It can be really crazy to think about how much the times can change of the course of a decade or two. People’s views change as the years go by, and norms shift and get shaken up, too.
The music industry is one that goes through tons of changes. Not only the types of music that are popular, but what kinds of folks tend to make it big.
One man, Danny Tetley, knows this more than anyone else.
Seventeen years ago, Danny sang in front of Simon for one of the first singing competitions. Back in those days, the rule seemed to be that only the folks who fell in line with society’s standard for conventional beauty would be able to make it anywhere in the music industry. It was just a sad truth that pretty much everyone accepted, even though it was totally unfair to the people with true talent who don’t check all of these arbitrary boxes.
Danny got a no from Simon all of those years ago, and while it broke his heart, it didn’t break his spirit. He never gave up on his dream and continued to sing in bars for smaller audiences.
When he stepped onto the X Factor stage this time, the judges immediately loved him for his bright and shining personality. He’s just so full of joy and warmth, it’s hard not to smile when he’s up there.
The audience was skeptical before he started singing, letting stereotypes get in the way of their opinions. They wondered if maybe since he’s a small man, he’d probably have a small voice as well.
Boy oh boy were they wrong!
As soon as Danny starts to sing, he completely wins over every single person in the room. He even brings some of the people in the audience to tears with the sheer emotion that he puts into the performance.
The judges are on their feet dancing through the song, and Simon lets himself smile!
His voice is powerful and has just the right amount of grit and soul in it. His song choice is just perfect for his voice and for redeeming himself with Simon.
The most touching part of this is when, on his very last note, his voice cracks and he breaks down into tears of pure happiness. He’s so overcome with joy that he simply can’t hold it back anymore!
Three out of four judges run up onto the stage to give him a hug before they even get the chance to tell him how he did. If you guessed that Simon’s the one that stuck behind, then you’re right.
After they all give them yesses, that’s when Simon does something that he almost never does. He gets up out of his seat to give him a personal apology for what happened 17 years ago.
It’s so great to see a second chance work out so well. Danny deserves it so much! It’s so great that people in positions of power have come around to place talent and passion above looks. Things are looking up!
What did you think of Danny’s comeback performance?
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