# The Power of Anti-Beauty Susan Boyle's Ordinary Looks Bolster Her Stunning Voice By Cowbag | Published 2009-04-22 | Pop Culture Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/susan-boyle-cry-me-a-river References: [youtube](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jI2DxkrgpgQ) I adore this recording of 'Cry Me a River' by Susan Boyle for so many reasons. For a start, you would never in a million years put this sexy sultry voice to the face of the singer. I think this amazing recording also shows how clever Simon Cowell is. For years Susan, with this very [angelic voice](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/music-deserves-bose), was a loser in talent contests and was was overlooked time and time again. Why? Well, clearly the [image was not right](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/we-belong-to-something-beautiful). Simon saw her and saw pound signs... and the world agreed with him, clearly… Susan Boyle's appeal lies much in the fact that she looks like an [ordinary woman](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/doves-super-bowl-ad), and is not a young, fit, fashionable stunner like most successful singers today. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.0/10 - Popularity: 46% | Activity: 7% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Pop Culture](https://www.trendhunter.com/popculture) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Authenticity-in-beauty:** Opportunity to tap into the growing demand for real, relatable beauty by showcasing ordinary looks and embracing imperfections. - **Unexpected-talent:** Disruptive innovation potential in recognizing and promoting talented individuals who defy traditional expectations based on appearance. - **Image-vs-voice:** Exploration of the tension between physical appearance and vocal talent, highlighting the value of prioritizing skill over looks. ### Where This Applies - **Beauty-and-cosmetics:** Innovative opportunities in creating inclusive beauty campaigns that celebrate diverse looks and challenge traditional beauty standards. - **Entertainment:** Potential for shaking up the entertainment industry by discovering and promoting talent based solely on skill, regardless of appearance. - **Music:** New avenues for redefining success in the music industry by valuing raw talent and vocal abilities over conventional beauty standards. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Singing AI Voice Changers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/maibhisinger.md) - [Bravery-Celebrating Short Films](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/all-is-beauty.md) - [Feminine Rebellion Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/songs-of-siren.md) - [Inclusive Beauty Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/judge-beauty.md) - [Hilarious Judicial Beauty Ads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/judge-beauty-1.md) - [TV Personality-Backed Promotions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dominos-6.md) - [Nostalgic Beauty Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/unseenbeauty-initiative.md) - [Age-Celebrating Beauty Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/becauseofmyage.md) - [Authenticity-Celebrating Commercials](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/colgate-commercial.md)