Magical singing ugly people

Here's the thing. As a professional singer who does not measure "up" to our broken culture's ideas of beauty, I've gotten this reaction myself.
"Oh my gosh, you sing so well!', uttered in shocked amazement. Several years ago, I actually had a woman stand in front of me after a concert and repeat, open-mouthed, "I can't believe that voice comes out of you!" She then went, brought back a friend, and they both stood and looked at me for a good long while.

What simplistic belief system allows these people, and the judges on the British Idol show to imagine that only those with culturally sanctioned faces can sing? Are they so lacking in imagination as to not be able to untie that particular pairing: Sings well, looks gorgeous?

And then there's the pity/inspiration aspect. Ugh. While Susan Boyle may be sheltered and innocent enough to find such a response gratifying, I find it incredibly patronizing.

It's the same old magical negro, magical pixie-girl syndrome that infects a culture which cannot seem to accept as equal anyone who is even slightly different. The different are either subjects of ridicule and debasement, or mystic beings who are only around to serve as inspiration for "normal" folks.

Get a grip. We are not here to make you cry, or feel that "God" works in mysterious ways, his wonders to perform. "Inspirational" is an easy box in which to shove those folks that make us uncomfortable with their inability or unwillingness to conform.

Labeling someone as "Inspirational" conveniently removes sexuality from that person, keeping them in the much more palatable "special" role of other. I understand that one of the British Idol judges is going to go on a romantic "date" with never-been-kissed Susan Boyle. What a gift to her his presence will be! If she's lucky, she'll discover that he's a vacuous empty suit and she'll go home to her cat realizing that she's truly talented and not just another pretty face.