Susan Boyle & Peter Kay’s Rare Reunion Struck A Nostalgic Chord With Their Fans 12 Years On

May 10, 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. 

Since then, Boyle catapulted to international fame and critical acclaim, she has released eight studio albums, three of which reached No. 1 on the UK Charts and two on the Billboard 200 #1 spot. Boyle, the ever-kind and humble artist, has also performed for charities and philanthropic activities. Most notably, she performed with comedian Peter Kay on Comic Relief in 2011, which went on to be one of her most notable performances aside from her iconic audition. 

In a very rare outing, Kay and Boyle reunited again after more than a decade passed, and fans could not get enough of seeing them both in the same photo after all those years!

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 “BGT.” 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 became one of the most famous winners of the talent franchise in the world. 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. 

With her amassed success and influence, Boyle had been invited to various major UK charity telethons. In 2010, she sang for BBC One’s Sport Relief charity. 

She also helped at the BBC Children in Need telethon five times in the past decade. She performed for the show from 2010 up until 2014. 

But perhaps one of the most prominent shows she has attended and performed at was in 2011 with Kay for Comic Relief. Boyle and the comedian-actor sang a duet of “I Know Him So Well,” originally sung by Elaine Paige and Barbara Dickson. Notably, Kay performed with Boyle in his drag alter ego, Geraldine McQueen. 

The sensational duet was released via CD, DVD and digital download to raise additional funds for the charity aside from their television performance. It ranked #21 on the all-time Comic Relief CDs sold and reached No. 11 on the UK Singles chart. They managed to raise £42 million (approximately $53 million) that year, The Daily Mail reported.

Twelve years later, Kay and Boyle reunited again to fans' delight. However, it was not onstage, but rather near the stage! Boyle was in the crowd during one of Kay’s live performances in Glasgow on May 7, 2023, at “Peter Kay Live.”

Boyle shared their photo together on her Instagram page with this caption:

“A reunion 12 years in the making! Susan Boyle & Peter Kay back together again after she went to see his hilariously brilliant show 'Peter Kay Live' in Glasgow. How has it been 12 years since their Comic Relief video came out?!”

Boyle comfortably snuggled on Kay’s shoulders as they took the cute photo. She was wearing a cream tweed coat while the comedian sported a bright blue polo decked with a black blazer. 

Fans were very excited to see the two together again in the photo, and they showered her post with praises and wishes!

“2 of the very best right there. One of the best comedians, one of the best singers ever. Love you guys. ❤️❤️,” a fan wrote. 

“Susan is an example to be followed!!!! And her voice is unique!” another praised. 

"I was at Peter Kay last night as well Susan, and Peter is a comedy genius! What an excellent show laughed the whole way through his act. Was amazing when the whole arena started shouting your name!" someone else said. 

“Susan I am a huge fan. I listen to your songs at least three of them a day. I would love to meet you. Your BGT audition has me in tears. I love you so much,” another user penned. 

To date, the post has over 3,000 likes, and the requests for Boyle to make a new album were also seen in the comments section. 

Are you a fan of Susan Boyle? Have you watched her duet with Peter Kay already? Wasn’t their reunion adorable? Let us know, and pass this on to your family, friends and other loved ones!