Connie Talbot – Pint Sized Magic

Welcome back to The Expressionist Magazine

Watching eight seasons of American Idol, we all know how rough the judges can be; none more ruthless than Simon Cowell.  When it’s his turn to judge, you will always see the contestants tense up awaiting their tongue lashing.  So let’s go across the pond to England, Cowell’s home, where a new show similar to American Idol is on the tele, as they would say, called Britain’s Got Talent.

Picture it from this contestant’s point of view. Here we are in this large theatre, packed to capacity, among the onlookers are three judges including Cowell.  As one contestant comes and performs you see what you think is a great artist being told “no,” having their dreams crushed, and probably a bit more gruff by the ruthless Cowell. Then you realize it’s your turn.  You watch the other contestant walk off stage and wonder, they were good, they didn’t make it, what does that mean for me?  You walk out behind the curtain to see the thousands of people and the sharp glance from the judges… now that’s intimidation.

From the audience point of view, when she comes out all eyes are on the judges to see their reaction to her.  Two are nodding, while Cowell puts his hand over his mouth and looks down like “Oh, here we go.”  On stage is an adorable pint sized girl with long brown hair and big bright eyes holding a microphone almost as big as she is, engulfed by an oversized stage which makes her look even smaller (but that would soon change).  With an amazing smile, the audience awes and the place grows very silent.  Nerves would be causing most to shake at this point in time, however, Connie is calm, cool and collected. Mom, on the other hand, is behind the curtain more nervous than her six-year-old daughter, who just walked in front of the judges to perform.  Cowell tells her to proceed.

Little Connie opens her mouth and what she releases is nothing shy of the angels singing themselves.  Her beautiful voice, pitch perfect, could only be duplicated by a song bird. Her incredible innocence is magical, so much so, it brings a tear to your eye as she sings “Over the Rainbow.”  The audience is stunned quiet.  Finally, Connie finishes up to a roar of applause; a full standing ovation.  The judges quickly gave her rave reviews. Connie looks calm and cool but then it comes to the always stern Cowell.  He says, “Connie, I am going to talk to you like an adult… because you deserve it (and that isn’t usually good coming from him). I thought you were brilliant.” Those words brought forth a smile from ear to ear on young Connie’s face as she was sent to the next round.

“Simon’s not mean at all, honestly… I think it’s just an act. So, he’s like a big teddy bear… Yeah, he’s really nice,” Connie says laughing.

Connie would go on to place second on Britain’s Got Talent, not bad for a six-year-old phenom that just stole the hearts of millions across the world.  Connie’s music is very pure, very clean and very innocent.  Anyone that watches her can see why she captures your heart.  Connie has been singing since she could talk.  Her parents and family have always been a major influence for her to do what she loves best and they are there every step of the way helping this amazing girl achieve her dreams, and fulfill the demand of her fans to hear her sing across the globe.

Recently, on her trip to Jamaica, Connie filmed her first music video off her debut album, Three Little Birds sung by the legendary Jamaican born singer Bob Marley.  Connie takes this song and makes it her own, while keeping the feel of the song that Marley created.  If he was here today, I think he would be very pleased with her version of his song, and proud that she taped it in his home country.  You can see the video on Connie’s website, and the home page of The Expressionist.

This winter the world is in for a treat. PBS has picked Connie to host her own holiday special called The Holiday Magic Special with Connie Talbot.  She is currently in Pennsylvania taping the show, of which she very well could be the youngest host of a holiday special in U.S. history.  The show will air live on PBS around the nation in December, and will be released on DVD for the rest of the world to see, and for those who missed the special.  Connie hopes everyone will watch her sing the magic of the holidays, especially when she sings “Ave Maria,” her favorite holiday song because it’s in another language.

If that isn’t amazing enough, Connie was named the official 2009 Toys For Tots Ambassador, and has co-designed a specific bracelet (of which has some pretty beads, as she says) for the Toys For Tots charity.  They go on sale soon and she hopes everyone will buy one to help out this great cause.

Connie’s years beyond her age and may have the same impact Princess Diana did on the world, and for her, there is no better time to start than now.  Her courage and energy will take her far, as she spreads her talent to the millions.  I got to admit, I am a huge fan!

Don’t miss Connie’s holiday special to air on PBS in December, and to find out more about this pint sized phenom, go to her web site at www.connietalbot.com. Don’t forget to check out her podcast interview with The Expressionist Magazine on Artist One on One.