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Paul who? I’m sure many of you know him (after more than 23 million hits on his YouTube video) but that was my first reaction upon reading his name from a mobile phone text message a friend sent me earlier. I’ve never heard of the guy before, and certainly don’t know his story. “He will make you cry” was the next part of the message, followed by “just look for his video on YouTube and you’ll know what I mean.” Apparently, my friend was watching Oprah earlier today (probably a rerun) and Paul Potts' video was featured there. I immediately searched for it on YouTube and got the most pleasant surprise.Paul Potts, Paul Potts opera, paul potts cd, paul potts youtube, youtube paul potts, paul potts audition, britain's got talent, paul potts video
It’s an audition video for Britain’s Got Talent (much like American Idol) posted more than eight months ago, featuring a shy mobile phone salesman on a date with destiny.
I bet no one took him seriously when he walked on that audition stage. How could they? Here was this chubby, unassuming guy, obviously very nervous, crooked teeth and all, trying out for a nationally televised talent show. And when he declared he was going to sing opera, the disdain was more obvious. You could see it in the judges’ faces. There was this facial expression of “Oh no, not another oddball” and “Okay, let us hear your terrible opera and get this over with”. But when Paul Potts opened his mouth to sing "Nessun Dorma", their looks changed drastically. Even Simon (yes, he’s a judge there was well) couldn’t help but look up and pay more attention.
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It was electric! You can sense it from the ovation as he belted out his rendition of the operatic aria “Nessun Dorma”. And my friend was correct, it made me cry. I was bowled over by his performance! And judging from what I saw from video snippets of the audience, he had the same effect on them too. I am just a sucker for moments like this - Cinderella stories, the triumph of underdogs, the realization of lifelong dreams. A sentimental at heart (though I won’t readily admit it), I easily get emotional watching scenes like this, even after seeing it repeatedly. It is one of the best "goose bump moments" I have ever witnessed.
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Paul Potts eventually won the competition and was immediately signed to a record deal. In fact, his debut CD “One Chance” is now available in the market. He has since performed to wowed audiences worldwide. But reports say he has held on to his day job as a mobile phone salesman, “to keep him sane” as he claims. How’s that for humility?
Update 0/29/2008: Paul Potts will be coming for a concert on October 08, 2008! I saw the TV ad yesterday and was so excited about the news. I can't wait to see him and hear him sing, and hopefully, meet him as well. (Paul Potts Manila, Philippines concert: 10/08/2008 at the PICC)
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