Jaye Marie and Anita Dawes

I’ll admit I get teary-eyed every time I watch this video. And a lot of people have had the same reaction. What’s not to love? A gorgeous rendition of a haunting aria, a shy young lady braving the limelight and bringing the audience to its feet, and – miracle of miracles – Simon Cowell rendered speechless.

Cowell, the famous (infamous?) creator of the global “Got Talent” amateur talent show franchise, usually plays the role of the cranky critic who’s seen it all, especially after fellow judge Howie Mandell gushes over an act. “America’s Got Talent” features hopeful performers from the US and abroad, and in their efforts to impress the judges, they often rely on the more approachable Mandell for support. But little Darci appears to have dazzled the fearsome Simon Cowell as well.

As if all that wasn’t enough, there are solid principles for the writing craft on display…