Susan Boyle Worked Hard To Get Her ‘Speech And Singing Back’ After Suffering A Stroke

Aug 01, 2023

Susan Boyle became an instant sensation throughout the world after she appeared on the third series of "Britain's Got Talent." 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 was a World War II veteran and miner who also sang at Bishop Blaize. Her mother worked as a shorthand typist. The couple had nine children — four sons and five daughters, with Boyle being their very youngest.

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 5 years old, was the best way she honored her mother.

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 as she hadn't performed publicly since 2019. 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. 

Many of Boyle’s fans left the singing sensation kind words on her post, praising her for her courage and wishing her well.

“You are so loved by so many Susan. Glad to hear you are recovering. Stay strong and feel the love from the world around you,” one user wrote, while another comment read, “So sorry to hear you had a stroke, but beyond relieved that you are doing well now. Looking forward to more years of hearing your beautiful voice.”

A third user said, “You bring sunshine to my ears and heart. I’m so happy you are regaining your health. God Bless.”

This wasn’t the first time Boyle has had to face health challenges. In 2012, the singer discovered she was on the autism spectrum after being diagnosed with Asperger’s. The syndrome is characterized by an inability to relate to others socially and difficulty forming relationships. Boyle told The Guardian she was wrongly thought to have had brain damage as a child and the Asperger’s diagnosis came as a relief.

“It was the wrong diagnosis when I was a kid. I was told I had brain damage. I always knew it was an unfair label. Now I have a clearer understanding of what's wrong and I feel relieved and a bit more relaxed about myself,” she said.

Boyle added that she hoped awareness of her condition would help people “treat me better because they will have a much greater understanding of who I am and why I do the things I do.”

While many would think after finding fame and success that Boyle would be living a luxurious life, it is not the case. Instead, Boyle has remained in her late mother’s terraced council house in Blackburn, which she said helps her to “stay grounded.”

Were you blown away by Susan Boyle's rendition of “I Dreamed a Dream” when you first heard it? Do you find her personal story inspiring? Let us know, and pass this on to your family, friends, and other loved ones!