Susan Boyle#Modern freak show

Boyle was raised in Blackburn, West Lothian.{{Cite news |url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/scotland/article6121279.ece?token=null&offset=0&page=1 |title=She who laughs last – songstress Susan Boyle |work=The Sunday Times |location=London |first=Gillian |last=Harris |date=19 April 2009 |access-date=19 April 2009 |archive-date=7 January 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100107020549/http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/scotland/article6121279.ece?token=null&offset=0&page=1 |url-status=dead }} Her father, Patrick Boyle, was a miner and veteran of the Second World War who also worked as a singer at the Bishop's Blaize;{{cn|date=November 2024|reason=The source says that Boyle was a storeman in a factory. It does mention any military or singing career.}} her mother Bridget was a shorthand typist. Both her parents were born in Motherwell, Lanarkshire, but also had family links to County Donegal in Ireland.{{Cite news |url=http://www.deadlinenews.co.uk/2012/03/16/subo-considering-a-move-to-ireland/ |title=SuBo considering a move to Ireland |work=Deadline News |date=16 March 2012 |access-date=21 May 2014 |first=Niamh |last=Anderson |archive-date=21 May 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140521145022/http://www.deadlinenews.co.uk/2012/03/16/subo-considering-a-move-to-ireland/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |url=http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/tv_and_radio/article6122834.ece |title=Profile: Susan Boyle – Britain's got the unlikeliest angel |work=The Sunday Times |location=London |date=19 April 2009 |access-date=24 May 2010 |first=Charles |last=Bremner |archive-date=15 June 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110615163116/http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/tv_and_radio/article6122834.ece |url-status=dead }} Born when her mother was aged 45 years, Boyle was the youngest of four brothers and five sisters. She was raised thinking that she had been briefly deprived of oxygen during a difficult birth resulting in a learning disability. However, she was told in 2012–13 that she had been misdiagnosed and is on the Autism spectrum with an IQ "above average".{{cite web|last=Deveney|first=Catherine|title=Susan Boyle: my relief at discovering that I have Asperger's|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2013/dec/08/susan-boyle-autism|work=The Observer|publisher=Guardian Media Group|access-date=8 December 2013|date=8 December 2013|archive-date=8 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131208104814/http://www.theguardian.com/music/2013/dec/08/susan-boyle-autism|url-status=live}} Boyle says she was bullied as a child.{{cite web |url=http://www.nyt.net/aponline/2009/04/16/arts/AP-EU-Britain-Singing-Sensation.html |title=Singing 'spinster' strikes chord in talent contest |work=The New York Times |first=Ben |last=McConville |date=16 April 2009 |access-date=19 April 2009}}{{Dead link|date=August 2010}}

After leaving school with few qualifications, Boyle took part in government training programmes, and performed at local venues.{{Cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2009/apr/18/susan-boyle-britains-got-talent |title=Susan Boyle: a dream come true |work=The Guardian |location=London |first=Leigh |last=Holmwood |date=18 April 2009 |access-date=13 December 2016 |archive-date=27 September 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160927231244/https://www.theguardian.com/media/2009/apr/18/susan-boyle-britains-got-talent |url-status=live }}

Boyle took singing lessons from vocal coach Fred O'Neil. She attended Edinburgh Acting School and took part in the Edinburgh Fringe. She also long participated in her parish church's pilgrimages to the Knock Shrine, County Mayo, Ireland, and sang there at the Marian basilica.{{Cite news |url=http://www.theirishworld.com/article.asp?SubSection_Id=2&Article_Id=9303 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110717010154/http://www.theirishworld.com/article.asp?SubSection_Id=2&Article_Id=9303 |url-status=dead |archive-date=17 July 2011 |title=Susan Boyle has Mayo connection |work=The Irish World |first=Angela |last=Sammon |date=22 April 2009 |access-date=8 June 2009}}

In 1995, she auditioned for Michael Barrymore's My Kind of People.

In 1998, Boyle recorded three tracks—"Cry Me a River", "Killing Me Softly", and "Don't Cry for Me Argentina"—at Heartbeat Studio, Midlothian.{{Cite news|url=http://heartbeatstudio.co.uk/Susan%20Boyle.htm |title=Heartbeatstudio |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111006022729/http://heartbeatstudio.co.uk/Susan%20Boyle.htm |archive-date=6 October 2011 }} She used all her savings to pay for a professionally cut demo, copies of which she later sent to record companies, radio talent competitions, local and national TV. The demo consisted of her versions of "Cry Me a River" and "Killing Me Softly with His Song"; the songs were uploaded to the Internet after her BGT audition.{{Cite news|last=Ethan|first=Wilson|date=18 February 2019|title=Vote Susan Boyle AGT: The Champions Winner 18 February 2019 Super Fan Voting|work=America's Got Talent: The Champions|location=London|url=http://america-got-talent.com/vote-susan-boyle-agt-champions-winner-18-february-2019-super-fan-voting/ |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20191023201055/http://america-got-talent.com/vote-susan-boyle-agt-champions-winner-18-february-2019-super-fan-voting/ |archive-date= 23 October 2019}}

In 1999, Boyle submitted a track for a charity CD to commemorate the Millennium{{Cite video|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=4949467n |title=She Dreamed A Dream |publisher=CBS News |people=Smith, Harry |format=streaming |medium=Television |date=16 April 2009 |access-date=16 April 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090418062942/http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=4949467n |archive-date=18 April 2009 }} produced at a West Lothian school. Only 1,000 copies of the CD, Music for a Millennium Celebration, Sounds of West Lothian, were pressed.{{Cite web |title=Early Susan Boyle CD Uncovered |url=https://people.com/celebrity/early-susan-boyle-cd-uncovered/ |access-date=2024-07-06 |website=Peoplemag |language=en}} An early review by Amber McNaught in the West Lothian Herald & Post said Boyle's rendition of "Cry Me a River" was "heartbreaking" and "had been on repeat in my CD player ever since I got this CD..."{{Cite news |url=https://vancouversun.com/news/Susan+Boyle+charity+auction+price+hits+2000+eBay/1531534/story.html |archive-url=http://arquivo.pt/wayback/20090705235442/http://www.vancouversun.com/news/Susan%2BBoyle%2Bcharity%2Bauction%2Bprice%2Bhits%2B2000%2BeBay/1531534/story.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=5 July 2009 |title=Susan Boyle charity CD auction price hits $2000 on eBay |work=Vancouver Sun |location=Canada |first=Chris |last=Parry |date=24 April 2009 |access-date=4 October 2018 }}{{Cite news |url=http://www.foreveramber.co.uk/2009/04/susan-boyle-of-britains-got-talent-i-knew-her-when.html |title=Amber's Reviews |work=West Lothian Herald & Post |first=Amber |last=McNaught |year=2000 |access-date=20 April 2009 |archive-date=11 December 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091211230951/http://www.foreveramber.co.uk/2009/04/susan-boyle-of-britains-got-talent-i-knew-her-when.html |url-status=live }} The recording found its way onto the internet following her first televised appearance. Hello! said the recording "cement[ed] her status" as a singing star.{{Cite news |url=http://www.hellomagazine.com/music/2009/04/17/boyle-cry-river/ |title=New recording cements Talent show sensation Susan's status |work=Hello! |date=17 April 2009 |access-date=17 April 2009 |archive-date=13 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181213123401/https://www.hellomagazine.com/music/2009/04/17/boyle-cry-river/ |url-status=live }}

After Boyle won several local singing competitions, her mother urged her to enter Britain's Got Talent and take the risk of singing in front of an audience larger than her parish church. Former coach O'Neil said Boyle abandoned an audition for The X Factor because she believed people were being chosen for their looks. She almost abandoned her plan to enter Britain's Got Talent, believing she was too old, but O'Neil persuaded her to audition nevertheless.{{Cite news |url=http://news.scotsman.com/uk/Campbell-has-new-spin-on.5184440.jp |title=Campbell has new spin on Susan Boyle phenomenon |work=The Scotsman |location=UK |first=Stephen |last=McGinty |date=20 April 2009 |access-date=20 April 2009 |archive-date=9 January 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100109122410/http://news.scotsman.com/uk/Campbell-has-new-spin-on.5184440.jp |url-status=live }} Boyle said that she was motivated to seek a musical career to pay tribute to her mother. Her performance on the show was the first time she had sung in public since her mother died.{{Cite news |url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/scotland/article6078159.ece |title=Secret sadness of Britain's Got Talent star |work=The Sunday Times |location=London |first=Stuart |last=MacDonald |date=12 April 2009 |access-date=16 April 2009 |archive-date=9 August 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110809032913/http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/scotland/article6078159.ece |url-status=dead }}

{{Main|Britain's Got Talent (series 3)}}

File:Amanda Holden (6745397983) (cropped).jpg (pictured) claimed Boyle's audition was the "biggest wake up call ever"]]

In August 2008, Boyle applied for an audition for the third series of Britain's Got Talent (as contestant number 43212) and was accepted after a preliminary audition in Glasgow. When Boyle first appeared on Britain's Got Talent at the city's Clyde Auditorium, she said that she aspired to become a professional singer "as successful as Elaine Paige".{{Cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2009/apr/19/susan-boyle-duet-elaine-paige |title=Reality TV star Susan Boyle set for duet with idol Elaine Paige |work=The Guardian |location=London |first=Caroline |last=Davies |author2=Kelbie, Paul |date=19 April 2009 |access-date=19 April 2009 |archive-date=5 December 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131205001639/http://www.theguardian.com/media/2009/apr/19/susan-boyle-duet-elaine-paige |url-status=live }} Boyle sang "I Dreamed a Dream" from Les Misérables in the first round, which was watched by over 10 million viewers when it aired on 11 April 2009.{{cite web |url=http://www.playbill.com/news/article/128284-Producer-Mackintosh-Gob-Smacked-By-Boyles-I-Dreamed-a-Dream-Song-Is-YouTube-Hit |title=Producer Mackintosh "Gob-Smacked" By Boyle's "I Dreamed a Dream"; Song Is YouTube Hit |work=Playbill News |date=15 April 2009 |access-date=19 April 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091215034843/http://www.playbill.com/news/article/128284-Producer-Mackintosh-Gob-Smacked-By-Boyles-I-Dreamed-a-Dream-Song-Is-YouTube-Hit |archive-date=15 December 2009 }} Programme judge Amanda Holden remarked upon the audience's initially cynical attitude, and the subsequent "biggest wake-up call ever" upon hearing her performance.{{Cite news |url=https://vancouversun.com/Life/Beautiful+blondes+Boyle+lingering+ideas+about+sexuality/1509204/story.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090421061343/http://www.vancouversun.com/Life/Beautiful+blondes+Boyle+lingering+ideas+about+sexuality/1509204/story.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=21 April 2009 |title=Beautiful blondes, a Boyle and lingering ideas about sexuality |work=The Vancouver Sun |location=Canada |first=Pete |last=McMartin |date=18 April 2009 |access-date=18 April 2009 }}

Boyle was "absolutely gobsmacked" by the strength of the reaction to her appearance.{{Cite news |url=http://www.cnn.com/2009/SHOWBIZ/TV/04/17/susan.boyle/?iref=mpstoryview |title=Scottish singer 'gobsmacked' by overnight stardom |publisher=CNN |date=17 April 2009 |access-date=17 April 2009 |archive-date=12 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180912054613/http://www.cnn.com/2009/SHOWBIZ/TV/04/17/susan.boyle/?iref=mpstoryview |url-status=live }} Afterwards, Paige expressed interest in singing a duet with Boyle, and called her "a role model for everyone who has a dream".{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/8006786.stm |title=Paige salutes Talent star Boyle |publisher=BBC News |date=19 April 2009 |access-date=21 April 2009 |archive-date=23 April 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090423132932/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/8006786.stm |url-status=live }} Boyle's rendition of "I Dreamed a Dream" was credited with causing a surge in ticket sales in the Vancouver production of Les Misérables.{{Cite news|url=https://vancouversun.com/entertainment/Susan+Doyle+YouTube+sensation+sends+ticket+sales+skyrocketing+Mis%C3%A9rables/1507403/story.html |title=YouTube sensation Susan Boyle sends ticket sales rocketing for Vancouver Les Misérables |work=Vancouver Sun |location=Canada |first=Bart |last=Jackson |date=17 April 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090420050048/http://www.vancouversun.com/entertainment/Susan+Doyle+YouTube+sensation+sends+ticket+sales+skyrocketing+Mis%C3%A9rables/1507403/story.html |archive-date=20 April 2009 }}{{Cite news|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/arts/theatre/nestruck-on-theatre/article1137297.ece |title=Susan Boyle sensation sends sales of Vancouver production of Les Miserables through the roof |work=The Globe and Mail |location=Canada |date=17 April 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111014000039/http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/arts/theatre/nestruck-on-theatre/article1137297.ece |archive-date=14 October 2011 }} Cameron Mackintosh, the producer of the musical, also praised the performance, as {{nowrap|"heart-touching,}} thrilling and uplifting".

Boyle was one of 40 acts that were put through to the semi-finals.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/8065580.stm |title=Singer Boyle reaches Talent semis |publisher=BBC News |date=23 May 2009 |access-date=24 May 2009 |archive-date=30 May 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090530003231/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/8065580.stm |url-status=live }} She appeared last on the first semi-final on 24 May 2009, performing "Memory" from the musical Cats.{{Cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/susan-boyle/5378095/Susan-Boyle-sings-again-on-Britains-Got-Talent.html |title=Susan Boyle sings again on Britain's Got Talent |work=The Daily Telegraph |location=London |first=Ian |last=Johnston |date=24 May 2009 |access-date=24 May 2009 |archive-date=27 May 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090527110818/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/susan-boyle/5378095/Susan-Boyle-sings-again-on-Britains-Got-Talent.html |url-status=live }} In the public vote, she was the act to receive the highest number of votes to go through to the final.{{Cite magazine |url=http://watching-tv.ew.com/2009/05/24/susan-boyle-bri/ |title=Susan Boyle wins first 'Britain's Got Talent' semi-final singing 'Memory' from 'Cats' |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |first=Ken |last=Tucker |date=24 May 2009 |access-date=24 May 2009 |archive-date=8 August 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090808210158/http://watching-tv.ew.com/2009/05/24/susan-boyle-bri/ |url-status=live }} She was the clear favourite to win the final,{{Cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2009/jun/03/susan-boyle-britains-got-talent-press-warned |title=Susan Boyle: press warned to back off Britain's Got Talent star |work=The Guardian |location=London |first=Stephen |last=Brook |date=3 June 2009 |access-date=13 December 2016 |archive-date=4 November 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161104080912/https://www.theguardian.com/media/2009/jun/03/susan-boyle-britains-got-talent-press-warned |url-status=live }} but ended up in second place to dance troupe Diversity; the UK TV audience was a record of 17.3 million viewers.{{Cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/susan-boyle/5434811/Susan-Boyle-could-be-in-Priory-clinic-for-weeks-says-doctor.html |title=Susan Boyle could be in Priory clinic for weeks, says doctor |work=The Daily Telegraph |location=London |first=Alastair |last=Jamieson |date=3 June 2009 |access-date=24 May 2009 |archive-date=6 June 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090606194136/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/susan-boyle/5434811/Susan-Boyle-could-be-in-Priory-clinic-for-weeks-says-doctor.html |url-status=live }}

{{Quote box |quoted=true |bgcolor=#FFFFF0 |salign=center |width=30em |quote=I know what they were thinking, but why should it matter as long as I can sing? It's not a beauty contest. |source=Susan Boyle, The Sunday Times}}

The Press Complaints Commission (PCC) became concerned by press reports about Boyle's erratic behaviour and speculation about her mental condition and wrote to remind editors about clause 3 (privacy) of their code of press conduct. The day after the final, Boyle was admitted to The Priory, a private psychiatric clinic in London. Talkback Thames explained, "Following Saturday night's show, Susan is exhausted and emotionally drained." Her stay in hospital attracted widespread attention, with Prime Minister Gordon Brown wishing her well.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/8076413.stm |title=Talent star Boyle taken to clinic |publisher=BBC News |date=1 June 2009 |access-date=1 June 2009 |archive-date=8 June 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090608030829/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/8076413.stm |url-status=live }} Simon Cowell offered to waive Boyle's contractual obligation to take part in the BGT tour. Her family said "she's been battered non-stop for the last seven weeks and it has taken its toll [...but...] her dream is very much alive", as she had been invited to the Independence Day celebrations at the White House.

Boyle left the clinic three days after her admission{{Cite news|url=http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/tv_and_radio/article6436975.ece|title=Susan Boyle leaves The Priory|work=The Times|location=London|date=5 June 2009|first=Veronica|last=Schmidt|access-date=24 May 2010|archive-date=15 June 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110615163132/http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/tv_and_radio/article6436975.ece|url-status=dead}} and said she would participate in the BGT tour. Despite health concerns, she appeared in 20 of the 24 dates of the tour,{{Cite news |url=http://movies.broadwayworld.com/article/TALENT_Star_Susan_Boyle_Records_First_Song_For_Debut_Album_20090708 |title='Takent' Star Susan Boyle Records First Song For Debut Album |publisher=Broadwayworld.com |date=8 July 2009 |access-date=27 September 2010 |archive-date=8 July 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110708095004/http://movies.broadwayworld.com/article/TALENT_Star_Susan_Boyle_Records_First_Song_For_Debut_Album_20090708 |url-status=live }} and was well received in cities including Aberdeen,{{Cite news|url=http://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/Article.aspx/1276590?UserKey=|title=Talent show stars wow Granite City audience|work=Press and Journal|date=24 June 2009|access-date=16 December 2009|archive-date=19 March 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120319062348/http://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/Article.aspx/1276590?UserKey=|url-status=live}} Edinburgh,{{Cite news |url=http://edinburghnews.scotsman.com/reviews/Susan-Boyle-Britain39s-Got-Talent.5372895.jp |title=Susan Boyle live performance |work=Edinburgh Evening News |date=12 June 2009 |access-date=17 December 2009 |archive-date=28 June 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100628174737/http://edinburghnews.scotsman.com/reviews/Susan-Boyle-Britain39s-Got-Talent.5372895.jp |url-status=live }} Dublin,{{Cite news |url=http://www.irishcentral.com/news/Susan-Boyles-dream-comes-true-before-adoring-crowds-in-Dublin-49548377.html |title='Talent' Star Susan Boyle Records First Song For Debut Album |work=IrishCentral |date=30 June 2009 |access-date=16 December 2009 |archive-date=4 July 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090704082708/http://www.irishcentral.com/news/Susan-Boyles-dream-comes-true-before-adoring-crowds-in-Dublin-49548377.html |url-status=live }} Sheffield,{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/8096564.stm |title=Touch and go as Boyle joins tour |publisher=BBC News |date=13 June 2009}} Coventry,{{Cite news |url=http://www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/coventry-news/2009/06/26/britain-s-got-talent-stars-wow-coventry-s-ricoh-arena-92746-23986917/ |title=Britain's Got Talent stars wow Coventry's Ricoh Arena |work=The Coventry Telegraph |date=26 June 2009 |access-date=17 December 2009 |archive-date=1 July 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090701014003/http://www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/coventry-news/2009/06/26/britain-s-got-talent-stars-wow-coventry-s-ricoh-arena-92746-23986917/ |url-status=live }} and Birmingham.{{Cite news |url=http://www.birminghammail.net/news/birmingham-news/2009/06/12/susan-boyle-on-form-at-britain-s-got-talent-tour-in-birmingham-97319-23866884/ |title=Susan Boyle on form on Britain's Got Talent tour in Birmingham |work=Birmingham Mail |date=17 June 2009 |access-date=17 December 2009 |archive-date=16 August 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090816175350/http://www.birminghammail.net/news/birmingham-news/2009/06/12/susan-boyle-on-form-at-britain-s-got-talent-tour-in-birmingham-97319-23866884/ |url-status=live }} The Belfast Telegraph stated that "Despite reports of crumbling under the pressure..., she exuded a confidence resembling that of a veteran who has been performing for years".{{Cite news|url=http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/entertainment/music/reviews/no-theatrics-just-a-spotlight-and-susan-boylersquos-soaring-voice-14376627.html|title=No theatrics, just a spotlight and Susan Boyle's soaring voice|work=Belfast Telegraph|date=2 July 2009|access-date=16 December 2009|archive-date=5 July 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090705140214/http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/entertainment/music/reviews/no-theatrics-just-a-spotlight-and-susan-boylersquos-soaring-voice-14376627.html|url-status=live}}

{{Main|I Dreamed a Dream (album)|l1=I Dreamed a Dream}}

Boyle's first album, I Dreamed a Dream, was released on 23 November 2009.{{Cite news |url=http://www.play.com/Music/CD/4-/10536807/New-Album-TBA/Product.html |title=Susan Boyle (Britain's Got Talent) – I Dreamed A Dream |work=m/ Play.com |date=24 November 2009 |access-date=26 August 2009 |archive-date=26 August 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090826223726/http://www.play.com/Music/CD/4-/10536807/New-Album-TBA/Product.html |url-status=live }} The album includes covers of "Wild Horses" and "You'll See" as well as "I Dreamed a Dream", and "Cry Me a River".{{cite web|url=http://www.susanboylemusic.com/gb/music/|title=Susan Boyle / Music|access-date=29 November 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090830044112/http://www.susanboylemusic.com/gb/music|archive-date=30 August 2009|url-status=dead}} In Britain, Boyle's debut album was recognised as the fastest selling UK debut album of all time selling 411,820 copies, beating the previous fastest selling debut of all time, Spirit by Leona Lewis.{{Cite news |url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P3-1385652831.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110812052739/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P3-1385652831.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=12 August 2011 |title=Leona Lewis's 'Spirit' becomes Britain's fastest-selling debut album |date=17 November 2007}} I Dreamed a Dream also outsold the rest of the top 5 albums combined in its first week.{{Cite news|url=http://www.susanboylemusic.com/gb/news/item/susan_boyle_makes_music_history_as_the_fastest_selling_worldwide_female_deb/|title=Susan Boyle Makes Music History as the "Fastest Selling Worldwide Female Debut Ever"|date=30 November 2009|access-date=2 December 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130314061202/http://www.susanboylemusic.com/gb/news/item/susan_boyle_makes_music_history_as_the_fastest_selling_worldwide_female_deb/|archive-date=14 March 2013|url-status=dead}}

In the US, the album sold 701,000 copies in its first week, the best opening week for a debut artist in over a decade.{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/03/arts/music/03sales.html |title=Susan Boyle, Top Seller, Shakes Up CD Trends |work=The New York Times |date=2 December 2009 |first=Ben |last=Sisario |access-date=24 May 2010 |archive-date=15 June 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130615121218/http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/03/arts/music/03sales.html |url-status=live }} It topped the Billboard chart for six straight weeks and although it narrowly failed to become the best-selling album of 2009, with sales of 3,104,000 compared to 3,217,000 for Taylor Swift's Fearless, it was one of only two albums to sell over 3 million copies in the US, and was also the top selling "physical" album of 2009, with only 86,000 of its sales coming from digital downloads.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/960801/taylor-swift-edges-susan-boyle-for-2009s-top-selling-album|title=Taylor Swift Edges Susan Boyle For 2009's Top-Selling Album|last=Caulfield|first=Keith|date=6 January 2010|magazine=Billboard|access-date=19 January 2010|archive-date=27 April 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140427000452/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/960801/taylor-swift-edges-susan-boyle-for-2009s-top-selling-album|url-status=live}} This has in turn garnered more media attention, as mentioned by People magazine.{{Cite news|url=http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20331581,00.html|title=Who'll Lead Record Sales, Susan Boyle or Taylor Swift?|work=People|access-date=24 June 2010|archive-date=22 December 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091222033604/http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20331581,00.html|url-status=dead}}

In Italy, it was the first album of the month in the Italian No. 1 Account by a non-Italian artist ever. In only a week, it sold more than 2 million copies worldwide, becoming the fastest selling global female debut album.

On 13 December 2009 she appeared in her own television special "I Dreamed a Dream: the Susan Boyle Story", featuring a duet with Elaine Paige.{{Cite news|url=http://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/Article.aspx/1523399?UserKey=|title=US TV special details Boyle's Cinderella story|date=12 December 2009|publisher=The Press and Journal|access-date=15 December 2009|archive-date=19 March 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120319062146/http://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/Article.aspx/1523399?UserKey=|url-status=live}} It got ratings of 10 million viewers in the United Kingdom{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2009/dec/14/x-factor-joe-mcelderry|title=The X Factor: more than 19m watch Joe McElderry win|last=Plunkett|first=John|date=13 December 2009|work=The Guardian|location=UK|access-date=15 December 2009|archive-date=24 March 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140324131746/http://www.theguardian.com/media/2009/dec/14/x-factor-joe-mcelderry|url-status=live}} and in America was the TV Guide Network's highest rated television special in its history.{{Cite news|url=https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/wireStory?id=9334862|title="Dexter" Season Finale Slashes Records|date=14 December 2009|publisher=ABC News|access-date=15 December 2009|archive-date=17 December 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091217173405/http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/wireStory?id=9334862|url-status=live}}

In November 2009 it was reported{{cite news|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2009-11-04/britain-got-talent-boyle-sings-in-eagle-talon-anime|title=Britain's Got Talent's Boyle Sings in Eagle Talon Anime|date=4 November 2009|work=Anime News Network|access-date=9 January 2009|archive-date=5 November 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091105195104/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2009-11-04/britain-got-talent-boyle-sings-in-eagle-talon-anime|url-status=live}} that Boyle's rendition of "I Dreamed a Dream" would be the theme song of the anime movie Eagle Talon The Movie 3 which was later released in Japan on 16 January 2010.{{cite news|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2010-02-04/eagle-talon-the-movie-3-moviegoers-get-10000-free-dvds|title=Eagle Talon The Movie 3 Moviegoers Get 10,000 Free DVDs|date=4 February 2009|work=Anime News Network|access-date=7 February 2009|archive-date=7 February 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100207095148/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2010-02-04/eagle-talon-the-movie-3-moviegoers-get-10000-free-dvds|url-status=live}} Boyle performed for Pope Benedict XVI on his tour of Britain in 2010.{{Cite magazine |via=AP |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/957842/susan-boyle-to-perform-for-pope-during-uk-tour |title=Susan Boyle To Perform For pope During UK Tour |magazine=Billboard |date=14 September 2009 |access-date=23 February 2011 |archive-date=15 July 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140715064350/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/957842/susan-boyle-to-perform-for-pope-during-uk-tour |url-status=live }} In May 2010, Boyle was voted by Time magazine as the seventh most influential person in the world.{{Cite news|url=http://news.scotsman.com/scotland/Boyle-beats-Obama-in-39most.6267262.jp|title=Boyle beats Obama in 'most influential' poll|date=2 May 2009|work=The Scotsman|location=UK|access-date=2 May 2009|archive-date=5 May 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100505144634/http://news.scotsman.com/scotland/Boyle-beats-Obama-in-39most.6267262.jp|url-status=live}} Boyle's original song "Who I Was Born To Be" was the theme song of anime film Welcome to the Space Show, which opened in Japan on 26 June 2010.{{cite news|agency=Anime News Network|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2010-05-25/susan-boyle-sings-welcome-to-the-space-show-theme|title=Susan Boyle Sings Welcome to the Space Show|access-date=25 November 2015|archive-date=15 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151115022640/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2010-05-25/susan-boyle-sings-welcome-to-the-space-show-theme|url-status=live}}

{{Main|The Gift (Susan Boyle album)|Someone to Watch Over Me (album)}}

File:Susan Boyle.jpg, 2013]]

On 9 July 2010, Boyle announced that her second album would be a Christmas album entitled The Gift.{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/957247/susan-boyle-recording-christmas-album-sources |title=Susan Boyle Recording Christmas Album: Sources |magazine=Billboard |date=14 September 2009 |access-date=23 February 2011 |archive-date=9 July 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140709054424/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/957247/susan-boyle-recording-christmas-album-sources |url-status=live }} As part of the lead-up to the album, she held a competition called Susan's Search, the winner of which sang a duet with her on her new CD.{{cite web

|agency = Reuters

|title = Susan Boyle launches contest to find duet partner

|work = Vancouver Sun

|location = Canada

|url = https://vancouversun.com/entertainment/Susan+Boyle+launches+contest+find+duet+partner/3257596/story.html

|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100711221205/http://www.vancouversun.com/entertainment/Susan+Boyle+launches+contest+find+duet+partner/3257596/story.html

|url-status = dead

|archive-date = 11 July 2010

|access-date = 9 July 2010

|df = dmy-all

}}

The album was released on 8 November 2010.{{cite web|url=http://hmv.com/hmvweb/displayProductDetails.do?sku=144817 |title=Susan Boyle: Gift (2010) |publisher=HMV |access-date=17 October 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101123163236/http://hmv.com/hmvweb/displayProductDetails.do?sku=144817 |archive-date=23 November 2010 }}

The album was produced by Steve Mac, who said that "Now Susan's used to the studio and the recording process, this time round we might go even further down a traditional route of recording by getting a band together and rehearsing songs before we go into the studio to see what works, how she reacts with certain parts, and so we can change the arrangements that way. I think that's going to work much better....With Susan it's very important she connects with the public and the public connect with her. She doesn't want to sing anything that hasn't happened to her or she can't relate to."{{cite web

| last =Bouwman

| first =Kimbel

| title =Interview with Steve Mac, producer for Susan Boyle, JLS, Il Divo, The Saturdays

| publisher =HitQuarters

| url =http://www.hitquarters.com/index.php3?page=intrview/opar/intrview_Steve_Mac_Interview.html

| access-date =29 January 2020

| archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20120314061742/http://www.hitquarters.com/index.php3?page=intrview/opar/intrview_Steve_Mac_Interview.html

| archive-date =14 March 2012

| url-status =dead

}}

In October 2010 Boyle's autobiography The Woman I Was Born To Be – My Story was published.{{Cite book|publisher=Bantam Press|title=The Woman I Was Born To Be – My Story|isbn=978-0593066942|year=2010}} By November 2010, The Gift reached the top of both the UK and US album charts. This made Boyle the first woman and third ever performer to reach the top of both charts for two different albums in less than a year.{{cite news |publisher=BBC News |title=Susan Boyle album is transatlantic No. 1 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-11793403 |date=18 November 2010 |access-date=20 June 2018 |archive-date=4 December 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101204203815/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-11793403 |url-status=live }}. The others are the Beatles and Monkees. On 30 November 2010, in the United States, Boyle performed on ABC's The View singing "O Holy Night" and then on NBC's Christmas at Rockefeller Center programme performing "Perfect Day" and "Away in a Manger". Boyle performed on the second semi-final results show of the sixth season of America's Got Talent, which aired on 31 August 2011.{{cite magazine |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/americas-got-talent-snags-nicki-227799 |title='America's Got Talent' Snags Nicki Minaj, Tony Bennett and Susan Boyle |magazine=Hollywood Reporter |date=25 August 2011 |access-date=1 January 2012 |archive-date=3 November 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121103004116/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/americas-got-talent-snags-nicki-227799 |url-status=live }} Her third studio album, Someone To Watch Over Me, was released the same year.

Boyle released her fourth album Standing Ovation: The Greatest Songs from the Stage in November 2012. She reportedly took piano lessons as she planned on playing it for the album. A reporter told The Sun, "Susan loves the piano and always dreamed of being able to reach a standard which would allow her to play on stage and on her albums."{{cite web|url=http://entertainment.stv.tv/music/308622-susan-boyle-has-something-special-planned-for-fourth-album/|title=Shows|work=STV Shows|access-date=18 June 2012|archive-date=25 June 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120625225112/http://entertainment.stv.tv/music/308622-susan-boyle-has-something-special-planned-for-fourth-album/|url-status=live}} In October 2012 renowned opera star Placido Domingo released his album Songs which included a duet with Boyle of Shania Twain's "From This Moment On".{{cite news|url=https://www.npr.org/2012/10/20/163249498/placido-domingo-on-pop-singers-and-karaoke|publisher=NPR|title=Placido Domingo On Pop Singers And Karaoke|newspaper=NPR.org|access-date=28 November 2015|archive-date=27 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160127183107/http://www.npr.org/2012/10/20/163249498/placido-domingo-on-pop-singers-and-karaoke|url-status=live}}

Boyle made her first acting appearance as Eleanor Hopewell in The Christmas Candle. The film is based on a book written by Max Lucado about a 19th-century village of simple people in the English Cotswolds in need of a miracle.{{cite press release|title=EchoLight Studios to Release the Next Holiday Classic, 'The Christmas Candle,' in Theaters this November|url=http://www.standardnewswire.com/news/294978655.html|work=Standard Newswire|access-date=25 September 2013|archive-date=30 September 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130930042125/http://www.standardnewswire.com/news/294978655.html|url-status=live}} The film was released on 22 November 2013 in the US and 29 November 2013 in the UK. Talking about her first acting role, Boyle said, "I can't believe I'm making a film. I'm very excited to be a part of The Christmas Candle. Everyone on set is a delight to work with and it's a fantastic experience to be part of the team."{{Cite news|url=http://www.screendaily.com/news/susan-boyle-samantha-barks-start-film-shoot/5052473.article?blocktitle=Latest-News&contentID=1846|title=Samantha Barks and Susan Boyle start shoot on Christmas Candle|first=Andreas|last=Wiseman|work=Screen Daily|date=28 February 2013|access-date=3 March 2013|archive-date=1 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131001022156/http://www.screendaily.com/news/susan-boyle-samantha-barks-start-film-shoot/5052473.article?blocktitle=Latest-News&contentID=1846|url-status=live}} In the film Boyle sings an original song, "Miracle Hymn", the anthem for the film and a track from her album Home for Christmas, which also featured a duet with Elvis Presley singing "O Come All Ye Faithful".{{cite press release|title=Syco/Columbia Records to Release Home For Christmas the Highly Anticipated Fifth Album From Susan Boyle Featuring a Duet With Elvis Presley|url=http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sycocolumbia-records-to-release-home-for-christmas-the-highly-anticipated-fifth-album-from-susan-boyle-featuring-a-duet-with-elvis-presley-222929471.html|work=PR Newswire|access-date=25 September 2013|archive-date=22 September 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130922170444/http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sycocolumbia-records-to-release-home-for-christmas-the-highly-anticipated-fifth-album-from-susan-boyle-featuring-a-duet-with-elvis-presley-222929471.html|url-status=live}} The album was released on 29 October 2013 in the US.{{cite web|url=http://www.thescenemagazine.ca/susan-boyle-to-release-christmas-album-featuring-elvis-presley/|title=Susan Boyle to Release Christmas Album – Featuring Elvis Presley|work=The Scene Magazine|access-date=13 September 2013|archive-date=27 September 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130927211919/http://www.thescenemagazine.ca/susan-boyle-to-release-christmas-album-featuring-elvis-presley/|url-status=live}} Previously in television, Boyle starred as herself in I Dreamed a Dream: The Susan Boyle Story and in a 2011 documentary titled Susan Boyle: An Unlikely Superstar.{{Cite news|url=http://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/Article.aspx/1523399?UserKey=|title=US TV special details Boyle's Cinderella story|date=12 December 2009|work=The Press and Journal|access-date=30 April 2013|archive-date=19 March 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120319062146/http://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/Article.aspx/1523399?UserKey=|url-status=live}} Boyle also starred in a second documentary titled There's Something About Susan in the UK, which first aired on ITV on 12 December 2013.{{cite web|url=http://www.itv.com/presscentre/ep1week50/theres-something-about-susan|title=There's Something About Susan|publisher=ITV|access-date=24 November 2015|archive-date=25 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151125045959/http://www.itv.com/presscentre/ep1week50/theres-something-about-susan|url-status=live}} It aired in the US on Ovation Channel under the title Susan Boyle Her Secret Struggle with the premiere on 9 April 2014.{{cite web|url=http://www.ovationtv.com/ovation-presents-the-u-s-premiere-of-susan-boyle-her-secret-struggle-wednesday-april-9-at-10-p-m-et-2/|title=Susan Boyle Her Secret Struggle|publisher=OvationTV|access-date=24 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151125001503/http://www.ovationtv.com/ovation-presents-the-u-s-premiere-of-susan-boyle-her-secret-struggle-wednesday-april-9-at-10-p-m-et-2/|archive-date=25 November 2015|url-status=dead}} In October 2013 American vocalist Johnny Mathis released an album titled Sending You a Little Christmas. The album includes "Do You Hear What I Hear?" a duet performed with Boyle.{{cite web|title=Sending You a Little Christmas|website=AllMusic|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/sending-you-a-little-christmas-mw0002578124|access-date=29 November 2015|archive-date=10 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151210183305/http://www.allmusic.com/album/sending-you-a-little-christmas-mw0002578124|url-status=live}}

{{Main|Hope (Susan Boyle album)|l1=Hope}}

Boyle released her sixth album, Hope, in October 2014 in the US and in November 2014 in the UK. The album, whose theme is hope and inspiration, includes a recorded live performance by Boyle of "You Raise Me Up" with the Lakewood Church choir.{{cite web|title=SYCO/Columbia Records To Release Hope, Inspirational Sixth Album From Top Selling International Artist Susan Boyle|url=http://www.columbiarecords.com/news/760|publisher=Columbia Records|access-date=26 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923205541/http://www.columbiarecords.com/news/760|archive-date=23 September 2015|url-status=dead}} Hope mostly contains renditions of classic ballad song, as well as uptempo songs themed around inspiration and hope as Boyle sees those as the "two elements we all need in our life to drive us forward and inspire us to go out and capture our dreams; they worked for me after all." Boyle stated that "I have really enjoyed making this album. I had a huge input in music suggestions and finally have been able to record one of my all time favourites, "Angel", originally by Sarah Mclachlan. I also am pleased to be able to sing some uptempo songs that show variation in my repertoire."{{cite web|title=SYCO/COLUMBIA RECORDS TO RELEASE HOPE, INSPIRATIONAL SIXTH ALBUM FROM TOP SELLING INTERNATIONAL ARTIST SUSAN BOYLE|url=http://www.columbiarecords.com/news/760|publisher=Columbia Records|accessdate=22 October 2014|date=15 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923205541/http://www.columbiarecords.com/news/760|archive-date=23 September 2015|url-status=dead}}

The album debuted at number 16 on the Billboard 200 in the United States, becoming Susan Boyle's sixth consecutive top 20 album there. The album spent 35 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Top Inspirational Albums chart.{{cite web|title=AsOne Album Debuts #1 Billboard Top Inspirational Albums|date=July 2015|url=http://www.thechristianbeat.org/index.php/news/570-asone-debut-album-1-billboard-top-inspirational-albums|publisher=The Christian Beat|accessdate=25 November 2015|archive-date=6 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171206005853/http://www.thechristianbeat.org/index.php/news/570-asone-debut-album-1-billboard-top-inspirational-albums|url-status=live}} It has sold 115,000 copies in the United States {{as of|2016|November|lc=y}}.{{cite web |archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20161104171004/http://hitsdailydouble.com/new_album_releases|archivedate= 4 November 2016 |url=http://hitsdailydouble.com/new_album_releases |title=Upcoming Releases |website=Hits Daily Double |publisher=HITS Digital Ventures }} The album spent 35 weeks at #1 on the Billboard Top Inspirational Albums chart.{{cite web|title=AsOne Album Debuts #1 Billboard Top Inspirational Albums|date=July 2015|url=http://www.thechristianbeat.org/index.php/news/570-asone-debut-album-1-billboard-top-inspirational-albums|publisher=The Christian Beat|access-date=25 November 2015|archive-date=6 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171206005853/http://www.thechristianbeat.org/index.php/news/570-asone-debut-album-1-billboard-top-inspirational-albums|url-status=live}}

Boyle performing at the 2014 Commonwealth Games opening ceremony in Glasgow, Scotland, performing "Mull of Kintyre" upon the arrival of the Head of the Commonwealth, Queen Elizabeth II.{{Cite web |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/watch-susan-boyle-sing-mull-kintyre-commonwealth-games-2014-opening-ceremony-9625100.html |title=Watch Susan Boyle sing 'Mull of Kintyre' at the Commonwealth Games |website=Independent.co.uk |date=24 July 2014 |access-date=22 February 2021 |archive-date=23 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210423170614/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/watch-susan-boyle-sing-mull-kintyre-commonwealth-games-2014-opening-ceremony-9625100.html |url-status=live }}

Following the release of previous album, Hope in 2014, Boyle took a break during 2015 to "take a little me time and spend time at home with family and friends", and thus the recording of her seventh studio album was postponed to 2016.{{cite web|title=2016 Update For All of You!|url=http://www.susanboylemusic.com/2016-update-for-all-of-you/|publisher=Sony Music Entertainment (UK) Ltd.|access-date=22 October 2016|date=24 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161021230714/http://www.susanboylemusic.com/2016-update-for-all-of-you/|archive-date=21 October 2016|url-status=dead}} In October 2016, Boyle announced the release of her seventh studio album, A Wonderful World. In September 2018, Boyle was confirmed to be a contestant in America's Got Talent: The Champions. When asked why she joined the competition, she stated that she wanted to win this time.{{cite web|url=https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/susan-boyle-stuns-americas-got-talent-judges-in-triumphant-return-to-stage|title=Susan Boyle stuns 'America's Got Talent' judges in triumphant return to stage|last=Joyce|first=Kathleen|date=8 January 2019|publisher=Fox News|language=en-US|access-date=9 January 2019|archive-date=9 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190109004600/https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/susan-boyle-stuns-americas-got-talent-judges-in-triumphant-return-to-stage|url-status=live}} She performed on 7 January 2019, singing "Wild Horses" from her 2009 debut album I Dreamed a Dream and received a golden buzzer from judge Mel B.{{cite news |last1=Henderson |first1=Cydney |title='AGT: The Champions': Susan Boyle's powerful return to the stage earns a Golden Buzzer |access-date=18 July 2020 |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/tv/2019/01/08/agt-champions-susan-boyle-earns-golden-buzzer/2506610002/ |newspaper=USA TODAY |publisher=USA TODAY, Division of Gannett Satellite Information Network, LLC |date=8 January 2019 |archive-date=18 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200718103705/https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/tv/2019/01/08/agt-champions-susan-boyle-earns-golden-buzzer/2506610002/ |url-status=live }} She progressed straight to the finals where she sang the song "I Dreamed a Dream" from her original audition back in 2009, but failed to finish in the top five.{{cite web |last1=Ling |first1=Thomas |title=Susan Boyle admits she was "disappointed" not to win America's Got Talent: The Champions |date=19 February 2019 |url=https://www.radiotimes.com/news/tv/2019-02-19/susan-boyle-admits-she-was-disappointed-not-to-win-americas-got-talent-the-champions/ |website=radiotimes.com |publisher=Immediate Media Company Ltd |access-date=18 July 2020 |archive-date=18 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200718110455/https://www.radiotimes.com/news/tv/2019-02-19/susan-boyle-admits-she-was-disappointed-not-to-win-americas-got-talent-the-champions/ |url-status=live }}

{{main|Ten (Susan Boyle album)}}

Boyle's first compilation album, Ten, was released on 31 May 2019 and features a duet with Michael Ball on the track "A Million Dreams".{{cite web |author=Susan Boyle (Verified account) |url=https://twitter.com/SusanBoyle/status/1117366889984847873 |title=Susan Boyle on Twitter: "The lead track for Susan's album 'TEN' will be... 'A Million Dreams' featuring @mrmichaelball & @RockChoir! Listen out for teasers coming soon! Pre-order the album now!: t.co/54X0zzawux... t.co/bDLxb8MMSf" |publisher=Twitter.com |date=14 April 2019 |access-date=3 June 2019 |archive-date=2021-04-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210423170742/https://twitter.com/SusanBoyle/status/1117366889984847873 |url-status=live }} On 21 August 2019, Boyle performed on the results show for season 14 of America's Got Talent.{{cite press release|url=https://www.nbcumv.com/news/%E2%80%98america%E2%80%99s-got-talent%E2%80%99-reveals-next-12-acts-headed-dolby-theatre-tuesday-aug-20?show=151369&network=33129|title=America's Got Talent Reveals Next 12 Acts Headed to Dolby Theatre on Tuesday, Aug. 20|access-date=19 August 2019|date=19 August 2019|publisher=NBCUniversal|archive-date=24 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200524231821/https://www.nbcumv.com/news/%E2%80%98america%E2%80%99s-got-talent%E2%80%99-reveals-next-12-acts-headed-dolby-theatre-tuesday-aug-20?show=151369&network=33129|url-status=live}} Boyle's English-language cover of the Japanese folk song "Wings To Fly" was played during the release of the doves at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics Opening Ceremony in 2021.{{Cite web|title=How Susan Boyle's unexpected Olympics appearance stole the show|url=https://www.classicfm.com/artists/susan-boyle/unexpected-olympics-wings-to-fly-stole-show/|access-date=2021-11-11|website=Classic FM|language=en}} In March 2020, Boyle embarked on her second tour, The Ten Tour, to promote the release of the compilation album. The tour commenced in Boyle's native Scotland in the city of Dundee, and featured shows within various concert halls and theatres across the United Kingdom.{{cite web |title=Susan Boyle announces The TEN Tour across the UK in March 2020 |url=https://marshall-arts.com/news-articles/susan-boyle-announces-the-ten-tour-across-the-uk-in-march-2020 |website=Marshall Arts Ltd |access-date=26 October 2024 |date=4 June 2019}}

Speaking ahead of her first concert tour in four years, Boyle said she was "thrilled to be coming back on tour after four years and starting in Scotland, one of the best audiences in the world", adding that people could expect songs to be performed that they would not "necessarily expect from me", stating that she "likes to surprise, I left the world surprised ten years ago and I want to surprise my fans again".{{cite web |title=Susan Boyle announces The TEN Tour across the UK in March 2020 |url=https://marshall-arts.com/news-articles/susan-boyle-announces-the-ten-tour-across-the-uk-in-march-2020 |website=Marshall Arts Ltd |access-date=26 October 2024 |date=4 June 2019}} Boyle was scheduled to perform in Birmingham at the Birmingham Symphony Hall on 17 March 2020, however, was cancelled along with the remaining dates of The Ten Tour as a result of the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom.{{cite web |last1=Chamberlain |first1=Zoe |title=Events cancelled or postponed due to coronavirus - how to get refunds |url=https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/whats-on/whats-on-news/events-cancelled-postponed-due-coronavirus-17930159 |website=Birmingham Live |access-date=26 October 2024 |language=en |date=16 March 2020}}

Boyle kept a relatively low profile{{cite web |last1=Johns |first1=Victoria |last2=Otter |first2=Saffron |last3=Dalgetty |first3=Lee |title=West Lothian star Susan Boyle's life now from doctor romance to health struggles |url=https://www.edinburghlive.co.uk/news/edinburgh-news/west-lothian-star-susan-boyles-28920108 |website=Edinburgh Live |access-date=25 October 2024 |language=en |date=1 April 2024}} since the release of Ten in 2019, announcing in 2023 that she had suffered a stroke the previous year.{{cite web |title=In triumphant 'Britain's Got Talent' homecoming, Susan Boyle reveals she had a stroke |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/music/story/2023-06-06/susan-boyle-stroke-britains-got-talent-finale |website=Los Angeles Times |access-date=25 October 2024 |date=6 June 2023}}

Boyle marked a return to social media on 1 April 2025 following an absence of two years. In a post to Instagram, Boyle, through a recorded video, announced new projects which she was "excited to share" and indicated forthcoming music releases.{{cite web |last1=Surmonte |first1=Connor |title=Susan Boyle returns to Instagram for first time in 2 years with new look |url=https://nypost.com/2025/04/04/entertainment/susan-boyle-returns-to-instagram-for-first-time-in-2-years-with-new-look/ |access-date=10 April 2025 |date=4 April 2025}}

File:Stephen Colbert at Rally (cropped).jpg host Stephen Colbert (pictured) paid tribute to Boyle despite her being ineligible for nomination that year]]

Websites such as YouTube, Facebook and Twitter have been crucial in facilitating Boyle's rapid rise to fame.Leigh Holmwood [https://www.theguardian.com/media/2009/apr/18/susan-boyle-britains-got-talent Susan Boyle: a dream come true] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160927231244/https://www.theguardian.com/media/2009/apr/18/susan-boyle-britains-got-talent |date=27 September 2016 }} The Guardian 18 April 2009. The most popular YouTube video submission of her audition garnered nearly 2.5 million views in the first 72 hours.{{Cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/5152638/Britains-Got-Talent-church-worker-Susan-Boyle-becomes-YouTube-hit.html |title=Britain's Got Talent church worker Susan Boyle becomes YouTube hit |work=The Daily Telegraph |location=London |first=Urmee |last=Khan |date=14 April 2009 |access-date=14 April 2009 |archive-date=17 April 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090417032714/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/5152638/Britains-Got-Talent-church-worker-Susan-Boyle-becomes-YouTube-hit.html |url-status=live }} On the day following the performance, the YouTube video was the most popular article on Digg{{Cite news |url=https://www.thestar.com/News/World/article/618583 |title=Never-kissed singer an instant Web star |work=Toronto Star |first=Raju |last=Mudhar |date=15 April 2009 |access-date=16 April 2009 |archive-date=18 April 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090418210956/http://www.thestar.com/News/World/article/618583 |url-status=live }} and made the front page of Reddit.{{cite web |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/reddit.com/comments/8btiu/never_judge_a_book_by_its_coveramazing_singer/ |title=never judge a book by its cover-amazing singer Susan Boyle |work=Reddit.com |author=QueenZ |date=12 April 2009 |access-date=14 April 2009 |archive-date=17 April 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090417054803/http://www.reddit.com/r/reddit.com/comments/8btiu/never_judge_a_book_by_its_coveramazing_singer |url-status=live }} Within a week, the audition performance had been viewed more than 66 million times, setting an online record, while on Wikipedia her biography attracted nearly half a million page views. A total of 103 million video views on 20 websites was reached within nine days.{{Cite news |url=http://blogs.reuters.com/fanfare/2009/04/20/susan-boyle-breaks-past-100-million-online-views/ |title=Susan Boyle breaks past 100 million online views |work=Reuters |first=Alex |last=Dobuzinskis |date=20 April 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090426034430/http://blogs.reuters.com/fanfare/2009/04/20/susan-boyle-breaks-past-100-million-online-views/ |archive-date=26 April 2009 }} The Los Angeles Times wrote that her popularity on YouTube may in part be due to the broad range of emotion packed into a short clip which was "perfect for the Internet".{{Cite news |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/la-et-susan-boyle17-2009apr17,0,2767635.story |title=Talent trumps all for YouTube sensation Susan Boyle |work=Los Angeles Times |first=Scott |last=Collins |author2=Stobart, Janet |date=17 April 2009 |access-date=17 April 2009 |archive-date=18 April 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090418080638/http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/la-et-susan-boyle17-2009apr17,0,2767635.story |url-status=live }} In December 2009, her audition was named the most-watched YouTube video of the year, with over 120 million viewings, more than three times higher than the second-most-popular video.{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/pda/2009/dec/16/susan-boyle-britains-got-talent-youtube|title=Susan Boyle on Britain's Got Talent is YouTube's top video of 2009|date=16 December 2009|work=The Guardian|location=London|access-date=17 December 2009|first=Mercedes|last=Bunz|archive-date=8 September 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130908191648/http://www.theguardian.com/media/pda/2009/dec/16/susan-boyle-britains-got-talent-youtube|url-status=live}}

Additionally, Boyle's first on-camera interview with Scots journalist Richard Mooney for her local newspaper the West Lothian Courier was named as YouTube's Most Memorable Video of 2009.{{Cite news|url=http://www.holdthefrontpage.co.uk/news/100111boylecourier.shtml |title=Weekly's SuBo interview in YouTube favourites |date=11 January 2010 |publisher=Hold The Front Page |access-date=17 December 2009 |location=London |first=Tamlyn |last=Jones |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101112192239/http://www.holdthefrontpage.co.uk/news/100111boylecourier.shtml |archive-date=12 November 2010 }} The video went viral after being uploaded to YouTube on 14 April 2009, amassing more than 5.4 million views as of November 2022.{{Cite news|url=http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/tv_and_radio/article6328225.ece|title=S In search of Susan Boyle|date=21 May 2009|work=The Times|location=London|access-date=9 November 2010|first=Hugo|last=Rifkind|archive-date=15 June 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110615183930/http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/tv_and_radio/article6328225.ece|url-status=dead}}{{Citation |title=Susan Boyle from Britain's Got Talent first on camera interview | date=14 April 2009 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hn7So0NC74s |language=en |access-date=2022-11-29}}

Many newspapers around the world{{Cite news |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Entertainment/International-Stars/Susans-stardom-to-be-turned-into-film/articleshow/4435255.cms |title=Susan's stardom to be turned into film |work=The Times of India |location=India |author=Staff |date=22 April 2009 |access-date=23 April 2009 |archive-date=30 June 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150630213826/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Entertainment/International-Stars/Susans-stardom-to-be-turned-into-film/articleshow/4435255.cms |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |url=http://www.spiegel.de/panorama/leute/0,1518,619341,00.html |title=Die Maus, die Brüllte |work=Der Spiegel |author=Staff |language=de |date=16 April 2009 |access-date=16 April 2009 |archive-date=13 December 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091213145751/http://www.spiegel.de/panorama/leute/0,1518,619341,00.html |url-status=live }} (including China,{{Cite news |url=http://news.xinhuanet.com/newmedia/2009-04/16/content_11195211.htm |script-title=zh:英国47岁无业女子参加电视选秀节目一唱成名图 |publisher=Xinhua |author=Staff |date=16 April 2009 |language=zh |access-date=16 April 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090419163246/http://news.xinhuanet.com/newmedia/2009-04/16/content_11195211.htm |archive-date=19 April 2009 }} Brazil{{Cite news |url=http://zerohora.clicrbs.com.br/zerohora/jsp/default.jsp?uf=1&local=1&newsID=a2480688.htm |title=A feia que encantou a Grã-Bretanha |work=Zero Hora |author=Staff |date=19 April 2009 |language=pt |access-date=19 April 2009 |archive-date=26 June 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090626193505/http://zerohora.clicrbs.com.br/zerohora/jsp/default.jsp?uf=1&local=1&newsID=a2480688.htm |url-status=live }} and the Middle East{{Cite news |url=http://www.ynet.co.il/articles/0,7340,L-3703057,00.html |script-title=he:זה קול הסיפור |work=Ynet |first=Arianna |last=Melamed |date=19 April 2009 |language=he |access-date=19 April 2009 |archive-date=23 April 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090423020556/http://www.ynet.co.il/articles/0,7340,L-3703057,00.html |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=http://www.alarabiya.net/articles/2009/04/17/70821.html |title=Susan Boyle, stunned the world after the vote as a mockery of the public |work=Al Arabiya |date=17 April 2009 |language=ar |access-date=19 April 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090420154549/http://www.alarabiya.net/articles/2009/04/17/70821.html |archive-date=20 April 2009 |url-status=dead }}) carried articles on Boyle's performance. Later, the British press took to referring to her by a short-form of her name, 'SuBo'.{{Cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE5AJ21R20091120 |title=Susan Boyle aims to turn celebrity into album sales |date=20 November 2009 |work=Reuters |access-date=2 July 2017 |archive-date=27 February 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100227215305/http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE5AJ21R20091120 |url-status=live }} In the US, several commentators drew parallels between Boyle's performance and that of Paul Potts.{{Cite news |url=https://www.forbes.com/2009/04/17/boyle-dream-youtube-markets-faces-equity-entertainment.html |title=Susan Boyle Could Make Millions |work=Forbes |first=Vidya |last=Ram |date=17 April 2009 |access-date=15 September 2017 |archive-date=12 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170812103909/https://www.forbes.com/2009/04/17/boyle-dream-youtube-markets-faces-equity-entertainment.html |url-status=live }} ABC News hailed "Britain's newest pop sensation", and its Entertainment section headlined Boyle as "The Woman Who Shut Up Simon Cowell".{{Cite news |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/story?id=7332570&page=1 |title=The Woman Who Shut Up Simon Cowell |work=ABC News |first=Hoda |last=Farhanghi |date=14 April 2009 |access-date=19 April 2009 |archive-date=17 April 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090417114119/http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/Story?id=7332570&page=1 |url-status=live }}

Within the week following her performance on Britain's Got Talent, Boyle was a guest on STV's The Five Thirty Show.{{Cite news |url=http://entertainment.stv.tv/home/88339-britains-got-talent-star-susan-boyles-promise-to-mum/ |title=Britain's Got Talent star Susan Boyle's promise to mum |work=STV.tv |date=14 April 2009 |access-date=14 April 2009 |archive-date=22 December 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091222182344/http://entertainment.stv.tv/home/88339-britains-got-talent-star-susan-boyles-promise-to-mum/ |url-status=live }} She was interviewed via satellite on CBS's The Early Show, NBC's Today, FOX's America's Newsroom,{{Cite video |url=http://video.foxnews.com/v/3928454/hitting-her-high-note/?playlist_id=87937 |title=Hitting Her High Note |publisher=FOX News |people=Hemmer, Bill; Kelly, Megyn |format=streaming |medium=Television |date=16 April 2009 |access-date=16 April 2009}} The Oprah Winfrey Show, and via satellite on Larry King Live;{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/8005767.stm |title=How Susan Boyle won over the world |publisher=BBC News |first=Ian |last=Youngs |date=18 April 2009 |access-date=18 April 2009 |archive-date=21 April 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090421200241/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/8005767.stm |url-status=live }} she was also portrayed in drag by Jay Leno, who joked that they were related through his mother's Scottish heritage.{{Cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/celebritynews/5190959/Jay-Leno-performs-in-drag-as-Susan-Boyle.html |title=Jay Leno performs in drag as Susan Boyle |work=The Daily Telegraph |location=London |author=Staff |date=21 April 2009 |access-date=2 April 2018 |archive-date=27 January 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110127074803/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/celebritynews/5190959/Jay-Leno-performs-in-drag-as-Susan-Boyle.html |url-status=dead }}

At the invitation of NHK, a major Japanese broadcaster, Boyle appeared as a guest singer for the 2009 edition of Kōhaku Uta Gassen, an annual songfest on New Year's Eve in Tokyo, Japan.{{Cite news|script-title=ja:スーザン・ボイルさん紅白に、美声も披露 |url=http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/entertainment/news/20091224-OYT1T00934.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091226203924/http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/entertainment/news/20091224-OYT1T00934.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=26 December 2009 |newspaper=Yomiuri Shimbun |access-date=24 December 2009 |language=ja |trans-title=Susan Boyle will be in Kōhaku Uta Gassen, and introduce beautiful voice. }}Yomiuri Shimbun, 25 December 2009, Ver.13S p.25 She was introduced as the {{Nihongo|ōen kashu|応援歌手|lit. "cheering singer"}} by the MCs and appeared on the stage escorted by Takuya Kimura; she sang "I Dreamed a Dream".recorded broadcast on TV Japan, 31 December 2009

Although Boyle was not eligible for the 2010 Grammy Awards,{{Cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/266521/grammy-nominations-poll-results-how-did-we-do |title=Grammy Nominations Poll Results: How Did We Do? |magazine=Billboard |author=staff |date=3 December 2009 |access-date=17 April 2020 |archive-date=24 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200524231821/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/266521/grammy-nominations-poll-results-how-did-we-do |url-status=live }} its host Stephen Colbert paid tribute to Boyle at the ceremony, telling its audience "you may be the coolest people in the world, but this year your industry was saved by a 48-year-old Scottish cat lady in sensible shoes."{{Cite news |url=http://news.scotsman.com/entertainment/Grammys-host-pays-tribute-to.6030581.jp |title=Grammys host pays tribute to Susan Boyle, 'the Scottish cat lady' |work=The Scotsman |location=UK |author=David Gunn |date=1 February 2010 |access-date=1 February 2010 |archive-date=5 February 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100205002738/http://news.scotsman.com/entertainment/Grammys-host-pays-tribute-to.6030581.jp |url-status=live }} There was also earlier controversy when Boyle was not nominated in any of the categories for the 2010 Brit Awards.{{cite news| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/8466868.stm |publisher=BBC News |title=Why the Brits snubbed Susan Boyle | date=18 January 2010 | access-date=24 May 2010 | first=Ian | last=Youngs}}

{{Main|I Dreamed a Dream (musical)}}

File:Elaine C. Smith (cropped).jpg (pictured) in the I Dreamed a Dream stage musical]]

A stage musical of Boyle's life was originally planned with Boyle appearing as herself. She said she hated "having to sit watching people up there" who are actors.{{cite web|url=http://www.broadway.com/buzz/154443/singing-sensation-susan-boyle-to-play-herself-in-a-new-musical/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120721084321/http://www.broadway.com/buzz/154443/singing-sensation-susan-boyle-to-play-herself-in-a-new-musical/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=21 July 2012 |title=Singing Sensation Susan Boyle To Play Herself in a New Musical |publisher=Broadway.com |date=29 November 2010 |access-date=23 February 2011 }} However it was later decided that actress Elaine C. Smith would portray her{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/theatre/theatre-news/8581429/Susan-Boyle-The-Musical-coming-to-the-stage.html/ |title=Susan Boyle The Musical coming to the stage |work=The Daily Telegraph |location=UK |date=17 June 2011 |access-date=26 July 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110713082700/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/theatre/theatre-news/8581429/Susan-Boyle-The-Musical-coming-to-the-stage.html |archive-date=13 July 2011 }} and that Boyle would join the cast of I Dreamed a Dream for a cameo appearance.

I Dreamed a Dream opened on 27 March 2012 with fans from all over the world occupying the Theatre Royal, Newcastle, for the opening week.{{cite web|url=http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/north-east-news/evening-chronicle-news/2012/03/27/susan-boyle-fans-travel-to-see-i-dreamed-a-dream-72703-30632838/|title=Susan Boyle fans travel to see I Dreamed A Dream|date=27 March 2012|publisher=ChronicleLive.co.uk|access-date=27 March 2012|archive-date=30 March 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120330020518/http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/north-east-news/evening-chronicle-news/2012/03/27/susan-boyle-fans-travel-to-see-i-dreamed-a-dream-72703-30632838/|url-status=live}} The musical received generally warm reviews.See {{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/theatre/theatre-reviews/9170944/Susan-Boyle-Musical-I-Dreamed-a-Dream-Theatre-Royal-Newcastle-review.html|title=Susan Boyle Musical: I Dreamed a Dream, Theatre Royal, Newcastle, review|newspaper=The Telegraph|access-date=28 March 2012|location=London|first=Dominic|last=Cavendish|date=28 March 2012|archive-date=28 March 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120328143917/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/theatre/theatre-reviews/9170944/Susan-Boyle-Musical-I-Dreamed-a-Dream-Theatre-Royal-Newcastle-review.html|url-status=live}}; {{cite web |url=http://www.whatsonstage.com/reviews/theatre/london/E8831332922389/I+Dreamed+a+Dream+%28Newcastle%29.html |title=I Dreamed A Dream (Newcastle) |publisher=whatsonstage.com |access-date=28 March 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120403112003/http://www.whatsonstage.com/reviews/theatre/london/E8831332922389/I+Dreamed+a+Dream+%28Newcastle%29.html |archive-date=3 April 2012 |url-status=dead }}; and Hickling, Alfred. [https://www.theguardian.com/music/2012/mar/28/i-dreamed-a-dream-review "I Dreamed a Dream – review"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161104210733/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2012/mar/28/i-dreamed-a-dream-review |date=4 November 2016 }}, 28 March 2012, accessed 15 April 2012 The musical toured the UK and Ireland in 2012.{{cite web |url=http://www.whatsonstage.com/news/theatre/london/E8831318324673/Susan+Boyle+Joins+Cast+of+New+Musical+I+Dreamed+a+Dream.html |title=Susan Boyle Joins Cast of New Musical I Dreamed a Dream |publisher=Whatsonstage.com |access-date=1 January 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111214001645/http://www.whatsonstage.com/news/theatre/london/E8831318324673/Susan+Boyle+Joins+Cast+of+New+Musical+I+Dreamed+a+Dream.html |archive-date=14 December 2011 |url-status=dead }}

Boyle said she was initially upset by the show, because she was "not used to it". She called it "surreal", but later changed her mind and found it "clever and amusing".{{cite news| url= http://www.3news.co.nz/Susan-Boyle-I-Dreamed-A-Dream-musical-upset-me/tabid/418/articleID/277320/Default.aspx| work= 3 News NZ| title= Susan Boyle: 'I Dreamed A Dream musical upset me'| date= 20 November 2012| access-date= 19 November 2012| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140714025425/http://www.3news.co.nz/Susan-Boyle-I-Dreamed-A-Dream-musical-upset-me/tabid/418/articleID/277320/Default.aspx| archive-date= 14 July 2014| url-status= dead}}

Fox Searchlight has bought life rights to Boyle along with rights to the musical I Dreamed a Dream. Fox plans to develop a film version of the musical.{{cite web|last=Tartaglione|first=Nany|title=Fox Searchlight to develop Susan Boyle story based on musical 'I Dreamed a Dream'|url=https://deadline.com/2012/11/fox-searchlight-developing-susan-boyle-story-based-on-musical-i-dreamed-a-dream-376297/|work=Deadline London|date=23 November 2012|access-date=7 August 2013|archive-date=3 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203033126/http://www.deadline.com/2012/11/fox-searchlight-developing-susan-boyle-story-based-on-musical-i-dreamed-a-dream/|url-status=live}}

The Huffington Post noted that the producers of the show would have anticipated the potential of this story arc by deliberately presenting Boyle in a manner that would enhance this initial reaction.{{Cite news |url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/mark-blankenship/two-reasons-susan-boyle-m_b_187901.html |title=Two Reasons Susan Boyle Means So Much to Us |work=The Huffington Post |first=Mark |last=Blankenship |date=16 April 2009 |access-date=16 April 2009 |archive-date=19 April 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090419081218/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mark-blankenship/two-reasons-susan-boyle-m_b_187901.html |url-status=live }} The Herald described Boyle's story as a modern parable and a rebuke to people's tendency to judge others based on their physical appearance.{{Cite news |url=http://www.heraldscotland.com/the-beauty-that-matters-is-always-on-the-inside-1.907506 |title=The beauty that matters is always on the inside |work=The Herald |first=Collette |last=Douglas-Home |date=14 April 2009 |access-date=15 April 2009 |archive-date=5 October 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091005032005/http://www.heraldscotland.com/the-beauty-that-matters-is-always-on-the-inside-1.907506 |url-status=live }} Similarly, Entertainment Weekly said that Boyle's performance was a victory for talent and artistry in a culture obsessed with physical attractiveness and presentation.{{Cite magazine |url=http://popwatch.ew.com/2009/04/14/susan-boyle-why/ |title='Britain's Got Talent' breakout Susan Boyle: Why we watch...and weep |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |first=Lisa |last=Schwarzbaum |date=16 April 2009 |access-date=16 April 2009 |archive-date=24 September 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100924231237/http://popwatch.ew.com/2009/04/14/susan-boyle-why/ |url-status=live }} In an interview with The Washington Post, Boyle said:

{{Blockquote|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.Jordan, Mary. [https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/04/15/AR2009041502577_2.html The Scot Heard Round the World] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161204092046/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/04/15/AR2009041502577_2.html |date=4 December 2016 }}, The Washington Post, 14 April 2009.}}

The Washington Post believed that her initial demeanour and homely appearance caused the judges and audience to be "waiting for her to squawk like a duck".{{Cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/04/16/AR2009041602419.html |title=The Dream She Dreamed |newspaper=The Washington Post |first=Jeanne |last=McManus |date=16 April 2009 |access-date=16 April 2009 |archive-date=7 December 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101207052158/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/04/16/AR2009041602419.html |url-status=live }} New York's Daily News said that an underdog being ridiculed or humiliated but then enjoying an unexpected triumph is a common trope in literature, and the stark contrast between the audience's low expectations and the quality of her singing made Boyle's performance such an engaging piece of television.{{Cite news |url=http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/tv/2009/04/16/2009-04-16_susan_boyle_was_the_golden_ticket_of_reality_tv.html |title=Susan Boyle was the golden ticket of reality TV |work=Daily News |author=Staff |date=16 April 2009 |access-date=16 April 2009 |archive-date=22 July 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090722182425/http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/tv/2009/04/16/2009-04-16_susan_boyle_was_the_golden_ticket_of_reality_tv.html |url-status=live }}

R. M. Campbell, music critic for The Gathering Note, compared Boyle to iconic American jazz singer Ella Fitzgerald, who had a long and distinguished career despite being overweight: "[it is] really, really hard to make a career if a woman isn't attractive".{{Cite news |url=http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/30330165 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100823051310/http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/30330165 |url-status=dead |archive-date=23 August 2010 |title=Don't call Susan Boyle 'pitchy'! |publisher=MSNBC |first=Dan |last=Richman |page=2 |date=23 April 2009 |access-date=29 April 2009}} In another Huffington Post article, Letty Cottin Pogrebin wrote that although people may "weep for the years of wasted talent", Boyle's performance was a triumph for "women of a certain age" over a youth culture that often dismisses middle-aged women.{{cite news |url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/letty-cottin-pogrebin/why-susan-boyle-makes-us_b_187790.html |title=Why Susan Boyle Makes Us Cry |work=The Huffington Post |first=Letty Cottin |last=Pogrebin |date=16 April 2009 |access-date=16 April 2009 |archive-date=19 April 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090419142208/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/letty-cottin-pogrebin/why-susan-boyle-makes-us_b_187790.html |url-status=live }} Tanya Gold wrote in The Guardian that the difference between Boyle's hostile reception and the more neutral response to Paul Potts in his first audition reflected society's expectation that women be both good-looking and talented, with no such expectation existing for men.{{Cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2009/apr/16/britains-got-talent-susan-boyle |title=It wasn't singer Susan Boyle who was ugly on Britain's Got Talent so much as our reaction to her |work=The Guardian |location=London |first=Tanya |last=Gold |date=16 April 2009 |access-date=16 April 2009 |archive-date=11 March 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150311134622/http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2009/apr/16/britains-got-talent-susan-boyle |url-status=live }} Los Angeles vocal coach Eric Vetro stated, "She's an Everywoman as opposed to an untouchable fantasy goddess, so maybe that's why people react to her."{{Cite news |url=http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/30330165 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100823051310/http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/30330165 |url-status=dead |archive-date=23 August 2010 |title=Don't call Susan Boyle 'pitchy'! Voice coaches, critics say 'Talent' contestant really is a talented singer |first=Dan |last=Richman |publisher=MSNBC |access-date=23 April 2009}}

Several media sources have commented that Boyle's success seemed to have particular resonance in the United States. An American entertainment correspondent was quoted in The Scotsman comparing Boyle's story to the American Dream, as representing talent overcoming adversity and poverty.{{Cite news |url=http://news.scotsman.com/scotland/A-dream-comes-true-as.5179534.jp |title=A dream comes true as singer Susan becomes instant hit with American fans |work=The Scotsman |location=UK |first=Craig |last=Brown |date=16 April 2009 |access-date=17 April 2009 |archive-date=6 January 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100106014303/http://news.scotsman.com/scotland/A-dream-comes-true-as.5179534.jp |url-status=live }} The Associated Press described this as Boyle's "hardscrabble story", dwelling on her modest lifestyle and what they characterised as urban deprivation in her home town.{{Cite news |url=http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2009/apr/16/eu-britain-singing-sensation-041609/?features&zIndex=83424 |title=Singing 'spinster' strikes chord in talent contest |work=Associated Press via SignonSanDiego.com |first=Ben |last=McConville |date=16 April 2009 |access-date=17 April 2009 |archive-date=12 October 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111012151011/http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2009/apr/16/eu-britain-singing-sensation-041609/?features&zIndex=83424 |url-status=live }} Similarly, The Independent{{'}}s New York correspondent David Usborne wrote that the United States will always respond to "the fairy tale where the apparently unprepossessing suddenly becomes pretty, from Shrek to My Fair Lady".{{Cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/media/tv-radio/dreams-come-true-for-overnight-star-1669952.html |title=Dreams come true for overnight star |work=The Independent |location=London |first=David |last=Usborne |date=16 April 2009 |access-date=17 April 2009 |archive-date=19 April 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090419053231/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/media/tv-radio/dreams-come-true-for-overnight-star-1669952.html |url-status=live }}

Boyle still lives in the family home, a four-bedroom ex-council house in Blackburn, which she purchased from her earnings in 2010. Her father died in the 1990s, and her eight siblings had left home.{{cite web |last1=Nolan |first1=Jeanette L |title=Susan Boyle – Biography, Songs, & Facts |url=https://www.britannica.com/biography/Susan-Boyle |website=www.britannica.com |publisher=Encyclopaedia Britannica |access-date=22 February 2022 |language=en}} Boyle has never married, and she dedicated herself to caring for her ageing mother until her death in 2007 at the age of 91. A neighbour reported that when Bridget Boyle died, her daughter "wouldn't come out for three or four days or answer the door or phone".{{Cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/celebritynews/5175341/Susan-Boyle-has-been-kissed-neighbour-claims.html |title=Susan Boyle 'has been kissed', neighbour claims |work=The Daily Telegraph |location=London |date=18 April 2009 |access-date=19 April 2009 |archive-date=21 April 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090421054813/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/celebritynews/5175341/Susan-Boyle-has-been-kissed-neighbour-claims.html |url-status=dead }} Boyle is a practising Catholic and sang in the choir at her church in Blackburn.{{cite web |url=https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/15698/parish-choir-singer-susan-boyle-becomes-overnight-sensation |title=Parish choir singer Susan Boyle becomes overnight sensation |publisher=Catholic News Agency |date=17 April 2009 |access-date=23 February 2011 |archive-date=4 May 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100504170027/http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/parish_choir_singer_susan_boyle_becomes_overnight_sensation/ |url-status=live }} Boyle remains active as a volunteer at her church, visiting elderly members of the congregation in their homes. On a 2010 episode of The Oprah Winfrey Show, Boyle summarised that her daily life was "mundane" and "routine" prior to stardom.

In 2012, Boyle was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome. She made her diagnosis public in a BBC interview in December 2013, and is also epileptic. In November 2012, when asked if she had tried to find love through Internet dating, Boyle said she was too scared, saying: "Knowing my luck I'd go out on a date and you'd find my limbs scattered around various Blackburn dustbins!"{{cite news| url= http://3news.co.nz/Susan-Boyle-is-too-scared-to-try-internet-dating/tabid/418/articleID/277815/Default.aspx| work= 3 News NZ| title= Susan Boyle is too scared to try internet dating| date= 23 November 2012| access-date= 22 November 2012| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131104031124/http://www.3news.co.nz/Susan-Boyle-is-too-scared-to-try-internet-dating/tabid/418/articleID/277815/Default.aspx| archive-date= 4 November 2013| url-status= dead}} In July 2013, Boyle endorsed the Better Together campaign to keep Scotland as part of the United Kingdom in the 2014 independence referendum. In so doing, she stated, "I am a proud, patriotic Scot, passionate about my heritage and my country. But I am not a nationalist", going on to say, "We have still been able to retain our proud identity whilst being a part of Britain."[http://bettertogether.net/blog/entry/susan-boyle-on-why-shes-backing-scotlands-place-in-the-uk Susan Boyle on why she's backing Scotland's place in the UK | Better Together] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130804141754/http://bettertogether.net/blog/entry/susan-boyle-on-why-shes-backing-scotlands-place-in-the-uk |date=4 August 2013 }}

Boyle is a teetotaler. In 2013, she was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.{{cite news|last=Owens|first=Nick|title=Susan Boyle's diabetes diagnosis forces the teetotal non-smoker to give up her only vice - CHOCOLATE|work=Daily Mirror|date=24 November 2013|url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/susan-boyle-been-forced-give-2844768|access-date=16 April 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170728131917/http://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/susan-boyle-been-forced-give-2844768|archive-date=28 July 2017}}

In November 2014, it was reported that Boyle was dating her first boyfriend, who was "around the same age" as she was.{{cite web|url=http://www.people.com/article/susan-boyle-first-boyfriend|title=Susan Boyle Has Her First Boyfriend at Age 53|work=People|access-date=22 April 2015|archive-date=1 April 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150401190156/http://www.people.com/article/susan-boyle-first-boyfriend|url-status=live}} Boyle had a minor stroke in 2022. She revealed the news during an appearance on 4 June 2023, after her performance on Britain's Got Talent.{{cite web |title=ITV Britain's Got Talent icon Susan Boyle announces devastating health battle during live final |url=https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/showbiz-tv/itv-britains-talent-icon-susan-27054787.amp |access-date=4 June 2023 |work=Birmingham Live|date=4 June 2023 }}

On 26 January 2010, Boyle sang together with other major artists on the charity recording "Everybody Hurts" put together by Simon Cowell for Haiti Relief for the victims of the Haiti earthquake.{{cite web|title=Susan Boyle to Sing 'Everybody Hurts' to Help Haiti|url=http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20338988,00.html|work=People|access-date=31 August 2013|archive-date=8 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131208090329/http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20338988,00.html|url-status=dead}} On 30 January 2010, Boyle performed at the Indsamling Charity Gala, a telethon for Haiti and Africa held at the Tivoli Concert Hall in Copenhagen, Denmark.{{cite web|title=Susan Boyle at Haiti Charity Gala concert|url=http://www.glamourmagazine.co.uk/news/celebrity/pictures/2010/02/01/susan-boyle-at-haiti-charity-gala-concert|work=Glamour Magazine|access-date=31 August 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924043408/http://www.glamourmagazine.co.uk/news/celebrity/pictures/2010/02/01/susan-boyle-at-haiti-charity-gala-concert|archive-date=24 September 2015|url-status=dead}}

Boyle has appeared on the three major UK charity telethons. On 19 March 2010 she sang for the Sport Relief charity on BBC One.{{cite web|last=Doran|first=Carl|title=Celebrating Sport Relief's historic achievement|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/sporteditors/2010/05/celebrating_sport_reliefs_hist.html|publisher=BBC|access-date=31 August 2013|archive-date=24 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924160913/http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/sporteditors/2010/05/celebrating_sport_reliefs_hist.html|url-status=live}} On 18 March 2011 she sang a duet of "I Know Him So Well" with Peter Kay on Comic Relief;{{cite web|last=McGarry|first=Lisa|title=Comic Relief: Susan Boyle and Peter Kay (Geraldine McQueen) sing I Know Him So Well|url=http://www.unrealitytv.co.uk/britains-got-talent/comic-relief-susan-boyle-and-peter-kay-geraldine-mcqueen-sing-i-know-him-so-well-video/|work=UnrealityTV|access-date=31 August 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140420045542/http://www.unrealitytv.co.uk/britains-got-talent/comic-relief-susan-boyle-and-peter-kay-geraldine-mcqueen-sing-i-know-him-so-well-video/|archive-date=20 April 2014|url-status=dead}} in addition to the television performance, the duet was sold on CD, DVD, and MP3 download to raise more money for charity. The CD was number 21 on the all-time Comic Relief CDs sold.{{cite web|last=Lane|first=Daniel|title=Comic Relief's biggest selling singles revealed!|url=http://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/comic-reliefs-biggest-selling-singles-revealed-2113/|work=Official Charts|access-date=31 August 2013|archive-date=3 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203155310/http://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/comic-reliefs-biggest-selling-singles-revealed-2113/|url-status=live}} She has performed for BBC Children in Need telethon five times thus far: on 19 November 2010;{{cite news|title=Children in Need appeal raises £18 million|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/bbc/8148420/Children-in-Need-appeal-raises-18-million.html|work=The Daily Telegraph|access-date=31 August 2013|location=London|date=20 November 2010|archive-date=24 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924231031/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/bbc/8148420/Children-in-Need-appeal-raises-18-million.html|url-status=live}} on 18 November 2011,{{cite news|title=BBC Children In Need 2011 – in pictures|url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/gallery/2011/nov/19/bbc-children-need-in-pictures#/?picture=382055122&index=3|work=The Guardian|date = 19 November 2011|access-date=31 August 2013|archive-date=25 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151125225412/http://www.theguardian.com/media/gallery/2011/nov/19/bbc-children-need-in-pictures#/?picture=382055122&index=3|url-status=live}} and on 16 November 2012.{{cite web|title=BBC Children in Need 2012 – the stars of Appeal Night revealed|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/latestnews/2012/bbc-cin-2012.html|publisher=BBC|access-date=31 August 2013|archive-date=2 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131202190829/http://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/latestnews/2012/bbc-cin-2012.html|url-status=live}} on 16 November 2013.{{cite news|title=BBC Children in Need 2013 Highlights in Scotland|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b03j00ws|publisher=BBC|access-date=25 November 2015|archive-date=19 November 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131119155331/http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b03j00ws|url-status=live}} on 14 November 2014.{{cite web|title=BBC Children in Need Susan Boyle: Wish You Were Here|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p02bxlkr|publisher=BBC|date=14 November 2014 |access-date=25 November 2015|archive-date=19 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141119014654/http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p02bxlkr|url-status=live}}

On 10 November 2010, Boyle performed at the Pride of Britain Awards in London.{{cite web|last=Wilson|title=Susan Boyle's Golden Moments of 2010|url=http://www.bbcamerica.com/anglophenia/2010/11/susan-boyles-golden-moments-of-2010/|publisher=BBC America|access-date=31 August 2013|archive-date=2 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140702171700/http://www.bbcamerica.com/anglophenia/2010/11/susan-boyles-golden-moments-of-2010/|url-status=live}} On 19 March 2011 in Glasgow at the Scottish Variety Awards Boyle performed; the money raised was donated to Cash for Kids Charity.{{cite web|title=Scottish Variety Awards 2011|url=http://www.mhcarriers.co.uk/news.html|work=M&H Logistics Limited|access-date=31 August 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130725234327/http://mhcarriers.co.uk/news.html|archive-date=25 July 2013|url-status=dead}}

On 28 August 2013 Boyle travelled down with the Lothian Special Olympics Team to the Special Olympics Great Britain National Summer games in Bath.{{cite web|title=Susan Boyle travels with Lothian Special Olympics Team|url=http://www.midlothian.gov.uk/news/article/1014/susan_boyle_travels_with_lothian_special_olympics_team|work=Midlothian|access-date=31 August 2013|archive-date=23 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210423170617/https://www.midlothian.gov.uk/news|url-status=live}} In the evening she performed at the Opening Ceremony of the Special Olympics GB at the Royal Crescent in Bath, England and also stayed to watch the events and hand out medals to the first day's winners.{{cite web|title=Susan Boyle at the Special Olympics|url=http://www.itv.com/news/west/2013-08-29/susan-boyle-at-the-special-olympics/|work=ITV|date=29 August 2013|access-date=31 August 2013|archive-date=1 September 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130901005615/http://www.itv.com/news/west/2013-08-29/susan-boyle-at-the-special-olympics/|url-status=live}}

On 14 August 2013 it was announced that Boyle would sing at the Prince & Princess of Wales Hospice 30th Anniversary Variety Performance at the Clyde Auditorium in Glasgow on 27 October 2013.{{cite web|title=The Prince and Princess of Wales Hospice|url=http://www.ticketsoup.com/tickets/the-prince-princess-of-wales-hospice-30th-anniversary-variety-performance-2013-15242/default.aspx|work=TicketSoup.com|access-date=31 August 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130819053041/http://www.ticketsoup.com/tickets/the-prince-princess-of-wales-hospice-30th-anniversary-variety-performance-2013-15242/default.aspx|archive-date=19 August 2013|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|last=Beacom|first=Brian|title=Subo tops the bill at hospice variety show|url=http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/campaigns/brick-by-brick/subo-tops-the-bill-at-hospice-variety-show-133430n.21876330|work=Evening Times|date=15 August 2013 |access-date=31 August 2013|archive-date=26 August 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130826185405/http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/campaigns/brick-by-brick/subo-tops-the-bill-at-hospice-variety-show-133430n.21876330|url-status=live}}

On 16 September 2010 Boyle sang at the Papal Mass performed for Pope Benedict XVI in Glasgow at Bellahouston Park in front of a crowd of 65,000.{{cite news|title=Susan Boyle Sings at Papal Mass in Scotland |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/susan-boyle-sings-at-papal-mass-in-scotland/ |work=CBS News |access-date=1 September 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110124190353/http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-31749_162-20016826-10391698.html |archive-date=24 January 2011 }}

For three years Boyle has launched the Wee Box campaign for the Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund (SCIAF) in Glasgow, on 9 March 2011,{{cite web|last=Today|first=Christian|title=Susan Boyle Gives Up Treats, Donates Money for Lent|url=http://www.christianpost.com/news/susan-boyle-gives-up-treats-donates-money-for-lent-49364/|work=The Christian Post|date=10 March 2011 |access-date=1 September 2013|archive-date=20 April 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140420034432/http://www.christianpost.com/news/susan-boyle-gives-up-treats-donates-money-for-lent-49364/|url-status=live}} on 21 February 2012,{{cite web|title=SCIAF  – WEE BOX, BIG Change Launch 2012 with Susan Boyle|url=http://storify.com/sciaf/sciaf-wee-box-big-change-launch-2012|work=Storify|access-date=3 September 2013}} and on 12 February 2013.{{cite web|title=SCIAF launches WEE BOX 2013|url=http://www.sciaf.org.uk/latest-news/sciaf-launches-wee-box-2013.html|work=SCIAF|access-date=1 September 2013|archive-date=20 April 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140420063452/http://www.sciaf.org.uk/latest-news/sciaf-launches-wee-box-2013.html|url-status=live}}

In May 2012 it was reported that Boyle would become patron of the struggling Regal Theatre, Bathgate where she first performed "I Dreamed a Dream".{{cite web|last=Watson|first=Alistair|title=Regal Theatre makes plans for permanent Susan Boyle exhibition|url=http://www.westlothiancourier.co.uk/west-lothian-news/west-lothian-news/west-lothian-news/2012/09/06/regal-theatre-makes-plans-for-permanent-susan-boyle-exhibition-62405-31772376/|work=West Lothian Courier|access-date=1 September 2013|archive-date=23 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210423164806/https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/all-about/west-lothian|url-status=live}}

On 24 October 2012 Boyle, together with the West of Scotland and Edinburgh Garrison Military Wives choirs, launched the Poppy Scotland appeal on the steps of the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall.{{cite web|title=Susan Boyle Launches Poppy Scotland Appeal|url=http://www.zimbio.com/pictures/x-3yYEmcBpc/Susan+Boyle+Launches+Poppy+Scotland+Appeal|work=Zimbio|access-date=1 September 2013|archive-date=16 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140716011705/http://www.zimbio.com/pictures/x-3yYEmcBpc/Susan+Boyle+Launches+Poppy+Scotland+Appeal|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Susan Boyle launches 2012 poppy appeal|url=http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/home-news/susan-boyle-launches-2012-poppy-appeal.1351077677|work=The Herald Scotland|date=24 October 2012 |access-date=1 September 2013|archive-date=23 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210423164812/https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/13078238.susan-boyle-launches-2012-poppy-appeal/|url-status=live}}

In January 2012, Boyle donated a performance dress, which she had worn on America's Got Talent on 31 August 2011, to The Laura McPhee Memorial Fund (Asthma) UK Charity. The dress was sold at auction for £521 and helped raise awareness of the charity.{{cite web|title=Susan Boyles Actual X Factor Dress For Auction|url=http://lauramcpheememorial.webs.com/apps/photos/photo?photoid=148235616|work=The Laura McPhee Memorial Fund (Asthma) UK Charity|access-date=2 September 2013|archive-date=27 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160127183107/http://lauramcpheememorial.webs.com/apps/photos/photo?photoid=148235616|url-status=live}}

In July 2012 Boyle donated a performance dress designed by Suzanne Neville, which she had worn at performances in Madrid on the Ana Rosa Show on 12 February 2010 and in Paris on Vivement Dimanche on 17 February 2010. £6,523 was raised and presented to the Prince's Trust.{{cite web|last=Fordham|first=Amy|title=Susan Boyle fans from around the world club together to buy singing star's dress|url=http://www.edp24.co.uk/news/video_susan_boyle_fans_from_around_the_world_club_together_to_buy_singing_star_s_dress_from_former_norwich_city_star_darren_eadie_s_charity_auction_site_1_1462302|work=EDP24|date=27 July 2012|access-date=2 September 2013|archive-date=17 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140717045250/http://www.edp24.co.uk/news/video_susan_boyle_fans_from_around_the_world_club_together_to_buy_singing_star_s_dress_from_former_norwich_city_star_darren_eadie_s_charity_auction_site_1_1462302|url-status=live}}

Also in June 2013 Boyle donated for auction a performance dress which she had worn on The Oprah Show on 19 October 2010, with proceeds of the auction going to Metro Radio Newcastle England's Cash For Kids Campaign, with all funds raised going to disadvantaged kids across the region. The winning bid was £400.{{cite web|title=Memorabilia Auction|url=http://www.cashforkids.uk.com/memorabilia-auction/|work=Cash for Kids|access-date=2 September 2013|archive-date=7 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131207064835/http://www.cashforkids.uk.com/memorabilia-auction/|url-status=live}}

Prior to performing at the International Music Festival "White Nights of St. Petersburg", at the Ice Palace in St. Petersburg, Russia, on 13 June 2013, Boyle visited Children's Hospital Number 17 and presented to the hospital a gift of an anesthetic machine.{{cite web|title=Сьюзан Бойл подарила петербургской больнице наркозный аппарат|url=http://www.rg.ru/2013/06/14/reg-szfo/konzert-anons.html|work=RG RU|date=14 June 2013 |access-date=2 September 2013|archive-date=22 September 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130922170452/http://rg.ru/2013/06/14/reg-szfo/konzert-anons.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Звезды мировой сцены посетили юных пациентов в Петербурге|url=http://www.mr7.ru/articles/85516/|work=mr7|date=28 June 2011 |access-date=2 September 2013|archive-date=19 June 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130619030604/http://www.mr7.ru/articles/85516/|url-status=live}}

It was announced 28 October 2013 that Boyle is a new ambassador for Save the Children UK. Boyle released a music video 8 December 2013 featuring children from the FAST program singing "O Come All Ye Faithful" with Elvis Presley. All royalties will go towards Save the Children UK and money raised in the US will be donated to the Elvis Presley Charitable Foundation.{{cite web|title=Susan Boyle Launches Charity Christmas Single|url=http://www.savethechildren.org.uk/2013-10/susan-boyle-launches-charity-christmas-single|work=Save the Children|access-date=28 October 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131106045103/http://www.savethechildren.org.uk/2013-10/susan-boyle-launches-charity-christmas-single|archive-date=6 November 2013}}

{{Main|Susan Boyle discography}}

• I Dreamed a Dream (2009)
• The Gift (2010)
• Someone to Watch Over Me (2011)
• Standing Ovation: The Greatest Songs from the Stage (2012)
• Home for Christmas (2013)
• Hope (2014)
• A Wonderful World (2016)

• Susan Boyle in Concert (2013–2014)
• Ten Tour (2019–2020)

{{Main|List of awards and nominations received by Susan Boyle}}

Boyle has been nominated for two Grammy Awards in 2011 (53rd Grammy Awards) and 2012 (54th Grammy Awards) – Best Pop Vocal Album for I Dreamed a Dream and Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album for The Gift respectively.{{cite web |url=http://www.grammy.com/nominees?year=2011&genre=33 |title=Nominees And Winners |publisher=GRAMMY.com |access-date=1 January 2012 |archive-date=9 December 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111209084431/http://www.grammy.com/nominees?year=2011&genre=33 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=http://www.grammy.com/NOMINEES |title=Nominees And Winners |publisher=GRAMMY.com |access-date=23 February 2011 |archive-date=1 December 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111201232857/http://www.grammy.com/nominees |url-status=live }} In 2010, she won Best New Artist International at the Japan Gold Disc Awards, the Outstanding Achievement Award at the Scottish Variety Awards in 2011, and in 2013 was awarded the Fans Choice Award at the Scottish Music Awards.{{cite web|url=http://www.japanator.com/who-won-big-at-thetokyo-s-gold-disc-awards--13685.phtml|title=Who Won Big at the Tokyo's Gold Disc Awards?|publisher=Japanator|access-date=27 November 2015|archive-date=8 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208055137/http://www.japanator.com/who-won-big-at-thetokyo-s-gold-disc-awards--13685.phtml|url-status=live}}

{{Reflist}}

{{Wikiquote|Susan Boyle}}

{{Commons category|Susan Boyle}}

• {{Official website|http://www.susanboylemusic.com/}}
• {{AllMusic|class=artist|id=p1145744|label=Susan Boyle}}
• {{IMDb name|3409164}}

{{Susan Boyle}}

{{Britain's Got Talent}}{{UK best-selling albums (by year) 1990–2009}}

{{Billboard Year-End number one albums 2010–2029}}

{{IFPI Global Year-End}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Boyle, Susan}}

Category:1961 births

Category:Living people

Category:Britain's Got Talent contestants

Category:Columbia Records artists

Category:21st-century Scottish autobiographers

Category:Scottish mezzo-sopranos

Category:Scottish pop singers

Category:Torch singers

Category:Viral videos

Category:World Music Awards winners

Category:Alumni of Queen Margaret University

Category:People from Blackburn, West Lothian

Category:People with Asperger syndrome

Category:People with epilepsy

Category:Scottish people of Irish descent

Category:Scottish Roman Catholics

Category:20th-century Scottish women singers

Category:21st-century Scottish actresses

Category:21st-century Scottish women singers

Category:British ballad musicians

Category:Singers with disabilities