Prince Poppycock

As an elementary music educator, I often wonder where my students will end up in life. Will they simply be consumers of music or will they actually take the "seed of song" that has been planted within them and grow it into something more meaningful; something that touches the heart and the soul.

I have been following an individual on "America's Got Talent" this summer. I couldn't tell you his real name. He is known to America as "Prince Poppycock." This person has created a persona that is larger than life. He is a machinist by day and an opera singer by night. My children are fascinated by him and have grown to appreciate his talent. America loves him and keeps voting him through. He has made his way through the semi-finals on the show and each time he returns, his performance is more astounding. Here he is performing his version of "Bohemian Rhapsody" on Tuesday, August 24, 2010.



IF he wins the talent competition, he will receive a headline show in Las Vegas and one million dollars. I will be completely dumb-founded if he actually wins, because pop culture in America always takes precedence over true talent. When I watch his performance, I see someone who was deeply touched by his elementary music teacher, greatly impacted by his middle school music teacher and pushed to performance level by his high school music teacher. I see someone who is dedicated to his craft; someone who has spent many hours studying vocal performance; someone who is not afraid of hard work and long hours and someone who understands showmanship. He has an uncanny ability to draw a crowd into the moment. Prince Poppycock -you have my vote!

Until next time...