An amazing video - hope, hard work, preparation, and opportunity meet
September 7th, 2007 by 
Mark Hendricks
Hi –
I was on a phone call with David Perdew a little while
ago and told him about a video of a guy who put a smile
on my face and tears of joy in my eyes.
Repeatedly.
(I’ve watch this video about ten times now, and it
happens every time 
Granted, this guy is not in the same artistic league
as Luciano Pavarotti (you may have heard that he died
recently) — as an aside, in one of my earlier careers
I worked with Pavarotti, but that’s another story for
another time.
But I tell you what, I’ve listened to this young man
sing in this video and got more from his rendition
than ANY other I’ve heard.
(and I don’t really like this kind of music much)
He doesn’t look great, he’s kind of awkward, and lacks
self-confidence (can anybody ever relate to that?).
This amateur gets before the crowd and ‘hits a grand-slam
home run in the bottom of the ninth’ and wins the ball
game in my opinion.
As you will see, there are a panel of judges listening.
One of which is notorious for his negative comments,
but not this time — and rightly so.
Here are the links, there’s three of them — watch all
three to watch this amazing metamorphosis (I love
all three, but the first one gets to me everytime
Here’s the reason I’m sharing this with you:
It’s a real-life example of dreams coming true with hope
and hard work and persistence paying off…and when his
preparation met his opportunity, sparks fly!
I love it!
His first appearance:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=9oxTy7KIAaA&mode=related&search==
They bring him back:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=rDB9zwlXrB8&mode=related&search==
The show finale (wow):
http://youtube.com/watch?v=9hIq_GGi1n4&mode=related&search==
AND…
He makes a news story on the TODAY show in America too:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=QBycEUZ0HIA
And here is his MySpace page:
http://www.myspace.com/officialpaulpottsmusic
Here’s a link to the English translation of the lyrics,
but you don’t need to read the words to understand the
emotion of the singer (just watch the video few times):
http://home.earthlink.net/~markdlew/comm/turandot.htm
Feel free to pass this email along to your friends, they
could use a lift, I know they will appreciate you thinking
of them too.
As always, my best to you –
Mark Hendricks
Spread the Word
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Posted in Audio and Video for Internet, Seminars and Workshops | 
September 7th, 2007 at 4:03 am
Opera is not normally my cup of tea, but I have always loved this particular piece of music. I watched the video with tears in my eyes and then called a friend struggling with self confidence and her dreams and said you have to watch
this, while watching it again myself for the 3rd or 4th time. What an amazing and moving example of exactly what Dave and you point out. It was such a wonderful few minutes, not just Paul, but watching the transformation
in the judges and the audience because this man risked putting himself out there in spite of past negative experiences. He gave of himself wholeheartedly. This short piece of film contains so many messages and so
much wisdom I am going to watch it often. I needed to see this right now, not just for my friends who are struggling, but for myself as well. Mark, thanks for once again showing up with just the right thing at just the right time.
Hugs, Marie
September 7th, 2007 at 4:08 am
Mark -
Thank you so much for sharing the video. Normally, I don’t listen to opera however, his performance was fantastic and also brought tears to my eyes. I intend to forward this to everyone that I know. It made my evening.
Again, thank you very much.
Mary
September 7th, 2007 at 4:18 am
Awesome! Watched the first one several times. Thanks for sharing.
September 7th, 2007 at 4:39 am
http://www.seo-marketers.com
September 7th, 2007 at 4:44 am
Mark,
I first saw Paul Potts’ story on the Today show. I was just so taken by his story and the video was great. I don’t think I’ve ever seen Simon speachless before. I really appreciate you sharing it with us.
John
September 7th, 2007 at 4:44 am
Mark,
It reminds me of how Antonio Salieri describes Mozart as
the a divinely inspired voice of God.
I can’t stop watching it either… and I’m running out of
Kleenex.
As a composer/musician myself, I can confidently declare,
Paul Potts has “IT”.
Cheers,
Mark.
September 7th, 2007 at 4:54 am
Mark:
Beautiful video you sent to us. Like Marie Kane says:”opera is not my cup of tea”. But of course I like the beautiful voices and songs of the good singers. Nessum Dorma is one of the opera pieces that I like most. It puts me into a tremendous thrill. And yes, we all know about the decease of Pavarotti, for me, the most great voice of the opera, including to Placido Domingo, and the other spanish guy whose name I don´t remember right now.
Well, it really was a very pleasant parenthesis among the internet marketing activities.
Thanks very much.
Jesus
September 7th, 2007 at 5:06 am
Thank you so much for sharing that (sniff). It’s the best IM email I’ve ever received.
September 7th, 2007 at 5:09 am
Thank you … Thank you … Thank you, Mark. I enjoy all your correspondence and I open all and read. You have out done yourself. This is a real find. I have forwarded it to many of my students and clients. Kudos, my friend!
September 7th, 2007 at 5:10 am
Mark,
Thank you so much for sharing that young man with me. He
is my winner, hands down. Is he in a competition in England,
or will we get to see him in the U.S.?
He is beyond FANTASTIC and I, too, cried in happiness for
him. Unbelievable and Thanks again.
I have since learned that he won the Britain’s Got Talent competition. How can anyone be that good and remain unknown for that long in this world? WOW!
Larry Marler
September 7th, 2007 at 5:58 am
My 13 year old came in to see why dad was listening to opera and stayed to watch all of the clips. This was a very special item to share, and I really appreciate it. I also have to confess that I was thrill to see these particular judges learn that talent is more than skin deep.
September 7th, 2007 at 6:35 am
Ah Mark, just when I needed it most, there you were w/your unassuming welsh singer.
It made my spirits soar! I’ve saved it in my inspiration folder and know I will watch it often! Thank you so much for sending it.
One of the things I appreciate about you is that your emails aren’t a constant barrage of sales promos.
He’s wonderful and I’m glad he won. But that’s not even as important to me as the inspiration of his nerving himself up to try. His possible humiliation from the tongues of Simon and Piersmust have been fearsome.
Paul felt the fear yet did it anyway, Yea…er, I mean BRAVO!
Smiles across the miles,
Isa,
NOT an opera fan but Paul’s fan!
September 7th, 2007 at 7:29 am
Amazing moments! Another supreme case of preparation syncing in rhythm with destiny…
When the cream rises to its level, do we always have to use the misnomer,”luck?”
Thanks so much for sharing that, Mark.
Andrew Jame Maduk
September 7th, 2007 at 7:33 am
Thank you for sharing this video. Watched it 4 times and passed it on to some friends. Quite amazing
September 7th, 2007 at 8:51 am
Mark,
Thank you for sharing this. I have never cared for opera but this was awesome and just what I needed. I am forwarding it to everyone I know. Thanks you
September 7th, 2007 at 9:10 am
Mark I agree with you wholeheartedly, this man has a truly amazing voice, and
what a modest man he is to boot
This clip has been played several times over one of our national TV stations, during the past couple of months.
Yes I have heard that Luciano Pavarotti has died. What a wonderful voice he had, and he also came across to me as a very humble man.. I do have a CD of his music.
I hope that you have a pleasant weekend.
With kind regards,
Marie Teuwen,
Invercargill,
Mew Zealand.
September 7th, 2007 at 11:59 am
Thanks Mark for this wonderful video.
Earlier today, my son called to report that his girlfriends father suffered a heart attack and has died.
Later, I returned home to see a news report on Lucianno Pavarotti, who is now undoubtedly teaching the angels to sing. It has been a slow day.
But hearing this young man, Paul Potts, and seeing him perform is just amazing. He is truely an inspiration for us all.
Thanks so much for sharing.
September 7th, 2007 at 3:16 pm
Thanks, Mark for bringing Paul Potts amazing, and moving story to our attention.
Paul is a wonderful example to all of us to keep plugging away to achieve our dream when times and circumstances seem to be getting in the way.
Britain’s Got Talent was a hugely successful show…as a British family we followed it avidly all the way through…
Simon Cowell and his team have a special talent for coming up with ideas for TV shows that touch the hearts of all their viewers…and we love him for that.
Piers Morgan said, ‘the show was looking to be a platform to find ordinary people who have potential and give them the opportunity to make the most of it’…
The show accomplishes its task admirable…so many people benefit…artists and viewers alike.
I think in a quiet way you do the same with the things you do.
Paul Pott’s album…’One Chance’ sold like hot cakes upon its release in the UK…
It contains a special operatic version of Frank Sinatra’s ‘My Way’…Listen to it but, be warned…you’ll need an extra big box of tissues beside you to help get you to the end.
Thanks, Mark for giving us something different.
September 7th, 2007 at 6:21 pm
[...] of - hope, hard work, preparation, and opportunity - I am sure if you read this post (and that of Mark Hendrick’s -Thanks for sharing this Mark!) and watch the videos mentioned, you’ll be left [...]
September 7th, 2007 at 6:25 pm
I listened and was almost moved to tears. God, what a voice from such a humble man. Coming from nowhere with no formal training he just totally blew me away. Thank you for thinking I might appreciate him.
September 7th, 2007 at 6:44 pm
OmiGod!!!! Don’t let this man’s looks fool you - He is F! FANTASTIC!!!
It’s people like him that gives odinary people HOPE for things better to come!
I have never listened nor appreciated Soprano till I heard Pavarotti sing years ago. It’s sad he’s gone but I think he will be fondly remembered.
Keep up this great blog Mark!!!
P.S. Stupid question but what’s the name of this amatuer-sounds-professional singer?
September 7th, 2007 at 7:02 pm
[...] found that video on this site which provides links to more videos, even a Today Show [...]
September 7th, 2007 at 7:08 pm
A very inspiring story. It gives hope to all of the underdogs of this world. Thanks for sharing it with us.
September 7th, 2007 at 7:18 pm
Dear Mark,
What a wonderful, God given, voice Paul Potts has! I was blown away by the sheer power and and richness of it, truly amazing for sure! A new star in the game to fill the large hole that Pavarotti left ( God Bless his soul.
Thank you so much for sending it to me, I love success stories! This man’s life has been changed
for the better and so have ours for hearing him, long may he sing
for the world!
Sincerely,
Carol Hankins
September 7th, 2007 at 7:19 pm
Dear Mark,
What a wonderful, God given, voice Paul Potts has! I was blown away by the sheer power and and richness of it, truly amazing for sure! A new star in the game to fill the large hole that Pavarotti left ( God Bless his soul).
Thank you so much for sending it to me, I love success stories! This man’s life has been changed
for the better and so have ours for hearing him, long may he sing
for the world!
Sincerely,
Carol Hankins
September 7th, 2007 at 7:37 pm
Hi Mark,
Thanks for sending this!
I still feel the goosebumps in my arms, even after watching these 3 times.
What a story… and it’s still unfolding even now, I’d guess.
This was a great lift at the end of a day. I’ll keep this one handy (and I’ve forwarded it to almost everyone I know!)
Best,
Anthony
September 7th, 2007 at 10:23 pm
Thank you for sharing this video Mark. I’ve seen it before, but I really enjoyed seeing it again. Same response both times: tears! It’s the beauty of the piece, the gorgeous delivery of the piece and the fervant vision Paul had to take a huge risk and share his heart. Beautiful!
May we all let our hearts sing.
Thank you again
Be Blessed!
September 7th, 2007 at 11:09 pm
Hi Mark,
Thanks for the wonderful Friday inspiration…
I believe Pavarotti may have handed the baton to our new Paul Potts… it certainly would seem that way.
Thanks again for sharing.
Best,
Mark Alan Effinger
RichContent.tv
September 8th, 2007 at 1:25 am
Thanks for the great great video mark
September 11th, 2007 at 10:30 pm
[...] Mark Hendricks has posted at least 8 different video links for Paul Potts. Definitely you should check watch at least one of these videos. [...]