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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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Sparklet | Sep 11, 2010, 11:46 AM EDT

There's room for both of them. Susan Boyle's emotional difficulties are renowned, so good luck to her. Mary is great and I love watching her, but it's not fair to compare them. Or necessary.

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LoriMB1 | Sep 08, 2010, 02:30 AM EDT

A fan saw Susan arrive today 9/7/10 at LAX. I have a ticket to see her perform tomorrow on America's Got Talent, but I think her performance will be aired next week. Does anyone know?? Either way I'm so excited to be there!!!

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flamefromlake | Sep 05, 2010, 11:23 AM EDT

Thanks, dianechu. Wow! What a huge event! I can only wish I were one of the lucky thousands who have tickets to see Susan's 9/16 Glasgow performance. But I'm sure there'll be videos to enjoy...Excited & anxious to hear Susan sing on AGT Wednesday. She's an awesome & very much loved lady.

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dianechu | Sep 05, 2010, 12:42 AM EDT

Sorry about the repetition. Thought something happened to it when it didn't appear.

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dianechu | Sep 05, 2010, 12:30 AM EDT

Flamefromlake, Susan will be performing on September 16 in Glasgow for the pope. There will be 100000 people there and it will broadcasted to a billion listeners

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dianechu | Sep 05, 2010, 12:26 AM EDT

flamefromlake, She will be performing for the pope in Glasgow for 100000 people broadcasted to 1 billion listeners.

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dianechu | Sep 05, 2010, 12:08 AM EDT

Flamefromlake, Susan will performing at Bellahouston Park in Glasgow. She will be singing for the pope. She will be performing IDAD, How Great Thou Art and an unknown song. I understand that 100000 people will be there and it will be broadcasted to a billion listeners.

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flamefromlake | Sep 04, 2010, 10:16 PM EDT

dianechu -- Could you tell me where Susan will be performing on the 16th?

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dianechu | Sep 04, 2010, 01:17 AM EDT

Both Sept. 8th and the 16th are going to be great days!! Susan will be performing. Yes!!!

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LoriMB1 | Sep 04, 2010, 12:14 AM EDT

Susan will be singing on America's Got Talent this Wednesday, Sept. 8th...Yeah!!!

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JoJoSheehan | Sep 03, 2010, 09:12 PM EDT

Bless you Mary you were fabulous! You have a beautiful voice and you look fantastic. Fair play to you girl I really hope you do well you deserve it

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javajak | Sep 03, 2010, 07:28 PM EDT

To each his own.

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Conjoly | Sep 03, 2010, 07:09 PM EDT

Susan Boyle was more of a surprise, but Mary's better I think.

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LoriMB1 | Sep 02, 2010, 11:53 PM EDT

My heart belongs to Susan Boyle. I love her and her beautiful voice, which can give me chills and can make me cry. As to Mary, I loved her song choice and her singing gave me chills. I would like to hear more from her, and I wish her all the best as she seems very nice. And back to Susan, I'm anxiously waiting for her new CD!!!

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flamefromlake | Sep 02, 2010, 08:11 PM EDT

This woman, Mary, is probably a very nice person and is an average singer. She was very flustered at the end, blowing her bangs off her face and just about got thru the ordeal (for her) it was obvious. She brought quite a cheering section with her. Susan Boyle did none of this and sang with great poise and extraordinary vocal range and magical beauty of voice. She conquered judges, audience and the world. She cannot be compared to by anyone.

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