even the absolute top of opera singers Maria Callas: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rxy4qrnKwVo

Sorry, but the word opera star get's thrown around a lot, Eropeans might remmeber the Paul Potts, who, like this girl sings better than I ever could but is far from a professional opera singer.

BTW: Common wisdom among professional singer is that if you start to early with difficult parts like this, it will ruin your voice for life.

Pretty sure that no guy who looks like Paul Potts is going to have two hot chick fighting over him.

>> ^blankfist:

Oh, I thought you said, "Sweden's answer to Pol Pot."


Wow... just wow... amazing comment. + 1 to you sir, well played...

Here he is on Britain's Got Talent:
http://www.videosift.com/video/Amazing-opera-singer-on-Britain-has-got-Talent

and winning:
http://www.videosift.com/video/Paul-Potts-Wins-Britains-Got-Talent

Sorry, this guy does an adequate job at a beautiful song (I also hate the vocal wobble, though I've heard worse). It's a great story about overcoming stage fright to share your talent, but it doesn't quite compare to Susan Boyle, and it's nothing compared to the original breakout singer on Britain's Got Talent, Paul Potts: http://www.videosift.com/video/A-Cell-Phone-Salesman-Sings-Opera-Nessun-Dorma

>> ^legacy0100:
Definitely big improvement from Paul Potts.
Goddamn I still can't get over the fact that he was considered 'good'.


Whoa there.

Definitely big improvement from Paul Potts.

Goddamn I still can't get over the fact that he was considered 'good'.

I'm impressed but not that impressed. Maybe it is just the sound quality, but she doesn't seem to have a very large range. I agree with EndAll that they all wanted another Paul Potts.

>> ^EndAll:
As endearing as this was, it was kinda weird how they were all outta their seats and cheering madly the second she started. I think they were getting impatient for another Paul Potts type.


You're fucking joking ain't you?

The moment she started singing my hairs stood on end. Coupled with the fact that EVERYONE was thinking "who the fuck is this weirdo?" 10 quid says no one will think that again, specially when she's all dolled up by professional fashion/makeup dudez.

Apparently she's 47, lives on her own with her cat, never been kissed, and the children mock her in the street. I could think of no one more deserving.

And what's more is, by the way she was walking off the stage, it's clear that was the best thing she's ever done, ever. The most amazing moment of her life and i'm so happy for her.

Edit: The sound quality is shit, it's selling her voice short.

>> ^EndAll:
As endearing as this was, it was kinda weird how they were all outta their seats and cheering madly the second she started. I think they were getting impatient for another Paul Potts type.


Perhaps it's because the audience has the emotional and mental breadth and depth of a thimble.

As endearing as this was, it was kinda weird how they were all outta their seats and cheering madly the second she started. I think they were getting impatient for another Paul Potts type.

Tags for this video have been changed from 'nessun, dorma, opera, simon, cowell' to 'nessun, dorma, opera, simon, cowell, paul potts, britains got talent' - edited by calvados

Tags for this video have been changed from 'simon, cowell, whatsherface, the other one, tv, show, talent, contest, parody, ashens' to 'simon, cowell, whatsherface, the other one, tv, show, talent, contest, ashens, paul potts' - edited by calvados