From self-proclaimed “wee Scottish wifey” to global singing sensation, Susan Boyle has won fame, fortune and the adoration of millions. All she wants now is a man. In our exclusive interview, she tells her Cinderella story.
What made you apply to go on Britain’s Got Talent?
Well, I’d watched the show like everyone. And I had promised my mum just before she died that I would do something with my life.
What was going through your head when you were filling in the form?
They asked what you’d done in the past and what kind of act you had, and if you had a stage name! I thought, well, my own name will do, won’t it? I didn’t know whether I needed a stage name or not.
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Take us to the audition day.
Well, I will never forget that day. A lot of people dream about being on TV, about making records, about entertaining people. But to be honest, I never thought for a minute that I would get this far. The audition was at The Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre [Glasgow], but I kept on taking the wrong bus. I must have changed buses about six times to get to the place and I could see the place all the time. I got there hours early and sat in the holding room watching everybody do their audition. Everybody kept saying to me, “Are you sure you should be at this audition?” I saw dance groups come and go, men with spoons, dogs. Eventually, it was my turn, I got three yeses. By the time I’d finished my audition, I’d missed my last bus home, so one of the runners got me a taxi home. I was on a real high. It was like Celtic [football team] winning the cup.
Do you understand why your story has connected with so many people?
I don’t know, really. It’s an unusual story. I was often left behind at school because of one thing or another. I was a slow learner. I’m a wee bit slower at picking things up than other people are. So you get left behind in a system that just wants to rush on, you know? That was what I felt was happening to me. And this feels like a very enjoyable way of making up for it. I don’t think the resources were at school back then. Teachers have more specialised training now. There was discipline for the sake of discipline back then and you are looking at someone who would get the belt every day. “Shut up, Susan!” Whack! I should be careful about what I say because I have a sister, Mary, who’s a fantastic singer and a teacher, but like I say, it’s all very different now. I think teachers are taught to understand children with learning disabilities a lot better.
How do you feel about the reaction around the world?
I didn’t know what YouTube was until I was in the record offices and saw the clip and the number of hits, and thought, “Oh, my God”. I’m still trying to come to terms with it. The fans have been amazing and the mail I have received, phenomenal. I have been sent beautiful gifts, including a vintage dress that had been in a family for generations. It’s incredible that someone would want me to have something so precious. I’ve even had offers of dates!
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What do you think it was about you that people became so fascinated by?
Put it this way … a woman who went on with mad hair, bushy eyebrows and the frock I was wearing had to be noticed. It was a good choice at the time, I though.
What’s the dream now, Susan? Would you like a boyfriend?
Och, there’s no time for that now! I’m far too busy! What a laugh. No, there was a TV company that wanted to set me up with a man. Apparently he was a nice man, but I’ve got my living to do now. I don’t mind being friendly, but no marriage plans as yet!
Your say: What do you think about Susan Boyle? Do you own her album? Share with us below.
Read more of our exclusive chat with Susan Boyle in the May issue of The Australian Women’s Weekly. Out now with Susan Boyle on the cover.
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