If you haven't seen Susan Boyle...you will...soon. The 47 year old singing sensation shocked the world with her rendition of "I Dreamed a Dream" on Britain's Got Talent. The shocking thing wasn't her voice, which by the way is AMAZING. What was shocking was the package the voice came in. A humble villager with a less than "made for TV" face and wardrobe. She stunned the judges, stunned Britain and will soon be stunning the world.
What's even more stunning is the rate at which her celebrity is spreading. She's currently (as of 10:00 am, Tuesday, April 21, 2009) the number one trending topic on Twitter, her video has been viewed over 40 million times in only 10 days and she's clearly on her way to greater things. (Simon Cowell is already trying to figure out her first album deal).
This forumla of talent + TV Show exposure (no matter how limited it may be or where on the globe it occurs) + YouTube (and really social media in general) appears to be the new formula for instant stardom. The entertainment industry has for decades "created" celebrities with little or no talent but with a nice look and a commercial vibe. Social Media is changing all of this. Viral celebs are often average (or even below average) Joes and Janes. Some are amazingly talented (Susan Boyle). Some are simply the right fit for the right audience with the right medium (Fred). In either case expect celebreties to be "created" by you and I with the power of social media. Hollywood's celebrity "creation" days are either over or just got a heck of alot easier.
