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To Complete Fairy Tale, Boyle Needs a Makeover

Ugly duckling has to become a swan, fashion writer argues

By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff

Posted Apr 21, 2009 11:09 AM CDT

(Newser) – It’s politically correct to say frumpy singing sensation Susan Boyle doesn’t need a makeover. But honestly? Of course she does, writes Washington Post fashion guru Robin Givhan. If Boyle stays the same, it’ll “unravel the centuries-long tradition of fairy tales.” Sure, Boyle won us over precisely because she doesn't look like a mass-produced music industry product, but fairy tales are about transformation; the ugly duckling must turn into a swan.

“This is not a recommendation for an ‘extreme makeover,’ but rather the Tim Gunn or ‘What Not to Wear’ version,” Givhan writes, the kind designed to make you look not like someone else, but like a better version of yourself. “Cinderella didn’t go to the ball in hand-me downs,” she writes. Fans need “to let Boyle’s fairy godmother finish her work.”

This April 17 image provided by CNN's Larry King Live shows Larry King, left, and Scottish singer Susan Boyle.
This April 17 image provided by CNN's "Larry King Live" shows Larry King, left, and Scottish singer Susan Boyle.   (AP Photo/CNN, Larry King Live)
Susan Boyle, who's performance on the television show Britain's Got Talent wowed the judges, gives the thumbs up at her home in Blackburn, Scotland, Thursday April 16.
Susan Boyle, who's performance on the television show "Britain's Got Talent" wowed the judges, gives the thumbs up at her home in Blackburn, Scotland, Thursday April 16.   (AP Photo/Andrew Milligan-pa)
Susan Boyle poses singing with a hairbrush at her home in Blackburn, Scotland, on April 16.
Susan Boyle poses singing with a hairbrush at her home in Blackburn, Scotland, on April 16.   (AP Photo)
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The tale of Susan Boyle will not be complete until the shy spinster blossoms. - Robin Givhan

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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 5 comments
carbonatedturtle
Apr 23, 2009 4:35 AM CDT
I'm sorry, but could someone please tell me why this moron is writing for the Washington Post and not some high school paper? Who cares what she looks like. Honestly, I'm not just try to regurgitate everything that has been said in the past week about her. She's a singer. She's not a model, she's not a porn star. I hope the teenager that wrote this garbage retracts it, because it's ridiculous.
Timinator2K
Apr 21, 2009 9:39 AM CDT
A little spiffing up never hurt anybody. Golly, its show business, its shallow, who knew?! Susan and her idol Elaine Paige do.
kirei_gaisuto
Apr 21, 2009 6:56 AM CDT
Spoken like a true conceited bitch whose only opinion of anybody centers around their looks. Fuck you Robin.

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