What is a ‘Susan Boyle Moment’?

I've always been a big fan of videos that capture those moments in which completely unknown people get an opportunity to shine on a big stage and do just that.

I like to call those instances "Susan Boyle Moments."

That comes from the time that a Scottish housewife named Susan Boyle auditioned for Britain's Got Talent in 2009. She stepped on stage and her appearance and attitude had the judges and the audience snickering at her. And then, she began to sing ...

Another example is Sarah Horn. She is a college voice teacher in California. Her singing idol is Broadway star Kristin Chenoweth. Last year, Horn was in the audience for Chenoweth's concert at the Hollywood Bowl. During her performance, Chenoweth asked for a volunteer from the audience to come on stage and help her sing the duet, "For Good" from the musical "Wicked." Horn got her idol's attention, got on stage, and the rest is viral video history ...

A third Susan Boyle moment also came last year at Vanderbilt University. Billy Joel was conducting a Q&A session when a freshman student named Michael Pollack told Joel that his favorite song of his was "New York State of Mind," and he would like for Joel to sing the song and for Michael to accompany him. Joel said yes, and we can all be thankful that someone had a video recorder rolling ...

There are lots of other examples out there. I'm sure you've had some come to mind. As we become aware of those who have stepped out of the crowd to shine, we might just have to post another round of "Susan Boyle Moments."