Susan Boyle Braved All Odds And Recovered From A Stroke That She Feared Would Stop Her From Singing

Jun 07, 2023

Susan Boyle became an instant sensation throughout the world after she appeared on the third series of "Britain's Got Talent" ("BGT"). Although that introduction aired over a decade ago, Boyle has managed a level of staying power rarely seen by TV stars. That performance of the “Les Miserables” classic “I Dreamed a Dream” has been watched millions of times, including the scowling and then–shocked face of Simon Cowell.

Susan Magdalene Boyle was born on April 1, 1961, in Blackburn, West Lothian. Her father, Patrick Boyle, was a WWII veteran and miner who also sang at Bishop Blaize. His wife, Bridget, worked as a shorthand typist. The couple had nine children — four sons and five daughters, with Boyle being their very last.

Throughout her life, Boyle has suffered from emotional outbursts and struggled with social interaction and communication, which has often interfered with her ability to form relationships and act appropriately. Singing would be the only activity she could do that would bring her solace. 

Not only did singing bring comfort to Boyle, but it also took her to greater heights after coming second on “Britain’s Got Talent” in 2009. 

At the Season 16 Grand Finale episode of “Britain’s Got Talent,” Boyle returned as a surprise performer along with the current company of “Les Miserables” at the West End in London. They performed “I Dreamed A Dream” and the finale song of the well-loved musical. Shortly after their performance, Boyle dropped a huge revelation about her health that got many people talking and worried. Read on to learn more about Boyle’s journey and her health condition.

Whether you've never seen it or have watched Boyle's audition clip a dozen times, it never fails to impress. Boyle reached international fame after her impressive audition on the third season of “Britain's Got Talent.” The episode aired on April 11, 2009, and the singer blew both the judges and the audience away with her powerful rendition of "I Dreamed a Dream" from the musical Les Miserablés. The audition was so successful that Boyle was even credited for being responsible for a spike in ticket sales for a Vancouver theater production of the beloved French musical. 

Since then, Boyle has become one of the world's most famous winners of the talent franchise. Her debut album, titled “I Dreamed a Dream,” sold 10 million copies globally, making it one of the best-selling albums of the 21st century. 

Today, Boyle is a household name of sorts across the world, with her first audition in 2009 being lauded as one of the best moments of TV by viewers. Boyle lives a comfortable life as a professional singer, with many of her records reaching top positions in charts and receiving a significant number of accolades for her music. She has also returned to the stage, taking part in “America's Got Talent: The Champions" in 2019. 

It is good to note although Boyle never won during her season in "Britain's Got Talent," the singer not only went ahead to sell more than 25 million records, but she also received two GRAMMY nominations. According to Boyle, her singing career, which had been her dream since she was five years old, was the best way she honored her mum.

At 62, Boyle still sings, but apparently, some health issues almost stopped her from doing what she loved.

At the Season 16 Grand Finals of “Britain’s Got Talent,” Boyle surprised everyone when she joined the current Fantine on West End and sang the second verse of “I Dreamed A Dream” back on the same stage that launched her career. 

After the judges and everyone in the venue gave them a rousing standing ovation and applause, Ant and Dec, the show hosts, asked her what she felt like returning to the stage after a long time. Boyle’s answer was very brief, but she revealed something else. 

"It's actually special for me because last April, I suffered a minor stroke. I fought like crazy to get back on stage, and I have done it," she admitted. After her revelation, everyone cheered for her as she triumphantly overcame the health issue. 

Cowell, who was initially skeptical of Boyle back in 2009, gave Boyle some kind words on her return. 

"Susan, we owe you so much, and I knew you weren't well, but, if anyone was going to come back, you were going to come back. We wouldn't be the same without you. You are amazing," he said.

Although the conversation was brief, Boyle took to her Instagram and elaborated more on the health issue that she has since faced. 

“This evening was even more special for me as in April of 2022 I had a stroke. For the past year I have worked so hard to get my speech and singing back, with the sole aim of being able to sing on stage again & tonight my hard work & perseverance paid off, singing the song that started it all, ‘I Dreamed A Dream,’” she shared along with the video of her performance. 

People in the comments showered her with love and support, celebrating how she overcame the minor stroke she had suffered. 

Are you a fan of Susan Boyle? Wasn’t she amazing in her “I Dreamed a Dream” performance? Isn't she inspiring? Let us know, and pass this on to your family, friends, and other loved ones!