It probably has been stated over and over, but it needs to be stated again.
SEAL IS UGLY.
It's unfortunate, but being a super star singer/pop star requires a person to be equally beautiful and talented. Most of the talented artists that never make it to the mainstream get railroaded by record company execs who generally feel that they cannot market an ugly person as a sex symbol.... and consumers push that ideology.
Missy Elliott is a rapper/hip-hop star.... and she had those problems too, but her talent transcended her appearance. She is the only exception in modern history (that millenials know).
Seal was fortunate to be from the UK where the music wasn't as competitive, especially for black music.
I respect Seal's talent though.