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Craig Revel Horwood brands Susan Boyle a 'freak'
By Alistair Foster and Bo Wilson, London Lite Last updated at 12:38pm on 28.05.09Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood has launched an astonishing attack on Susan Boyle, branding the Britain's Got Talent singer a "freak of nature".
Freak of nature: Craig Revel Harwood is not a Susan Boyle fan
The straight-talking choreographer, 44, claimed the so-called "Hairy Angel", who is favourite to win the competition, "sings as bad as she looks".
At the opening night of dance show Latin Fever in the West End last night, Revel Horwood said: "I think Susan Boyle sucks and I'll tell you why - she can't sing and that really bugs me.
"I saw her singing Memory and she absolutely mauled it. If Elaine Paige or Andrew Lloyd Webber had seen that performance, if they were dead, they'd be spinning in their graves.
"It was awful. It had major pitch problems throughout. I could go on and on. And that panel of judges just sits there and says how wonderful she was. I was beside myself. I was wanting to smash the TV. I'm hoping people with talent will win, not just the freaks of nature who come out with a little bit of a warble and everyone goes, 'Wow!'"
His rant comes as it was revealed Boyle, 48, was involved in a heated exchange with police yesterday after a row with hotel guests.
She allegedly started shouting at two strangers in the lobby of the Wembley Plaza Hotel in nor th London, and it was claimed she was heard saying: "How f**king dare you! You can't f**king talk to me like that." Boyle was then approached by two police officers and allegedly told them: "Of course there's a f**king problem", before stomping out of the hotel.
A day earlier, at the same hotel, she was accused of stunning guests by sticking two fingers up at a TV and shouting: "F**k off," after watching judge Piers Morgan praising her rival contestant Shaheen Jafargholi.
But today Morgan stepped in to defend the show's star contestant - claiming reports were "exaggerated" and called her a "sweet lady".
Stepping in: Piers Morgan
He added that people were jealous of her because she had seen overnight success. He told LBC radio: "Let's say first of all she totally denies [the rant] and I think it's been massively exaggerated... She is getting this ferocious attention and my heart does go out to her a bit.
"She is really upset about all this and apparently she's really upset that she may have offended me. You know what, Susan, all you have to concentrate on now is doing an amazing performance on Saturday."
Morgan also revealed that Boyle was bullied at school for having "learning difficulties" and was called "Simple Susan".
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Reader views (51)
I looked up this Craig Revel character after someone posted just now how disgusted they were that anyone could express themselves in such an evil and disgusting way. I looked him up and there was his picture ..well mate all I can say anyone who looks like you shouldn't call anyone ugly...you know the saying "people in glass houses shouldn't throw stones" LOL. All you can do is hit a golf ball since when were you a music critic?. Well she sang well enough for 270,000,000.to stop and listen. We can't all be brain dead moron's like you. Get a life.
- Patricia, Australia
This lady is clearly struggling with the new attention at the moment. Her background has been a very simple low key one by all accounts.
Craig Revell Horwood should be ashamed of himself for these appauling comments. Who the hell does he think he is.
Let this lady sing for gods sake so back off all of you!
- Johann Roberts, HK
Craig should remember that when one points a finger at someone else, there r 3 pointing back at oneself.Go for it Susan.
- Hazel, Papworth, Cambridge
You people are funny. If you bother paying attention to anything in the world that isn't beamed into your living rooms weekly by the TV, you'll learn that Craig Revel Horwood has had a pretty awesome career as choreographer and director for *gasp!* Musical Theatre. If anyone is going to be able to recognise a good musical theatre voice, it's not the millions of TV viewers who've never set foot in a theatre and would probably expire of shock if they ever heard what a truly good musical theatre voice sounded like; it's Horwood.
- Jan, London, UK
It is so strange that people who criticize Susan for a couple of wrong notes have not noticed that the boy Shaheen had trouble with the parts of his song that required actual singing - he was off key so much I wanted to hold my ears. He can't really sing !!
Not only am I very intrigued with Susan's voice, but I find her performances lively and capturing. I immediately got tired of listening to that boy Shaheen.
- Dionne, Honolulu, Hawaii
I am a university professor at the University of Alabama and she is the major topic of discussion among my students. Thanks to Susan my students are asking me "what is Les Miserables?" Thank you! She could sell out the civic arena here.
- Ghrtt3, Birmingham, AL, USA
When comments like these come out the mouth of a second rate idiot who's only talent is being arrogant, ignorant and down right rude they are not worth the paper they are written on. Susan Boyle should be commended for the courage it took her to get up on that stage and give it her all, Horwood needs to grow a set and pick on someone his own size
- Jessie, Scotland
Craig Horwood, your kalma over this unjust and untrue outburst will be enormously fitting...........what goes round,comes round.........
- Tanea Lee, Australia
Looks like someone wants in on Susan's fame..but has to be desperate to do it so negatively. Susan...come to the USA...you would be welcomed with open arms!!! Good Luck and may your dream come true!
- Linda, Centennial, CO USA
You British people make me sick. Susan Boyle gives your country the first positive press that it's had in some time and you repay her with vicious insults.
- Americansusanfan, Harrisburg, USA
Hmm.. was this the end of Horwood´s career? In fact, couldn´t interest me less.. But the multi-hundred-million numbered youtube-population can effectively and quickly spread this kind of knowledge to each other.. very cosy atmosphere there. When I come to London, I´ll go to West End but not to see a production of this man.
- Eva, Finland
Susan Boyle is an amateur singer participating in BGT. Off key at first? So what!
Mr. Craig Horwood, you are a Strictly Come Dancing's judge, not Britain's Got Talent's, aren't you? And a real professional with qualities do not say things that discourage others but say things to encourage them. Can't you say anything helpful? If not, you should just shut up and leave the judging job to those judges of BGT. Besides, you have no right to judge others' appearance. Look in the mirror yourself.
- Nightbird In Japan, Japan
Looking at those two pictures above.. Susan would be the winner in a beauty contest 
- Eva, Finland
He's unbelievable and so shallow. He needs to look at himself in the mirror before making comments about anyone else. I have never even heard of Craig Harwood he can't be that important. And craig, how can you go out and call people freaks and insult them like that do you not have any respect for other people or is it just because you are rich and famous that gives you the right to do it. I'm only 21 and never judged someone on their looks, i think susan boyle is an amazing singer, and if she really is that bad looking she will be rich soon to make herself look wonderful just like you probably did, i must say it doesn't look like it worked though.
- Nour, Hertfordshire, UK
Craig I have never taken to you but actively dislike you now. What a pitiful way to get some publicity for yourself by offering your worthless thoughts on someone who has brought a great deal of joy to so many people. If you appear on my TV screen any time in the future the TV will be switched off. You are a sad excuse for human being and nasty with it.
- Mark, Carlisle, Cumbria
Susan two win leave her alone good luck dont take any notice of some non talent man
- Anne, cwmbran
when you listen to nowadays "singers" and "rappers" what do you hear? Passion? Trained voices? Nothing like that at all! All is videos, dancing, naked women, trying to show us and our children a lifestyle that is only on surface, ignorant, disdainful, violent, intoxicant.. and trying to make us ENVY those "good-looking", rich, famous.. still trouble-causing real freaks. And they are PROFESSIONALS. Susan is only an amateur trying to get recognized. Shame on you Craig!!
Susan is like a breath of fresh air compared to them. She has given much more to this society than them and has not caused problems though rag tabloids are trying to stage as she has.
- Eva, Finland
Mr Whorewood,
why not stick to what you know about ... dancing choreography wasn't it ... and leave singing to people who know. Abuse of position is one way of terming your comments. Let's just say I prefer to do *constructive* things with my time ... and you don't.
- Alex, Nottingham, UK
Susan, you are wonderful, Keep on singing and bring joy to the world.
- Wilfredo, General santos city Philippines
This vile horwood character, and the other vapid non-entities that style themselves as celebrities will pay a heavy price for their cowardly attacks on Susan.
Jennifer who ?
Lily who ?
Who horwood ?
I'll certainly have something to say to them if I ever see them, and no mistake.
Good Luck Susan !!
- Jp, Glasgow
I think that this Craig maybe has been a school bully, he just sounds like that. How on earth Susan had to run to one again???
- Lissu, Finland
Craig has a point; her performance of 'Memory' was not good.
I've always been perplexed about the Boyle phenomenon. Yes, her rendition of 'I Dreamed A Dream' was good, but it wasn't the best thing since sliced bread. I sense a huge amount of hypocrisy among her fans. The reason they say they love Susan Boyle so much is because
of how inspiring it apparently is for someone who looks as she does
(and personally, in spite of comments in the American media, I think going as far as calling her "ugly" is an exaggeration) to sing as she does, i.e. they are fascinated by the discrepancy between the beauty of her voice and of
her appearance, insofar as it somehow teaches them about the
superficiality of the world. Yet this very fascination is ITSELF
superficial -- had she been a beautiful young woman when she walked on
stage to sing from Les Mis, there would have been no hype whatsoever.
She'd have gone unnoticed. Which makes these fans superificial
hypocrites themselves.
- Tired, UK
"BRITAIN'S GOT TALENT voice coach Yvie Burnett revealed that Susan Boyle is the best singer she's ever worked with...said Susan has the best musical theatre voice she has ever heard.
Yvie, of Methlick, Aberdeenshire, said: "She has a God-given incredible raw talent and a passion that is second to none."
This Craig Rebel Hardhead is just not coward enough not to attack Susan before yesterday´s "sunstories". He hides behind others till he feels safe enough to attack a person he thinks is now weak. I´ll pay no attention to him.
- Eva, Finland
craig you sure can't talk about anyone looks , look in the mirror you sure an't prince charming. one simple woman that did'nt ask the world to fall in love with her and people like you crawl out of a hole to cry her down no wonder the world is in a mess. anyway susan the most of the world is in love with you, people like craig is looking for views because the word is watching and talking about bgt because of you and you can sing and you are beautiful God don't make ugly. Barbados west indies love you SUSAN
- Felicia, bridgetown barbados west indies
Don't rate her, whats all the fuss about?
- C Cusano, Bedford
Susan Boyle's singing is fair enough, altohugh she did have tuning problems on her second outing. WHat rally annoys me though is her lack of passion or unsterdanding of the songs she's singing. These songs are emotion packed, it's not good enough to belt them out with a strong voice when she emotes nothing! Even on X-Factor, contestants are judged for not getting inside a pop song, where is their criticism now? By the way, as to who is Craig Revel Horewood? He's just staged a fantastic revival of Sunset Boulevard in the West End with a brilliant cast, lead by a superb actress and singer who has actually played Eva in the first production of Evia in the West End - so I guess he does know a little abourt 'talent' after all.
- Bored, London
Criag who? never heard of and never want to after his stupid comment. Susan Boyle not only can sing, bot has 100times better quality than this fread choreograhpher. Susan inspired millions people around world. how many people this Criag has inspired?? You Engish people should proud of Susan Boyle as she has represent Britan so briliantly. Why your English people so negative, like to tear your own people down. Shame on you.
- Mary, Toronto, Canada
"Lily Allen doesn't rate her either."
Since when was Lily sodding Allen the stick by which all vocal talent is measured?
- Kathryn, Britain
What' with the Brits.
If she came to New Zaland Susan Boyle would be treated with much more respect.
Give the poor woman a break!!!!!!!!!
- Don, Auckland, New zealand
I would say susan don't give up and don't rise
to any comments keep your dignity, I do hope you win the two songs you have sung have meaning and favorites of mine powerful words, I wonder what you will sing on Sat I can only say Climb every mountain and find your dream there are few people like you and
all the best for the final enjoy every minute.
- Katie, cambs uk
Keith Price well done you!! Have you not read that Susan Boyle had learning difficulties? The lady has at least got the guts to get up and sing!!If you don't like the show - press the red button and keep your insensitive idiotic comments to your self!! Well done Susan Boyle for getting this far! Onwards and upwards!!
- Elaine Costello, Hornchurch England
Susan, no T.V, RADIO, Newspapers or internet, look hun you just go out there on Saturday night and rock the house down.
All the best of kiwi luck.
Look forward to buying your first CD whatever happens.
- Brendan Mahoney, Bangkok Thailand
To Susan:
Hi - I have been following your success with the greatest admiration. The Lord has truly, truly blessed you. Now, don't let people take away from you what is yours and on Saturday, you just thank the Lord for His presence and 'rock that audience' again!!!
The very best to you Susan - and we all know that you CAN do it - we have heard you. I will be celebrating too as I hear you announced as the winner and know that you will get to sing for the Queen.
Blessings,
Hannah
- Hannah, Akron Ohio USA
"WELL SAID CRAIG!!!!....Listen....I've got an idea for a new reality talent tv show...it's called...."Britain's got Mingers with no manners and a big head",
Well said Ali. If Boyle in the bag wins it, then next year all we'll see are tone-deaf croobersfrom hell with sob stories to give them some credibility
- Keith Price, Luton, England
No
- Mike, London
I have never watched any of it sounds like rubbish for the dim witted
- Jean, London England
If my middle name was the same as a brand of small round chocolates mostly found on sale in petrol stations, I'd keep my opinions to myself...
- Jargonaut, South London
She was off key for the first half, but her nerves must have got the better of her, and she had a cold. The second half of the song was good, and the judges did notice, as Simon picked up on it too.
In regards to her telling people to '**** Off', we don't know what they were saying to her do we?
- Smb, London, UK
WELL SAID CRAIG!!!!....Listen....I've got an idea for a new reality talent tv show...it's called...."Britain's got Mingers with no manners and a big head", and Susan Boyle's got a free pass to the final....
- Ali Sichilongo, London
I´m fed up of hearing about Susan Boyle and I am shocked to read the latest stories of her bad language. Lilly Allen doesn´t rate her either. So she´s feeling stressed out by all the publicity. That´s a poor excuse. I agree with Craig Revel Harwood. The Hairy Angel sucks.
- Graham Rodhouse, Helmond, Netherlands
finally! someone with some sense. when susan boyle began singing memory the other night i was cringing, it was so bad - she took half the song to settle down until she could pitch the notes correctly. her pronunciation was all over the place with ugly-shaped vowels littering the song.
i wish people would get over this hysteria borne from the disparity between the way she looks and the way she sounds. WOW! UGLY PEOPLE CAN SING?! who'd have thought eh?
- Spunky, leicester, uk
I dont watch these 'talent shows'...mainly because you have to watch for weeks to actually find any talent!...but Craig Revel bloke seems to be taking the programme far too seriously and take himself too seriously. After all, are these shows not about people having a go rather than delivering a professional performance? I don't understand why anyone would take the time to publicly say something hurtful about someone they don't know and whose public activities (singing on a stage) have caused no harm to anyone....
- Dc, London
Geezus, he really is the last person to be saying anything nasty about anyone else! Pot, kettle, black!!
- Dani, Surrey
It is beyond me why this man would be so cruel; if he knew anything about the difficulties Susan has had to overcome he might be a little less self- indulgent and more temperate in his critique of her singing .Certainly his nasty personal comments are indefensible and if we were to examine his life I wonder if he would come out as a 'freak of nature' or a an all-dancing good guy with a natural and decent behaviour to admire? Ahem... quite....
- Susan Galea, zebbug malta
I know who Susan Boyle is, as do literally millions and millions. I don't know who Craig Revel Harwood, like millions and millions, and frankly don't care either!
- Bob, London
Shaheen is the best singer in the competition and the black lads and their dance group are the likely winners. Boyle in a bagnever looked so good!
- Keith Price, Luton, England
Who is Craig Revel Harwood? Does anyone care what he thinks?
- Kevin Steele, Blairgowrie, Scotland
well said judith
- Karen, milton keynes england
leave susan alone i mean Craig Revel Harwood it wasnt that long ago the tabloids had it in for you
- Karen, milton keynes england
Look, I don't really care for Susan Boyle either way.
But that man with a face that looks like a burst couch with a spring sticking out (that'll be his nose), has no right passing judgement on anyone's looks. It also sounds like he has anger issues if he claims he wanted to smash the TV. What a sad individual. Seems like an easy way for a Z-list attention seeker to get a few headlines. And by the way, isn't he still an illegal immigrant? What right does he have to judge the people of this country anyway?
- Anon, London
Whatever Craig do-do's opinion of Susan's singing is, and he is entitled to that,in a free society, he is totally out of order calling her a freak of nature. What on earth gives him the right to disparage anybody like that! Hie head is bigger than his mouth and that is big enough!!Whenever I watched Strictly Come Dancing he was always the one to irritate me and now I know why. He is an exhibitionist of the worst sort, always say anything to get their names in the paper!! Oh and by the way, are all of us millions who do like Susan's singing all completely ga-ga then?
- Judith Green, Wigan, England
