“Britain’s Got Talent” contestant goes viral on YouTube with 15.9 million views showing her emotionally charged performance
By Stacey Silberman
Susan Boyle brings down the house
HOLLYWOOD (Hollywood Today) 4/16/09 – Susan Boyle pulled a fast one on both judges and audience members of the show “Britain’s Got Talent” after singing a touching and emotional rendition of “I Dream for a Dream” from Les Miserables on Saturday, April 11. It’s difficult not to tear up while listening to her sing, especially due to the expert editing which shows the expressions on everyone’s faces as she performed for the large studio audience. It was her first performance ever outside of her local Scottish church.
It was difficult not to cry as she prevailed and warmed even Simon Cowell’s tepid heart. One look at this woman would lead most to believe that she was just another crackpot performer who wanted her five-minutes of fame. But that’s not what Boyle delivered by a long shot.
Boyle even managed to catch the attention of Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher, who wrote about their reaction to her song on their Twitter. According to Moore, she was moved to tears and now she’s a fan and advocate of the middle-aged first-time singer.
Boyle has not lived a charmed life by any means. According to her bio, she’s lived a simple life outside of any spotlight for the last 47 years. She grew up in a small Scottish council area called West Lothian where she continues to reside.
She spent the last years of her life caring for her ailing mother who passed away at age 91 in 2007. According to Boyle, her mother was her greatest fan and encouraged her to share her beautiful voice in a public forum. Her father passed away 10 years ago.
Boyle also proclaims to have neither been kissed nor married, and she’s admittedly led a very sheltered life, and spends her weekends going to the local church. It was in the church choir where Boyle developed her singing voice.
However, things are changing for the frumpy middle-aged woman at a very rapid pace. Life is looking up for the lovely songstress because she’s gotten the green light from the judges to compete on the show and she has the opportunity to change her life forever. Boyle has dreams of becoming a dramatic singing star of the stage.
Boyle said she has not had an easy life. She was deprived of oxygen at birth and was abused during her childhood. She has a learning disability and was teased endlessly as a child. She said she is still scarred emotionally from those experiences.
However, she’s not going to let that define her future because she summoned the strength and courage to apply for the show, prepare a very difficult song to sing on a huge stage, and she gave it everything she had to give without any reservations. In our book, that alone sets her apart as both star and role model for others who want more in life.
Hollywood Today is 100 percent on board with Boyle to win the competition. She made me cry too!
12 responses so far ↓
1 Daniel // Apr 16, 2009 at 11:46 am
The name of the song is “I dreamed a dream”, not “I dream for a dream”. Just FYI.
2 Carole Clarke // Apr 16, 2009 at 11:56 am
Susan Boyle is for me a typical Scot – straightforward and afraid of nothing. On one interview inside her home she resang the song a capella, without music and never missed a note or a phrasing. I can’t wait to see her next performance. She has given hope to other women who are not chickiebabes to have the courage to stand tall and take their shot! You go Susan, we will be cheering you on when you sing before the Queen.
3 WillemW // Apr 16, 2009 at 12:09 pm
She doesn’t need the approval of the judges: She has the approval of 13m youtube viewers so far.
I hope her dreams come true.
4 Pete M // Apr 16, 2009 at 1:07 pm
It wasn’t until I played the CBS clip for the second time that I realized she was singing without instrumental accompaniment.
That voice alone, that force of nature, carried the song unassisted.
5 Melanie // Apr 16, 2009 at 1:42 pm
Why does this story have to be led with the degrading headline of Virgin who has never been kissed, Etc. She has put many people where they should be with her voice alone. Why the attempt to degrade her. Can we not, for once, follow her lead of something dignified and simply beautiful?
6 Stacey // Apr 16, 2009 at 2:11 pm
Dear Melanie,
It may seem degrading to you that Susan Boyle is a virgin, but she is the one who pointed the facts out on UK National TV. Obviously, it’s a part of her story that she wanted to be told and that’s why it is a part of the overall story. Also, it’s how we attract readers to our stories. Sadly, that is just the way it is. I think that the story has a very positive tone and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Sincerely,
Stacey
7 Frank Shifreen // Apr 16, 2009 at 2:43 pm
I was also moved to tears by her powerful and sensitive perfomance. I noticed that there were nay-sayers who believe her voice is average and it was only the shock of undermined expectations that Susan has been riding on. The song she chose reminds me her life. I saw Les Miz on stag 5 times and Susans interpretation is best yet
8 stephen nowowiejski,jr. // Apr 17, 2009 at 5:01 am
WHAT A VOICE—SHE IS VERY GIFTED-WHAT A FUTURE THAT LIES AHEAD FOR SUSAN-SHE IS UNREAL!!!!
9 Marilynn Meyers // Apr 17, 2009 at 11:02 am
Amazing. I was deeply moved as I saw the changed looks of jugdes and audience alike. How her mother must have loved hearing her sing her wonderful support gave Susan the courge to “go for it”. The world is privileged to have this exquiste voice. What a challenge for others to follow. God bless you Susan!
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