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E-mailElaine Paige's apology to Susan Boyle not good enough
Published Saturday, January 30, 2010, 9:07 AM
Updated Saturday, January 30, 2010, 12:45 PM
Superstar singer Susan Boyle
Elaine Paige's comments on Susan Boyle were too bad to be true, and she has now apologized.
She stated "I wasn’t referring to Susan herself; I was referring to the speed of her fame spreading as fast as a worldwide viral marketing campaign. I am a huge supporter of Susan Boyle and admire what she has achieved.
“I have always said it’s very hard for someone to be fast-tracked to stardom without any prior experience – I know this as it happened to me when ‘Evita’ opened and I found it extremely difficult in the beginning.
“Today, of course, it’s much harder with the phenomenon of the internet – Facebook, YouTube, etc. - it seems it only takes minutes for fame to spread around the world - and that’s why I used the word ‘virus.'"
Why do I not believe her?
Because I think Paige, like many other major stars, has just not been able to accept the Susan Boyle story for what it is – a global phenomenon, built on the internet and whizzed around the world faster than the speed of sound. Paige probably genuinely believes that Boyle does not deserve the trappings of fame and fortune and believes they came to early and too soon for her.
But nothing could be further from the truth.
Susan Boyle struggled every day of her life – and continues to do, in a world that was often hostile to her.
Her early days were a battle against bullyings and beatings. Her later life was consumed with long-term care of her mother and trying to find a role for herself after she passed on.
Susan Boyle has had nothing handed to her, far from it – she has spent enough time at the table waiting for her aces to show up. When they did, she proved she could play with the best of them – including Ms. Paige.
I think Elaine and all those other performers who have voiced their criticism of Boyle should accept her for what she is – the first superstar of the new decade, an unlikely story where Cinderella became the princess. Maybe then they would calm down.
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Posted by TwoStep on Feb 24, 2010, 10:17 AM ESTPoor *old* Elaine Paige. Someone should tell her that jealousy will just increase those lines.
Posted by Watereskhill on Feb 07, 2010, 11:22 PM EST
The superb styled coif of 'Evita' that gave Elaine Paige class in London's West End Theatre district now comes across an Elvira wig with 'Cats' claws. I am not convinced of her 'apology'.
Posted by Temerity on Feb 06, 2010, 05:52 AM EST
roseofengland I read your comment with interest. In actually fact no one has ever come to world fame as mindbogglingly swifty and as easily as Susan Boyle.I saw Elaine Paige and Susan Boyle singing together and Elaine Paige couldn't have been warmer or more gracious even as Susan Boyle was given extra applause when she appeared and started to sing. If Elaine Paige at 64 years of age doesn't appreciate that because of Susan Boyle's admiration her career has been given a shot in the arm with world wide free publicity right at the time when her career could have been about to decline she would have to be a fool.She may have sung with Susan expecting her expertise and stage craft and singing would out shine Susan. That didn't happen. Susan was not intimidated and her voice was purer and sweeter than Elaine Paiges and her natural good will towards Elaine Paige showed. The duet was successful because of that.
But has Susan got enough toughness and stamina to continue to survive in the Entertainment world that still remains to be seen.
Posted by KathyMu on Feb 05, 2010, 05:45 PM EST
OldSchoolFan, come on, in that duet Elaine sounded like a nasal Mimmie Mouse.
She can act and has experience, but certainly she certainly doesn't have the best voice out there.
Posted by OldSchoolFan on Feb 04, 2010, 08:04 PM EST
I think Elaine was right and needs to stop apologizing. She spoke the truth. You may like Susan's voice, but she has zero performing skills. She's not a professional. And if she's the first superstar of the new decade then we are in for a lot of substandard entertainment. There's nothing wrong with striving for excellence or demanding it of the people you pay to see perform.
Posted by MalcomAC on Feb 04, 2010, 12:55 PM EST
Do we know if Paige has talked directly to Boyle?
Posted by polison on Feb 04, 2010, 02:37 AM EST
Another vicious bitch behind the artfully acquired middle upper class facade. At least. At least the two bitches before her did not act classy.
Posted by Liamkeyes on Feb 03, 2010, 04:31 PM EST
I think that Susan should just keep on singing!
Posted by KathyMu on Feb 03, 2010, 02:31 AM EST
When you come down to it, every time that Elaine was interviewed or appeared with Susan Boyle, it got Elaine on TV, pretty darn good publicity.
I think that when she was questioned last week, she slipped up and said more than she wanted to say. She only explained away the virus statement, not any of the others.
Oh yes, she's tired of being asked about Susan, and a tad jealous because she thinks that Susan's had it easy. I thought that Elaine was very talented even though I preferred Susan's voice to hers.
I lost respect for her now.
Posted by skywriter on Feb 02, 2010, 10:16 PM EST
It's worth remembering that this story, with its quotes, first appeared in a tabloid, then spread around the Internet like...well, like a virus. WE CAN'T TRUST THOSE GUYS, REMEMBER? When the rags gin up something about Susan, we don't believe them and call them on it. Why would we persist in believing the Daily Mail, when Ms. Paige has gone on the air to refute their version and apologize in person? And since when is Niall O'Dowd the arbiter of whose apologies are good enough? Once again, I am disappointed in Irish Central's embrace of tabloid reporting, and especially in Mr. O'Dowd's arrogance at rejecting a heartfelt apology from a generous and gracious lady. In this very space, I recall a similar rant against kind, gentle Robin Williams over the rumor that he was to play Susan in a movie. That turned out to be another tabloid fiction, but the scathing words were never retracted, and there was no apology for them at all. This sudden rush to battle stations at every real or perceived insult to Susan doesn't do her any favors. She refuses to even acknowledge the unpleasantness, so we might do well to withhold instant judgments and speak in more measured terms. What we should do is demand accuracy and fairness from those who write about Susan, and call them to account for anything less.
Posted by Ta28281 on Feb 02, 2010, 08:28 PM EST
I 100% agree with you, Niall. The apology was just not enough. I didn't even know who Elaine Paige was until Susan mentioned her name on the audition clip. Elaine should thank Susan for that. She is simply jealous of Susan. I just don't like Elaine Paige.
Posted by RandyKay on Feb 02, 2010, 12:44 PM EST
I agree. The apology falls short. There was nothing complimentary in anything she said, with or without her explanation or clarification.
Posted by roseofengland on Feb 02, 2010, 10:30 AM EST
Quote from columnist in Daily Mail
Subo, It’s Who You Know
Anyone who saw Elaine Paige sing I Know Him So Well with Susan Boyle would have been struck by SuBo’s hero worship of the Evita star.
So it came as something of a surprise to hear Ms Paige describe Susan as unworthy of fame and fortune, dismissing her as a ‘virus that swept the world.’
Perhaps if Miss Boyle had enjoyed the benefit of musical, ambitious, middle-class parents, been a natural beauty and had an eight-year affair with Tim Rice, one of the most powerful men in musical theatre, the Britain’s Got Talent singer might have got to the top as quickly as Ms Paige.
Posted by polison on Feb 02, 2010, 09:08 AM EST
Susan said she aspired to be as successfull as EP because of her choice of song IDAD. That put almost retire EP into the limelight one more time and pocketed a few more pennies. Susan could have said she aspired to be as successful as Barbra Striesand or somebody else. So EP ought to be grateful and careful with her uneducated comments.
Posted by ganjadec on Feb 02, 2010, 08:46 AM EST
Who really cares?
Posted by AmericanReader on Feb 01, 2010, 10:17 PM EST
It think this was a bunch of tabloid nonsense. Elaine has been there for Susan since day one and I don't believe for a minute that Elaine would disrespect Susan.
Posted by wizardofoz on Feb 01, 2010, 09:57 PM EST
“One swallow does not a summer make.” Susan’s voice may not be as clear or powerful as Elaine’s but it is lovely. Thanks to YouTube Susan has indeed ‘swept’ the world like a ‘virus’ bad chose of words there.
There should be no comparison betwixt these two songbirds. Elaine is an actress who sings, the first lady of British Musical Theatre. Susan has a long road to hoe before she can lift that mantle. It seems no one should open their mouths about Susan, or hold a negative opinion on the manner of her success, lest the baying pundits crucify them. I wish Susan all the best; she deserves all the success she is getting. I fear for her, one slip-up and the press will turn on her, the British press love to build someone up, but even more than that, they relish tearing them down. I hope and pray our little Scottish dilettante enjoys her moment in the sun; she will need very careful management with good PR protection foremost in all areas. If this be the case, Susan, can travel the world and sell many recordings and make millions for others less talented. EMI bought half of London on the backs of the Beatles.
Posted by LinLinisme on Feb 01, 2010, 08:53 PM EST
Great Article. I always though Elaine Paige was a lady and I am so happy that she has apologized for her statements.
It is so very ease to have our words twisted,
Carry On Susan Boyle, Has the Queen send you a COMMAND PERFORMANCE yet? If not, she is rather late with it, don't you think?
Posted by pomsarepeople on Feb 01, 2010, 07:50 PM EST
Good article, Niall. Elaine has made comments over this past year, with a smile of course, that Susan's success via "the you tube..??" was odd, surprising, and somewhat provincial and chuckled at the idea that Susan would ever have the stamina for a stage career. So, I'm not surprised that her "chilly" comments are becoming harder and harder to conceal. Elaine did it the hard way and kudos to her. They didn't have the Internet when she started out. I just don't get this continued attempt to marginalize Susan as if she is still a flavor of the week and everyone will soon snap out of it.
Posted by jacersisityourself on Feb 01, 2010, 06:40 PM EST
I agree with Temerity. I’m extremely disappointed with this article from Niall O’D. Elaine Paige happens to be one of my favourite singers – two of her recordings, ‘Stages’ and ‘Cinema’ amongst others have gone down in music history as runaway successes of her time and she became extremely wealthy because of that. Susan is on record for saying she would like to be like Elaine, who back in the early ‘80s was just another singer hoping to make it good. She did make it good, like Susan an undiscovered talent, until her renditions of ‘Evita’ songs hit the front pages. I’m pretty sure that Elaine will not begrudge Susan her success. I’m pretty sure too that someone will suggest that Susan reproduces ‘Stages’ and ‘Cinema’ just so that a direct comparison can be made. As if. I even made a comment when Susan hit the world’s stage, that she would earn Elaine Paige a few more millions. When I very first heard Elaine Paige’s voice I thought I’d never heard a voice like hers (but I also said the same about Maria Callas). Then came along Susan and her voice and I found myself saying the same. In my music library they’re both equals. Both have superb effortless powerful voices. Like Maria’s.
Posted by Temerity on Feb 01, 2010, 05:55 PM EST
I Respectfully disagree with you Niall. Elaine Paige is a tried and true performer and has won her laurels the hard way.True.ofcurse she is going to be a bit sceptical about 'Susan's tsunami rise to fame via the Internet.She might even be a little jealous that she didn't have the Internet behind her when she was younger.However after seeing them perform together and after Elaine Paige met Susan personally I would say she was captivated by Susan and her uniqueness.
and has a genuine fondness for her as Susan undoubtedly had for her.Let it be. At 64 Elaine Paige is grateful for the added spotlight and Susan Boyle's admiration of her being the cause,gives her a unique status.I think it is the bad side of Media trying to sell .whatever.
Posted by gardenangel on Feb 01, 2010, 04:34 PM EST
I agree 100% with this article. You would need to pay attention to all Elaine's interviews and all the little not so subtle hints that she thinks Susan and the shows that produce entertainers like Susan are a joke. Good insight NIALL! That's why she is just focusing on the viral part of it, she can't explain the other remarks because she knows what she meant to say, she did.
Posted by FromAsia on Feb 01, 2010, 01:13 PM EST
Naill, please drop this issue. Elaine is a victim herself. The tabloids twisted her words and cruelly pushed her to this. Also, don't look at workd, look at actions! She indeed supported Susan from the start.
Posted by MalcomAC on Feb 01, 2010, 11:00 AM EST
It's the "pride" comments Paige made I don't 'get'.
Posted by LydiaMor on Feb 01, 2010, 10:35 AM EST
Shame on you Niall for allowing this column to even exist. You have permitted the negative to creep into your once supportive writings of Susan Boyle. You have allowed respondents like Pebbles here who can’t even remember the exact words Elaine spoke to use the words against her. You seem to be sacrificing your once honorable role as a journalist to thrash a respectable lady of the British theatre. I am a fan of Susan Boyle and I am disgusted with your lapse of judgment. Maybe we should make a big deal that you were late to Susan Boyle’s quilt presentation. Headline: Naill O’Dowd Misses Luncheon Shuns Subo!.
Posted by Pebbles on Feb 01, 2010, 10:01 AM EST
I agree with you. Also, when Elaine appeared with Susan doing the suet on Susan's program, she made a remark referring to the fact that Susan came along at a time when the world needed a diversion(I'm paraphrasing here) as though it wasn't just Susan's talent that got her where she is. Elaine is jealous and the duet was meant to make Elaine look good, her being Susan's idol. Nothing as you said has been handed to Susan. What Susan lacked was opportunity, not talent. We are fortunate she was given that opportunity.
Posted by myriamdom on Feb 01, 2010, 09:35 AM EST
(Sorry, I have tapped a wrong key) If I may continue...
LIKE a "virus" which means what happened to Susan is like a virus it spread so fast. I would say the tabloid owes apology to Elaine Paige. Perhaps they should let their brain work first before their hands with pens. My best wishes to both lovely ladies.
Posted by myriamdom on Feb 01, 2010, 09:32 AM EST
I feel sorry for Elaine Paige. Just like Susan Boyle she also now is a victim of narrow-minded (?) tabloid writers of sensation-oriented-thru-bad-gossip writers. Elaine Paige's comment on Susan as a"virus" was taken out of context. Perhaps it's just the wrong grasp of words. I will agree that she doesn't mean Susan is a "virus" but it's that what happen to Susan is LIKE
Posted by JolyJoly on Jan 31, 2010, 10:16 PM EST
I don't think Ms. Paige owes Susan an apology, I think her remarks were misrepresented just as Susan's have so often been, and that she is owed an apology by the tabloids. I'm sure Susan understands that, if anyone does. By now she knows where Elaine stands.
I hope we can keep perspective, because no one needs to keep proving themselves over and over, and Elaine has already proved her respect for Susan. For instance, when the media perverted the meaning of her line about Susan's success being like a virus, may I point out that we call highly successful cd's "viral"? So let's all please stay sane and be on guard against media hype as they try to get us worked up enough to keep their sagging careers going.
Posted by Madeleine on Jan 31, 2010, 06:05 AM EST
I don't know who elaine paige is, I've never heard of her, I don't know if she said those things or not so I am not going to bash her until I do. I do know that Susan Boyle would not be this popular if she had no talent, she has a wonderful voice and a lot of expressions in her voice,she is just plain talented. The woman sold almost two million records the first month out, people wouldnt' buy them if they didnt' like hearing her. I'm very happy for her and I hope she stays around for a long time. I did hear Sharon Osborn first hand, with my own ears and it just proves she has no class at all, she should be ashamed of herself considering she had everything known to modern science to make the transformation from a very fat dowdy unattractive housewife /manager to what she considers a glamourous comedianne. she is neither. Anything anyone says in the negative about Susan Boyle is just jealous, thats all.
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