Jun 12 2007
A Mobile Phone Salesman called Paul Potts
A mobile phone salesman from the UK by the name of Paul Potts entered in a talent search show called “Britain’s got Talent”.
An unassuming guy, seemingly lacking in any confidence takes his place on the stage and announces he is going to sing opera (Puccini’s Nessum Nessun Dorma, for the informed).
The three judges look entirely skeptical, bored and just want to get this over with. Meanwhile, Paul looks like he is about to burst into tears at any given second.
Paul starts to sing. Watch the expressions on the judges faces. I had goosebumps and a tear in my eye. I don’t even like opera, but this is truly amazing.
This came via Cord at Marketing Hipster – thanks for sharing. When you’ve finished watching this – little 6 year old Connie singing “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” is also worth a look.
Update 15 June: Paul has made it through to the final to be held on Sunday! 😀
You can read a little more about Paul at Britain’s got Talent.
67 Responses to “A Mobile Phone Salesman called Paul Potts”
wow.
Goosebumps and tears in my eyes here too – wow!! The Welsh are known for their good singing voices, but still – wow!! What a voice!
Thanks for blogging this. I listen to alot of opera and this guy is truly a diamond in the rough. I wish they had this show is the states. I hope he wins.
Nick, Avril & Troy,
Glad you were as impressed as I was.
Troy, I don’t know if it’s on here either but I’m with you – I’d love to see the singer that could top that!
I am from America, and we love American Idol…but no-one here in America can touch the sound and the absolute emotion his singing brings to your spirit. He deserves to win this show and go forward to fulfill his Dream. I dont like Opera, but I could listen to him all the day long. I take s alot to bring me to tears, but He did it…..Great Singer!!!!
Thanks for that: an uplifting start to the day. And I’m not ashamed to admit to a few goosebumps of my own, and a little revulsion at the idea of Piers Morgan judging anyone.
Just increadable, they should stop the show now and he should win, no-one has come close eve though there is talent, he is millions of steps above anyone – hope he wins!!!
I believe it’s called [b]Nessun[/b] Dorma, for the informed.
Thanks Jai
Show’s how “informed” I am 😉 That’ll teach me not to believe everything I read on Youtube without verifying.
I’m from Germany (my English is not very well) an we like “Geutschland sucht den Superstar”.
Im not a fan of classic music. But this voice, this sound: fantastic, great, unbelievable, gorgeous!
Thank you Britain
Pure luck. To find a treasure such as Paul Potts. I live in Canada and unfortunately we don’t receive Britain’s got Talent. How can I follow Paul? I would love to see the episode when he takes home the grand prize.
Such an unassuming guy. Brought tears to my eyes and goosepimples to my arms! I’ts now on my desktop, and I play it constantly.
What an absolutely phenomenal voice! I don’t think he’ll be selling phones for long! I wish him all the best in the world! Leslie (Huntington Beach, California)
spectacular and moving….but…..
I wonder, don’t the jusges at least know be4hand how good he is…. he
couldn’t have just come out of the blue, he must have tons of training to sing like that …
no? this isn’t like american idols auditons they already have an audience.
??????????????
Larry
The Moment of Paul Potts
By Sherry Lynn
June 12, 2007
Tonight, I witnessed the moment of Paul Potts stepping into his Truth.
For a moment…
He set aside his fears,
And connected to his gift…to WHY HE IS HERE.
For a moment…
He forgot about his doubts and lack of confidence,
And shared WHO HE IS with the world.
For a moment…
The world responded in JOY at the possibility that they too
Have a Paul Potts moment inside themselves,
waiting to come out…for a moment…
Mr. Potts,
Thank you.
No matter what else you do in this life, or any other, you have done well. May your life be happy, full of joy, and may the kindness you have given us all with your voice return to you a thousand-fold.
Thanks again.
Paul,
When are you coming to Australia because i am coming to your concert. I still have a tear in my eye and I have listened to this a dozen times this morning. Well done, you are a gem
Paul,
What a voice.!!!!,
Please get some stagecraft training, polish up your diamond & give ’em hell.
Goosebumps all over, & that’s from someone who is not an Opera lover.
Ok, I admit he’s good………. BUT can he do any Jimmy Barnes numbers?????
He has an incredible voice. It is always a great to see someone so seemingly ordinary to do so well.
Thanks to everyone for your comments. Let’s hope Paul gets to see these messages of encouragement.
[…] 14th, 2007 by Bengt I stumbled across A Mobile Phone Salesman called Paul Potts. A modest Paul tells the jury he shall sing opera, watch the jury’s faces. And then Paul […]
I think Paul Potts is the most inspiring person Ive seen this year
Thank-you Paul for sharing your wonderful gift with the world
I truly hope you win
congratulations Paul. Your and inspiration to all and I look forward to your first release so that I may purchase several of your albums for my friends.
I love how they make this a “ugly duck turning into a beautiful swan” cliché… How the judges are so amazed and the crowd so overwhelmed. It’s all so staged…
i live in Britian and i will be happy to keep everyone updated about Paul.
Yesterday(14th June) Was the last audition and Paul is one of 26 that is though to the Semi Finals and today he will perform with about 8 different people to try and keep in and recording to the sun, he is one of Simon’s Cowell’s favs and he says that if he keeps that up he will have a high chance of winning it.
I’ll come back tomorrow to tell you how he got on because it ends about 10:00 and the laptop will be off by then!
Hope everyone is OK about this.
P:S Dates and time is all in British time!!!
I am a forty year old big old git. I have never ever cried before except at funerals. Today I cried at this video. I hate opera but I love that voice and passion. Paul, you are an inspiration and I sincerely hope you succeed in your aspirations. Thank you.
Hi Clara
An update would be great – thanks.
I have the pleasure of having worked with Paul, i knew he was a singer, but i was absolutly gobsmacked. It is not staged, he has worked hard for what he has done. I am also Please to say that in the semi final, he was the Talent with the highest public vote, and has gone through to the final on Sunday! FOR THE WIN PAUL!!!
Steve Branch Manager Carphone Warehouse 1105
Hi Stephen
That’s terrific news! Thanks for letting us know. He’s captured hearts all around the world…. and I’m sure everyone wishes him the best for Sunday.
Meg,
Thanks, i have taken the link to this webpage, and will be emailing him it, so he can see for himself how much support he has.
Steve
Hi Stephen
That’s great – this is just a very small sample of what’s resonating around the world
He is very good. However, if you look at the official website, he has had extensive training and performace experience. He didn’t just drop in off the street.
Unbelievable, I hate opera! but this guy I could listen to. I’m a tuff guy and he brought tears to my eyes and sent goose bumps all over me. Look out Pavarotti! Where can I find a CD
Hi i got update and vid about Paul Semi Final Performance. i believe (from info i got from YouTube) that he sang Time to Say Goodbye” by Andrea Bocelli and here is the vid or link
[video=http://www.youtube.com/v/zEFrQxSzTTQ]
He got though to the final’s though being the viewers fav person aka he got though first easily.
and no problem meg
sorry guys the vid didn’t work here’s the link though
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zEFrQxSzTTQ
[…] Paul Potts has certainly captured the hearts of the public with his unassuming nature, and emotive performance in “Britain’s Got Talent”, and I hear via reader comments from our friends in the UK that Paul has made it through to the final. […]
Hi Clara
Thanks so much. I’ve posted the video in an update post.
Please keep us updated
I live in Texas, and I absolutely floored this morning when I saw the video on Good Morning America. It brought tears to my eyes.
Marianneon 16 Jun 2007 at 12:58 am
Your comment is awaiting moderation.
I live in Texas, and I was absolutely floored this morning when I saw the video on Good Morning America. It brought tears to my eyes.
Best of luck to this young man. Please keep us informed.
Apart from being moved by the video I was also moved by the majority of the comments so far. So many people (most not opera fans) have said the same thing. They were moved to tears by Paul’s performance.
Sure, technically speaking, he has a way to go but I think this man has a special quality which touches people in a special way. This is something which you either have or you haven’t and I believe Paul has it in abundance.
All he did was sing, no speeches, no dance routine, no big PR buildup, just a man with a special voice and a song.
If the reaction above is any indication we have a superstar in our midst. I just hope he doesn’t lose that humility.
WOW!
What a piece of brilliant video marketing! That was a great promotional video that has now been launched into a viral advertising level. The video editing and production is great. It is a great example of what can be achieved with only a few minutes of high quality professional video. The producers are really pushing all the buttons of the ‘idol ‘ formual. BTW Paul P. sings nice too.
no problem meg, the final is tomorrow and then we will see if Paul wins, there is a rumour that he will sing Nessun Dorma again for it.
Thanks Clara
Sorry to hear there’s been so much “outcry”. Seems the Tall Poppy Syndrome exists in Britain too.
Hi All,
Final was this evening, and over 2 million people voted.
I am Thrilled to say that Paul Potts won.
Thanks Steve
[…] I’ve been covering Paul Potts’ journey since the show started, I thought it fitting to post the video from the final of “Britain’s Got […]
[…] Inspired by Meg, I have decided to share a video with you all that I have been showing everywhere else, not least including it as a sermon illustration at church a couple weeks ago. […]
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f5Ij8tFjk-4
this is the link to a vid of the final performance
Thanks Clara
Paul is FANTASTIC. I am a fan of Opera and loved seeing him on Britains Got Talent. They sure do. I look forward to seeing him in the future.
Mr Paul Potts, you have made it!!! The tears where running down my cheeks, as they mentioned you as the winner of the talent show!! I think you moved the world with your voice, incredible.
I live in Sassenheim, Holland, my husband and I are looking forward to see you perform here in Holland, so we can see you and hear your beautiful voice live!!
I never loved opera, but now I really do!
God bless you Paul and we wish you all the luck of this world, which definitly will be on your path. God bless you!!
We already love you!!!!!!!!! So come soon to Holland to give a concert!
A lot of folks here say “I hate opera but I loved hearing this guy.” Actually, if you listen to some opera, really give it a chance, there are some of the most brilliant, heart-rending songs by the best singers in the world – which I personally believe that good opera singers are, hands down. Nessun Dorma is the most famous of the songs from opera, but these great musical plays – which have ridiculous plots, I know – are loaded with stunning music and performances that will bring you to your knees. Give yourselves the opportunity to really be thrilled and give a listen. Hear what a true diva, not our attitudinal little pop stars, but a real diva which – by definition – can only be a star of the grand opera – can do with a song by Verdi or Rossini or Mozart. Mr. Potts is clearly a devotee of the form and look what he can do!
Ekw, you took the words out of my mouth…those who study the true art form can only bring a listener to their knees
can someone send out the results!
Hi Diane
Paul won!
You can see the Semi-Final video at
http://blogpond.com.au/2007/06/15/paul-potts-wows-again-in-the-semi-final/
And the Final video here
http://blogpond.com.au/2007/06/18/paul-potts-wins-the-final-of-britains-got-talent/
I have just gone through every Paul Potts video clip I can find, read his web page, Sony Music page, Myspace page and think I am in love. Wow I was totally mesmerized by his voice. One month he is a mobile phone seller, the next he is internationally renowned, bringing out a CD and able to live out his dream and passions. The stuff of fairy tales.
The thing that strikes me the most is that he does “what he was born to do”…the fact Paul can say that with such innocence…it is not ego talking here, he simply knows what his spirit has to do. When he opens his mouth and sings, he looks completely transported to a place of pure love and self-expression. To watch that, and to hear the beauty of that, is an inspiration and a human triumph. If you can connect with that, you are so moved you can’t help but weep at how beautiful it is.
I don’t care if that sounds sappy, because I celebrate it!
I’m still wiping my desk of all the tears I spilt over this performance.
Yes even Australian men cry!
Tremendous performance Mr Potts.
In agreement with a previous blog, I think you unlocked what everyone of us secretly want-
the chance to do what we were born to do.
Unfortunately it takes most of us our lifetime to find it, if at all.
But Paul, thanks for leading us there.
All the very best
Down Under is waiting.
Paul Pott’s CD is now available in Australia. It can be purchased at Sanity ($21.88 AUD plus postage).
http://www.sanity.com.au/product/product.asp?sku=2098270
The divine singing of Paul Potts has reached me here in Brisbane, Australia …
I love opera and can enjoy it whenever, wherever … yesterday, I was out walking and listening to my favourite morning radio program “Radio National Breakfast” One of the regular contributors to Fran Kelly’s show reviews an “Album of the Week”. This week it is “One Chance” … not only could the reviewer not contain his enthusiasm; but Fran was also blown away by the magic of this man’s voice. For me: I have these glorious songs, sung magnificently by Paul, playing in my head; and bringing a lift to my otherwise ordinary day … God Bless this unique man!!!
Paul fantastic, Thank you Meg for posting the link. I just purchased it.
I’ve watched this video of Paul singing Nessun Dorma now about 100 times. Gets me every time. But as another poster has mentioned, the impact this video has is in no small part due to some very skillful editing. I don’t know how many cameras were involved, but it would not surprise me to hear that the editors had taken liberties. Note that toward the end Simon is leaning forward with his mouth open when supposedly he was leaning back in his chair just an instant before and an instant after. Unless he’s got ants in his pants, not likely.
Hi Reuben
I really hope you’re not right – but I wouldn’t be surprised. Still you can’t take away from Paul’s performance.
I know there was some editing in the camera shots, but it doesn’t at all remove the genuine astonishment of the judges. They are stunned. I, who come from a family of classical musicians, have seen everybody and the kitchen sink, was blown away. I cried like a baby. Each darn time I watched this. Partly that we just look at someone and categorize them before we know them. He’s a talent….needs a little polishing but he’ll do ok I think. Just nice to see someone who’s not a jerk actually stun people who, to be politically correct, might not be all that nice themselves. Good for Paul. I live in Scottsdale Arizona, and this video just snuck in on me…sent by a friend. Glad he did.
paul potts bug i have caught, his voice like no other connects up with you, the beauty of his voice, his humble gentle character, is not everybody getting sick of the conceited arrogant celebrities without much talent
Kate, Paul has not hed extensive training, two short courses , pavarotti has had extensive training, and the rest, i would love to see you sing like that after a lifetimes training, the personality of the man also, we must all learn by, too rare, do you know the same people are going on all his webs attacking him, more Paul Potts, the less of the jealous and spiteful, the world will be better off than present, LONG LIVE PAUL POTTS.
mi ai fatto ricordare i piu celebri in -NESSUN DORMA-