Susan Boyle saw her life change in April 2009 when she went viral for her jaw-dropping audition during Season 3 of Britain’s Got Talent. Her rendition of ‘I Dreamed a Dream’ – a popular song from Les Misérables – made her an immediate fan-favorite and she maintained that title throughout the season.
One month later, Boyle was one of 10 finalists to perform live in the season finale on May 30, 2009 – which was followed by the live final results show. She entered as the favorite to win, but came in second and was the runner-up to Diversity – a dance group. Of course, that was just the start of her career.
Just six months after falling short in the season finale, Boyle released her debut album – I Dreamed a Dream. The album became the best-selling debut album in UK chart history and broke a record for most sales in a debut album’s first week. She released seven more studio albums between 2010 and 2019.
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On June 4, Susan Boyle returned to the Britain’s Got Talent stage with a performance during the Season 16 finale – 14 years after being named runner-up of Season 3 in 2009. And she returned to BGT in style, singing the one song that started it all – ‘I Dreamed a Dream’ – with the West End cast of Les Misérables.
Following her performance, Boyle spoke to hosts Dec Donnelly and Ant McPartlin about how it feels being back on center stage. She expressed how ‘great’ it feels, but added it feels ‘extra special’ because she suffered a ‘minor stroke’ last year (April 2022) – something she hasn’t opened up about until now.
“I have fought like crazy to get back on stage. And I have done it,” she continued – much to the surprise of those watching, but she was met with an uproar of applause as the audience embraced her ability to overcome adversity. Later that night, she took to Instagram to share a brief message with her fans.
“For the past year I have worked so hard to get my speech and singing back, with the sole aim of being able to sing on stage again & tonight my hard work & perseverance paid off, singing the song that started it all, ‘I Dreamed A Dream,’” she wrote in the caption – alongside several photos of her incredible return.
Susan Boyle Receives Overwhelming Amount of Support Online
Simon Cowell – the creator and judge of Britain’s Got Talent – praised Susan Boyle after she revealed the stroke she suffered last year. “Susan, we owe you so much and I knew you weren’t well, but if anyone was going to come back you were going to come back because it wouldn’t be the same without you.”
The 62-year-old singer, who has sold over 25 million records, also received a flurry of love, support, and encouragement from fans on social media. “You are so loved by so many Susan. Glad to hear you are recovering. Stay strong and feel the love from the world around you,” one Instagram user commented.
“You absolutely smashed it out the bucket tonight you’ve come on so far since your stroke keep singing and smiling beautiful,” another user commented, while someone else wrote, “You bring sunshine to my ears and heart. I’m so happy you are regaining your health. God Bless.” There were dozens of others.
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Susan Boyle hasn’t released an album since Ten in 2019 – a compilation of her best songs to celebrate her 10-year career. The album was followed by a TEN Tour between 2019 and 2020, just the second tour of her career – her first was Susan Boyle in Concert between 2013 and 2014.