Singer Allison Crowe Denied Entry into UK for Tour

Singer Allison Crowe from Nanaimo B.C., Canada, was denied entry into the UK at Gatwick Airport London. The 27 year old songstress was about to embark on an anticipated international tour, her fifth trip to Europe, when she and members of her group were detained for over 10 hours, interrogated, refused entry and sent home. Two of her band members apparently had their passports confiscated while another was allowed entry because he had dual citizenship. Officials cited reasons related to a visa clampdown on musicians entering the UK. The group was targeted because they had not obtained a Certificate of Sponsorship from the venues they were scheduled to play. The new visa requirement was brought in November 27, 2008 to fight illegal immigration and terrorism. The group will forgo that portion of their tour and move on to Frankfurt from Toronto.

Britain Does Have Talent! Susan Boyle

Britain’s Got Talent showcased one of the most inspirational and feel good stories of the year when unknown Susan Boyle, who at 47 years old was aspiring to be a professional singer, performed “I Dreamed a Dream” from Les Miserables to a surprised audience which included Simon Cowell on the judges panel. She instantly received international acclaim. Her several videos on You Tube garnered an estimated 30 million hits in just over a week.

It was later rumored; however, that the performance was possibly staged in that Simon had actually recruited her for the show.

Interesting enough this also overshadowed a similar appearance on the same stage by Paul Watts last year. He also amazed both the audience and judges and had similarly imperfect features such as crooked teeth. He did not; however, gain the same magnitude of attention accorded to Ms. Boyle which sparked a debate over whether gender played a role in garnering more attention under similar circumstances.