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Biography
From West Lothian, Scotland, Susan Boyle became the point of a media frenzy after performing on the 2009 series of Britain's Got Talent, with her impressive rendition of "I Dreamed a Dream," surprising viewers with her unlikely appearance yet remarkable mezzo-soprano voice. Boyle eventually went on to finish second in the competition, behind the dance troupe, Diversity.
Her 2009 debut record, "I Dreamed a Dream," was a huge success, becoming the UK's best-selling debut of all time and reaching the top spot in both the US and the UK charts. The album was a global hit, faring well in Europe also. A christmas album followed in 2010, titled "The Gift," with Boyle becoming only the third act to achieve success with number one albums in both the UK and US album charts.
With production from Steve Mac, Boyle released her third recording in 2011, "Someone to Watch Over Me," which featured her unique take on classic hits such as "Unchained Melody," Tears for Fears' "Mad World" and Depeche Mode's "Enjoy the Silence." Boyle was privileged to be asked to perform at Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee Pageant in 2012, taking to the stage at Windsor Castle.
Boyle created the concept album, "Standing Ovation: Greatest Songs From The Stage" in 2012, featuring duets with idol Donny Osmond and Michael Crawford. The album peaked at number seven in the UK charts, her first not to reach the top spot. Another christmas album, "Home for Christmas," appeared in 2013, reaching Gold status in the UK. Her sixth full-length, "Hope," arrived in 2014, which peaked at number 16 on the Billboard 200.
Live reviews
In retrospect, it’s pretty obvious just what it was that launched Susan Boyle to the most unlikely of international stardom when she stepped out on the Britain’s Got Talent stage back in 2009. It wasn’t her voice - impressive though it is - or any real star power by traditional understandings of that term, but instead the way in which that first audition of hers was staged; laughed off and sneered at by an audience that judged her on appearance and age alone, her delivery of ‘I Dreamed a Dream’ from Les Miserables was stirring enough to silence her detractors and seal a heartwarming story of triumph over adversity. It’s actually easy to forget that Boyle only came second in the tournament’s final reckoning, with dance troupe Diversity nicking the win, and although she’s gone on to massive success with her albums - selling over nineteen million copies worldwide in just five years - she’s never properly toured, for reasons thought to be associated with her fragile state of mind. Still, she makes occasional appearances at special events, such as the Pope’s visit to Glasgow’s Bellahouston Park in 2010, and remains the unlikeliest of national treasures to this day; her appeal shows no signs of waning.
Seeing Susan Boyle live was breathtaking. She is one of the most talented singers I have ever had the pleasure to witness. She really is a surprising and unique woman and I think everyone should hear her talent! One of the things I loved most about seeing Susan was the gleam in her eye as she sings. Her expressions when she performed really showed the joy she felt and how much she adores singing, it really is marvellous to see. Susan really gave her all when she sang, I loved hearing her voice full of emotion and hitting the notes perfectly, it was beautiful. I loved the simplicity of the set up, the lighting was subtle as not to take away or distract from her talent, the focus was all on her. She wore a gorgeous dress and a pretty sparkling necklace, she really was the star of the show. I can honestly say her voice brought tears to my eyes, there was something about her voice that just connected with me emotionally.
I would recommend anyone to go and see Susan Boyle, she really is a unique talent and inspiration. She shows that you can be successful no matter who you are, which I think is an important message for everyone!
If Susan is coming to a town anywhere near you don't miss her. It was a great show. Her voice is amazing. Her back up singers and of course, the choir were perfect. She can make you laugh out loud or have tears running down your cheeks. Truly a wonderful evening of entertainment.
Susan is an admirable lady. She has the beauty inside and out and she inspires me a lot. I listen to her mostly before bed so I have a good night sleep. I wish for her more shows in San Francisco, Oakland and maybe Berkeley.