Role

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Performer

Birth

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April 1, 1961 in Blackburn, West Lothian, Scotland

 

Susan Boyle is a Scottish singer who rose to fame in 2009 after appearing on the third season of the reality television show Britain's Got Talent. Born on April 1, 1961, in Blackburn, West Lothian, Scotland, Boyle was the youngest of nine siblings. Her parents, Patrick and Bridget Boyle, were working-class Catholics who instilled in their children a love of music and a strong work ethic. Boyle's interest in music began at an early age, and she sang in her church choir as a child. However, she struggled with learning difficulties and was often bullied by her peers. Despite these challenges, Boyle continued to pursue her passion for music and performed in local talent shows and competitions. After leaving school, Boyle worked a series of jobs, including as a cook and a cleaner, while continuing to sing in her spare time. In 1995, she auditioned for the UK television show My Kind of People, but was not selected to appear on the program. Boyle's big break came in 2009, when she auditioned for Britain's Got Talent. Her performance of "I Dreamed a Dream" from the musical Les Misérables stunned the judges and the audience, and the video of her audition quickly went viral. Boyle's powerful voice and emotional performance captured the hearts of viewers around the world, and she became an overnight sensation. Boyle went on to compete in the show's live rounds, where she continued to impress the judges and the audience with her performances of classic songs such as "Memory" and "Cry Me a River." She ultimately finished in second place, but her success on the show launched her career as a recording artist. In November 2009, Boyle released her debut album, I Dreamed a Dream, which quickly became a bestseller in the UK and the US. The album featured a mix of classic songs and contemporary covers, including "Wild Horses," "Amazing Grace," and "Who I Was Born to Be." It also included a duet with Elaine Paige, one of Boyle's musical idols. I Dreamed a Dream was a critical and commercial success, and it earned Boyle several awards and nominations. The album debuted at number one on the UK charts and became the fastest-selling debut album in UK history. It also topped the charts in the US, Canada, and Australia, and went on to sell over 14 million copies worldwide. Boyle's success continued with the release of her second album, The Gift, in 2010. The album featured a mix of Christmas classics and original songs, and it included a duet with Johnny Mathis. The Gift also debuted at number one on the UK charts and was a commercial success. In 2011, Boyle released her third album, Someone to Watch Over Me, which featured a mix of classic songs and contemporary covers. The album was a departure from Boyle's previous albums, as it showcased her more mature and sophisticated vocal style. Someone to Watch Over Me received positive reviews from critics, but it was not as commercially successful as Boyle's previous albums. Despite the mixed reception to Someone to Watch Over Me, Boyle continued to tour and perform around the world. She has performed at several high-profile events, including the opening ceremony of the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, and the 2015 Special Olympics World Games in Los Angeles, California. Boyle has also been recognized for her contributions to music and her charitable work. In 2010, she was awarded the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Music from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.

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