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An American in Ireland by The Yank

I'd watch Mary from Dublin over Susan Boyle any day

Posted on Saturday, August 28, 2010 at 05:15 PM

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The "next Susan Boyle", how many times have you heard that? This week the British press was full of that with regards to Mary Byrne from Dublin, a 50-year-old supermarket check-out clerk whose audition for Simon Cowell & friends was scheduled for tonight.

Well, I just watched Mary's audition for the British X-Factor and the truth is I'd rather watch and listen to Mary {photograph} over Susan Boyle any day. Is she a better singer? I don't know, but based on this one 3 minute song Mary is a much better performer than Susan Boyle.

Maybe this will irk or even anger a few of you, but I find it very hard to watch Susan Boyle. Can she sing? Sure, but to me there's always something missing from her performances. I find it even more glaring when I watch her. I couldn't tell you what it is exactly, but I just don't enjoy watching Susan Boyle perform.

For that reason I think Mary has a right to feel aggrieved any time someone calls her the "next Susan Boyle." The contest has a long way to run and maybe it won't work out for Mary as it has for Susan Boyle - no riches, no fame, no tabloid pressures - but regardless Mary has the right to think the world of herself right now.

For a woman of that age, from a working class background and who admits to having a "low self esteem" to put on the show she did tonight was amazing. I hope she goes on to great success on the X-Factor, but whether she wins or not becomes rich and famous or not doesn't matter to me. As far as I'm concerned Susan Boyle should be so lucky.

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dublingausafan | Sep 01, 2010, 09:26 PM EDT

very sweet lady - nice voice -- but susan boyle has got the magic that has charmed so many of us and susan does sing from her heart and does draw her audience in- so take nothing from her- jw

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dianechu | Aug 31, 2010, 10:53 PM EDT

Actually Susan Boyle has a more polished and beatifully poised prescence on stage. It exudes confidence,and the sound comes directly from her center. Its essence is angelic and stunning. Just watch the duet with Elaine Paige. It says it all!

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gcwfromcanada | Aug 31, 2010, 02:58 AM EDT

I rarely watch these kinds of shows after 15 years in radio but I cannot remember the last time I actually got chills listening to a performer. Mary Byrne is not the next Susan Boyle - she is herself, a truly gifted performer who has at last, found her voice! Fantastic Mary! Best of luck to you on the show!

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irishgold | Aug 30, 2010, 10:27 PM EDT

WOW go for it Mary looking forward to see more of that great voice

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jenjen123 | Aug 30, 2010, 05:40 PM EDT

Mary is very good, but she is no Susan Boyle. I wonder when the media will stop using the next Susan Boyle phase. There is only one Susan Boyle. I know there are many talented singers in the UK, but there is something really special about Susan Boyle. I don't know what it is, I just can not stop listening to her music. Other contestants who are being compared to Susan are very talented and they are unique in their own way. Best of luck to all of them.

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vickila12 | Aug 30, 2010, 04:14 PM EDT

Lovely and exciting....it is VERY difficult to do that song and many of the fabulous Tom Joneses songs...she did a great job...go girl!!!

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javajak | Aug 30, 2010, 01:17 PM EDT

busterbrown, Your remark to dianechu is classic "the pot calling the kettle black". You're the one who is creepy. You're a stalker.

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dianechu | Aug 30, 2010, 11:35 AM EDT

busterbrown, Get a double edged sword to fight the green-eyed monster. I'm rooting for you.

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dianechu | Aug 30, 2010, 11:32 AM EDT

Busterbrown, I think you are obsessed with Susan Boyle. This kind of obsession has to do with the green eyed monster. I suggest you stop trolling and develop the skill so jealousy won't run your life.

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busterbrown | Aug 30, 2010, 11:13 AM EDT

The whole world is NOT at SuBos feet dianechu. You are really creepy.

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dianechu | Aug 30, 2010, 10:53 AM EDT

The Yanke, Susan Boyle doesn't have to be lucky because she has talent and also the whole world is at her feet and for good reason.

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jan281939 | Aug 30, 2010, 10:48 AM EDT

I think Mary is one the best i have heard in a long time she is better than some of the singers of today

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dianechu | Aug 30, 2010, 10:17 AM EDT

Susan is the one who moves people because of her gentle humble nature, beautiful voice, honest and lovely heart, and incredible story. Busterbrown, the reason people go to support her is because they love her. Has nothing to do with money. That's your cynical and creepy interpretation.

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Beppenel | Aug 30, 2010, 09:33 AM EDT

What i think? Wat ik denk doet er eigenlijk niet toe. Maar voor mij is er maar 1 Susan Boyle en net als bij ons in Nederland zoekt 'Holland got talent'en pop stars' en 'my name is'een nieuwe Susan Boyle. Maar ik denk dat dat jaaaaaren gaat duren. Maar voor iedereen die mee doet aan deze talentejachten wens ik iedereen veel sucses. Greetings from one of the biggest Susan Boyle fans in The Netherlands xxx

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Searlit | Aug 30, 2010, 09:05 AM EDT

Great voice Mary has and she sings with much feeling. Applause, applause. I like Susan Boyle, too. They sound quite different, though.

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