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Goosebumps

We don’t bother with talent shows these days – not closely, not loosely, not at all. Though back in the day, we did tune into DSDS, that German gig fronted by Dieter Bohlen. Yeah, that Dieter Bohlen, with his dodgy little hairdo and a voice like a strangled cat (or a eunuch on helium, take your pick). It was all about scouting for the next big singing talents, and, honestly, it was a right laugh at first. However, after a few seasons it got flat like my tyre on Hungary's famously bumpy roads. The whole shebang revolved around Dieter, his sharp, witty, and cruel remarks, and, most importantly, him being THE boss that decides everything. It became painfully dull.

No wonder this type of entertainment has become irresistibly popular around the world, and TV channels and YouTube are brimming with talent shows. So, every now and then, when I need to forget the world and the only possible way for me is watching short clips on YouTube, I encounter gems that never cease to amaze me. On very rare occasions, this amazement swells into full-blown emotions, making my eyes go blurry. And suddenly, all I can notice are those goosebumps popping up.

Sometimes, and really only sometimes, when I hear something astonishing, the melody lodges itself, and my brain indulges in these songs on repeat during the following days. It’s like an inner radio station where the DJ puts on the next song, sets the device that plays it, then nips to the loo and locks himself out. Meanwhile due to some glitch, the device loops the song over and over again. Even when I wake up in the dead of night, I can hear that song.

It’s weird how our brains work, innit? 

Let me share my current favourites - do any of them stick with you?
Rúzsa Magdolna, who made the audience and the jury cry with her song.
Thomas Godoj whose voice is just perfect for this song, Chasing Cars.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JKuUcKJVCUA
Stacey Leadbeatter, who sang 'Run' so beautifully that she mesmerised the jury and the entire audience, sending them into a hysterical trance. And, let's face it, she sang it so much better than Leona Lewis that right in the middle of her performance everyone stood up clapping and shouting "Push that buzzer! Push that buzzer!".
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tm3dpFnX8ZY
John Pierce, whose bafflingly unexpected but wisely crafted version of 'Creep' will stop you in your tracks.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wfTjgMm1Xzs

What's your go-to clip for instant goosebumps? Share below — I need new obsessions!

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