I have to share with you possibly the most amazingly heart-warming story from the unlikeliest of sources.
The X-Factor is a global phenomenon that is a money-making monster in every market. It's incredible to think that one of the oldest formats in the world - allowing members of the public to get up on stage and sing - can be such a success, but it is.
If you haven't heard the story of a contestant from Australia be ready to Google it once you have finished reading. Remember the name Emanuel Kelly. This young man came on stage, and before he uttered a word, he brought the auditorium to a stunned silence. Emanuel, you see, is physically challenged (he has severe limb deformities). This could not be ignored but what was also noticeable was his huge smile.
The judges welcomed him to the stage and started to engage with him to find out more about his background. When asked, "How old are you?" the story that unfolded would melt even the coldest of hearts. Emanuel admitted he didn't know, because he was an Iraqi born during the conflict, abandoned by his parents, and found with his similarly challenged brother by missionary workers. Taken to an orphanage, they were lucky to be spotted by a wonderful Australian woman who offered to take them to Oz for medical treatment. This amazing lady fell in love with the boys and in time adopted them as her own. For most of us, this story is so touching and humbling, that we only wish we had the graciousness of spirit to reach out like this, before even trying to come to terms with the experience of Emanuel and his brother. What is as awe-inspiring as the story itself is the pride and happiness that shone from Emanuel. After all that, there is obviously the business of The X-Factor to contend with, and our boy is there up on the stage not to tell us his life story but to perform.
When he announced that he wanted to sing Imagine by John Lennon, the moment took on even greater gravitas. This simple poem about the ideal of unity of man is possibly the greatest protest song ever written, concealed so beautifully within the framework of a pop song. His rendition was so moving that the entire audience erupted in applause.
They say that a picture paints a thousand words so at this point I am gonna suggest you check it out online yourselves - be prepared to think about this thing we call life in a different way.
Amazing-ly Yours
G*Nice