If you’ve watched TV semi-regularly over the past fifteen or so years, you’ll notice that not only is it a bit shitter than it was before reality TV became lodged in our collective throats but that, as the years have gone by, the people who make reality TV have become increasingly adept at burrowing into public hearts and minds to elicit a profitable, one-dimensional emotional response.
It’s therefore no surprise that this video of gay, 20-year-old Susan Boyle-esque Jonathan Allen from Lawrenceberg, TN singing Andrea Bocelli’s cinematic anthem “Time to Say Goodbye” on America’s Got Talent (after telling the well-edited story of being thrown out of home by his parents on his 18th birthday) will prompt even the iciest of cynics into SOME kind of reaction.
After all, it’s heart-warming to watch transcendence occur in front of us and all that; totally. I love a “climb every mountain” moment as much as the next Julie Andrews fan, but the whole thing just seemed so obviously constructed and convenient like every other reality TV moment, and it feels sort of exploitative in light of how chic it is to applaud gay kids for doing basically anything at the moment.
But, rather than dwell on how contrived and pulse-aware the segment seemed (indeed, I can just imagine the producers jizzing in their pants when they found Jonathan), it’s nice that this isn’t just another standing ovation for some corn-fed, camera-ready Midwest high school boys as they’re given the Nobel Prize for being cute and fearlessly going to the prom together in matching tuxedos or getting engaged at 20, because they now can.
At least, here, the premise is that the kid has actual talent and his bitch-ass parents can suck on it, because he’s got a voice and is sort of adorable, and they’re now alone in their rejection of him as a person. Just as an aside – wouldn’t it be a shock if Jonathan’s parents showed up in Las Vegas for a teary, heart-warming reunion – wearing t shirts advertising the landscaping company they own?
Howie Mandel’s creepy “with your talent, the show has become your family…” statement was also somewhat disturbing in a Norma Desmond “don’t worry if your parents don’t like you – the applause of all the wonderful people out there in the dark will drown out your longing for humanity” way.
Still, for now, let’s just give Jonathan his moment. He sure as hell practiced his heart out and lined up for it, and he did deliver.
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AWESOME VOICE!
Such a sad story though and still a bit too common in this country unfortunately.
I hope many see this that live around his parents and give them shit!
WOW! WOW! WOW! What a story and what an incredible voice! It gave me a lump in my throat, and a tear in my eye LITERALLY. Thank you for sharing this video.
he is so cute, seriously 🙂 praying for the best for him here <3
Saw it – it was amazing. When Howie asked if his parents were behind his singing and he told them “no” and that they threw him out ON HIS 18th BIRTHDAY, I was SO moved by the audience response. I’m not that old that I found that audience response on national television very moving – that audience support for a gay guy. Just as it should always have been – but now is – after a battle hard fought. As to your aversion to Howie’s creepy comments, obviously you didn’t watch the TONY’s Sunday night, where awardee after awardee thanked the Theatre Wing for having them be a part of their FAMILY. It was all just perfect – no caveats. I loved it.
I was disowned in 1991 for being gay. However, in January, 2013, just this year, my parents realized that I am indeed, their son! Never, EVER, give up on what tomorrow might reveal! During those dark 22 years, I found the love of my life, or rather, he found me, and I continued to live: strong, confident, and proud. I am living proof that time can change anyone’s heart! Chin up, young man! I am proud of you!
Generally, I am very suspect of and cannot stand it when TV attempts to milk sob stories. But this was very moving. This guy has a ridiculously good talent that will take him really far. Good for him.
Heidi Klum was like… and then she went like… and then she, like, had to like… is that.. like.. like? He’s like.. I’m in love with you. Like.
I just feel the need to applaud a wonderfully placed Sunset Boulevard reference. Brava.
that was shocking…the voice was so not expecting a voice like that wow…..also with the parents thing i find it amazing he is trying to make them proud…if anything i think they are the ones who need to make him proud!!!
I still don’t understand how any parent who truly loves his or her child could be so cruel and callous. Obviously, the love they proclaim is not there to begin with.
You know, I totally agree with all you said. Sometimes I wonder if the stories these people put forward are actually true or if it’s a sob story that the producers gave them to go along with the dull clothes. Still dude has an awesome voice and I hope that he goes far in the competition. I just love AGT. It’s one of the few reality shows that I actually watch and am always amazed by. Now that they snagged Heidi I like it even more (bummer about losing Sharon though).
Good voice but that pop-opera shit is so cheesy.
Andrea Bocelli is a terrible singer by operatic standards, he’s only famous because he’s blind!! Not someone to look up to for this young man, I hope he can get on the right path.
He brought tears to my eyes with that voice. That gorgeous voice!
His parents should be ashamed.