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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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1132 Comments

121. Caty -
I think you are totally right,they maybe good now,but what will they sound like when they are 13 or 14??

122. TomS -
Next stunt will have them both performing an opera scene together. As a last resort they can work together. He can set on her knee and play a ventriloquist dummy

123. Keith -
This whole thing is a put on. Kid can really sing of course but they just happened to have Jackson's song all ready to go the instant they ask him what else can you sing? Audience reaction seemed coached too as if they just heard the actual Michael Jackson for the first time. This is brilliant hype at its best to get the show (money makers) some big buzz.

124. fed -
yes, i agree. pie is excellent

125. fed -
i ate pizza for lunch. it was good.

126. Yahoo! Music User -
they are both good and no madder how hard we try we can't have any say in it if the judges think one is better than the other

127. Abbey -
I watched it and he was super good! Simon can be mean though sometimes your have to admit. But good for that kid!!

128. Yahoo! Music User -
He was WONDERFULLY GOOD!!!!!!!!!

129. Yahoo! Music User -
jazzybar10 is big wannabe.

130. Yahoo! Music User -
i know i agree with Didi..
simon cowell god he is..well...SATAN!!!

131. Mackenzie -
wow

132. Sithong -
I have watched the performance of Shaheen Jafargholi. I was a bit surprised by: (i) the reaction of Simon on the first song of Shaheen; (ii) then, Simon asked for a second song; and finally (iii) the standing ovation by Simon, which never happened during the first rounds of BGT. These incidents push me to think that this is a make-up scene and the reaction of Simon seemed to be instructed by the BGT's production. I do think that the main motive of this make-up is to (i) increase the popularity of BGT and to (ii) make the young Shaheen Jafargholi a future profitable product for the relevant recording company.

In conclusion, there is no doubt about the good voice of the young boy. However, there was a trick of make-up. If you don't agree, please revisit the clip on Youtube and then observe the reactions of Simon.

Cheers,

133. Earl E -
Yet another "singer" who can't decide what note to sing, so he tries them all. We used to call it yodeling. Not the type talented Welsh singers I'm used too. Bet Michael likes him, I didn't.

134. doglover -
Darren your soooo rite! i mean come on!

135. Yahoo! Music User -
Susan and Shaheen both have wonderful talent. However, I still think Susan will take the whole competition. Shaheen has a lot of maturing to do, and sorry, but Connie Talbot OWNS the cute factor!!

136. Tom W -
Susan Boyle has far more talent and range of abilities. The young man may be there someday but please people, be realistic.

137. Lidz -
Simon was a freakin jeark!

138. DanE -
Yes, but he's 12. Let's see him do that at 19, after his voice breaks.

139. fed -
and i am even better

140. robert -
Please... come on....Susan Boyle...people who are stuck in "reality shows" to underscore their lack of relevance can give it up now. Susan has sung and that's what you were all waiting for. Go home.
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