life imitates old sitcom

I was watching an episode of The Andy Griffith Show, Rafe Hollister Sings, earlier tonight and was thinking about the similarities between the storyline and the Susan Boyle phenomenon.

In the episode, from 1963, the earthy Rafe was portrayed as different and 'seedy' and unacceptable by the high brows when he wins a singing audition, mirroring the audience that scoffed at Susan. The only way they'll let him be the showcase at The Ladies Musicale is if Andy cleans him up and stuffs him in a tight suit fit for burial to make him more presentable.

But no:


Rafe and Susan - a perfect duet..
don't you suppose?