Susan Boyle
Scottish church volunteer and amateur singer who leapt to almost immediate global fame when she sang "I Dreamed a Dream" from the musical play Les Misérables on the third series of Britain's Got Talent in the competition's first round.
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It was a very emotional night. It goes quiet when Susan sings, it always does. She always has that effect.
I'm trying to be a professional singer. ... I've never been given the chance before. But here's hoping it'll change.
I can remember the moment she first opened her lips perfectly. We were at a big theatre in Glasgow, 3000 people were laughing their heads off, Simon and Amanda were stifling a chuckle, and then she started to sing.
And I can honestly say it was one of the most extraordinary moments in my perhaps equally unlikely career as a talent show judge.
Because Susan Boyle is not just a good singer, she’s a fantastic singer. Someone whose stunning range, tone and delivery is worthy of comparison to anyone — Elaine Paige included.
As I watched her performance back again last night, I texted Simon in Hollywood: ‘My god, Susan was even better than I remembered — she’s unbelievable.’ He agreed, and I could almost feel his beady little eyes going ‘KERCHING!’ down the line from his new Beverly Hills mansion.
Modern society is too quick to judge people on their appearances. There is not much you can do about it; it is the way they think; it is the way they are. But maybe this could teach them a lesson, or set an example.
I am so thrilled — because I know that everybody was against you. I honestly think that we were all being very cynical — and I think that's the biggest wake up call ever, and I just want to say that it was a complete privilege listening to that.
It was nerve-racking to begin with but once I started and the audience accepted it I relaxed. It has been surreal. I didn’t realise this would be the reaction I just got on with it. I can hardly remember what happened. I had my eyes closed most of the time. It really didn’t dawn on me what was happening.
I did it all for my late mum. I wanted to show I could do something with my life.
Without a doubt that was the biggest surprise I've had in three years on the show.
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