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Susan Boyle Eclipsed By 12-Year-Old Talent

Posted Mon Apr 20, 2009 12:41pm PDT by Billy Johnson, Jr. in Video Ga Ga

Britain's Got Talent hopeful Susan Boyle became an overnight sensation last week with her moving performance of "I Dream A Dream" from the Broadway musical Les Miserables. Her back story of being a 48-year-old plain Jane who had never been kissed and lives with her cat helped her rack up tens of millions of YouTube video plays in days.


But 12-year-old Shaheen Jafargholi from Mount Pleasant, Swansea appears to have the goods to eclipse Boyle.

Jafargholi's performance Saturday night on the competition show has given the Internet yet another new buzz.

Initially, Jafargholi's fate did not look so promising when he began singing Amy Winehouse's "Valerie." Though his pure vocals were evident, judge Simon Cowell stopped him just seconds into the song to tell him that he was headed in the wrong direction and asked him what else he sang.

Instead of being crushed, the savvy preteen immediately responded with The Jackson 5's "Who's Loving You?" (Click image below to see him perform.)

From the first note of the track, Jafargholi won over Cowell, the other judges and audience.

Susan Boyle is incredible, but personality plays a big part on these shows. It is going to be tough for a humble, middle aged woman who is hesitant to get a makeover to pose stiff competition for a cute kid who is quick on his feet and able to tackle a Michael Jackson song.

While Jafargholi's skill is undeniable the Jackson song was not spontaneous or much of a risk for him. Last year, he toured the UK for six weeks performing Jackson music for an elaborate pop concert-style show Wales reports.

Additionally, he already has an impressive resume that includes attending The Mark Jermin Stage School in Swansea since the age of five, appearing in the BBC's Torchwood And Casualty and an ad for Comic Relief.

And if that is not enough competition for Susan Boyle, Jafargholi also offers humility to match.

When asked how he felt when Cowell interrupted his performance and asked him to sing a different song, Jafargholi said he was grateful. "I couldn't believe Simon Cowell had given me a second chance," Jarargholi told Wales. "He's basically God in the music industry."

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1131 Comments

1. Yahoo! Music User -
Simon Cowell is God? Hmmm....most people (kicked off American Idol) call him Satan.

2. -
Susan Boyle is a complete fix. The entire set-up was perfectly packaged -- not a single misstep. Please. Cowell is brilliant when it comes to stunts, you've got to give him that.

3. Kameron -
3rd!!!!!!! Haha. Well I saw his audition and it was great. But Simon just HAD to mess it up. But he is amazing!

4. ♥Bubbly♥ -
haha.

5. Olivia -
Just saw this lil guy's performance...HE WAS AMAZING...yeah, I believe he might actually beat Susan. AMAZING.

6. Maureen -
Simon may be a tough guy to please in the music business but he was please with this young man in the end. Wow what a voice. A lot of talent out there but not a lot of them get to break through. Wow I am amazed by the talent.

7. Katie -
simon cowell is sexy

8. darin -
boyle is hot

9. mad mike -
closer to last than you ^

10. Shannon -
I thought he was ok but the girl was better

11. Yahoo! Music User -
monglooshka mah brooshkaa. susan is is is awesome.

12. Yahoo! Music User -
hes amazing

13. Yahoo! Music User -
Well, I think its pretty cool.

14. Cliff -
They are both fantastic and deserve the best

15. CaRLa YebRA -
wow.....that b guts!!
it amazein:)

16. D -
Just like chicagodan, I have nothing to do with the show. Therefore, just like chicagodan, there is no way Simon could keep his plans secret from me. Rest of the world yes, me and chicagodan, no. Come out of the basement once in a while, dan, you need the fresh air.

17. DiDi -
No, doesn't do it for me. Besides, the boy's voice WILL change.
I am beginning to think if we continue to worship these young folks, we may be contributing to their downfall. ie: Miley, Britney,etc.

18. Lela -
Hmmm, I never though that it all might have been staged. One never knows does one?

19. Addictiondoc -
What did he sound like?

20. Abby -
he is sooooooooooooo cute!!!!!!!!!! ha ha ha!!!!!!!!!!
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