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 Mis classic I Dreamed a Dream has been watched millions of times, including the scowling and then shocked face of Simon Cowell. But even with her seemingly-instant shoot to stardom, Boyle has remained humble as ever – even still living in the house she was in before first appearing on BGT.
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. As a child, she was told that she had developed a learning disability as a result of oxygen deprivation during birth. In an interview with the Guardian in 2013, the singer got candid about how she got bullied by her peers because she was “different.”
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.
“I come from a musical family,” Boyle said. “It has always been there, from my father down. Singing is always something I have done. It has been in my blood since I was 12 and took part in school productions and shows.”
She explained to OK! UK that despite the fact that she is worth around $31 million, leaving her home for an opulent mansion would mean leaving behind precious memories – something Boyle was not willing to do.
“It’s to do with the memories of your house and your upbringing, you need to take stock of things and maybe see where you come from and where your roots lie,” she explained.
“It’s best to be grounded and with your roots. It keeps you grounded and prevents you from saying things maybe you shouldn’t say.”
That will to stay grounded has also meant that Boyle isn’t a big spender. The most luxurious splurge, she said, was remodeling her father’s old garage – which was previously filled with old cars – into a vacation home to spend her summers. She told OK! UK in the same interview:
“I couldn’t do anything too extravagant or over the top because I have got my parents,” Boyle said. “My parents will probably come back and haunt me. It’s good to stay grounded. You get the glamorous side and then you’ve got the more natural side.”
This isn’t the first time Boyle has mentioned her parents. When asked about her rise to fame, she told the Sunday post back in 2019:
“I just wish my mum and dad had been here to see it all. I think they would have been very proud and very happy. But no doubt they are looking down on me.”
When walking into Boyle’s home, one immediately realizes that the humble Scot is a woman of faith. The entrance to her abode greets guests with a plethora of Jesus Christ ornaments. That then leads to her piano room, which features many more religious figurines on display. Boyle has a room with the grand piano because she is now learning to play. However, she let the interviewer at OK! UK know that she is certainly still a work in progress when it comes to learning to play the piano.
“That’s a giggle for a start because I can’t even do scales! I’m only learning at the moment,” the singer humorously admitted.
Boyle is also one to reminisce about the past. Her living room features many photos and memorabilia from various important times in her life.
She kept a souvenir from her Comic Relief single with Peter Kay, right next to a framed record which marked the one-millionth sale of two albums; “I Dreamed a Dream” and “The Gift.” She also keeps many photographs of her late parents, and one when she met the Pope. Boyle is also a cat-lover, with one windowsill completely adorned in cat figurines, including a Cheshire cat, looking exactly like the one in the 1951 Disney film, ‘Alice in Wonderland.’
Regarding the homage to her first audition song, Boyle told OK! UK about how it continues to inspires her and serves as a memory of her success and hard work. She said:
“That’s always my motto to keep to your dreams, follow your dreams.”
Her kitchen, just like the rest of her home, is relatively small and modest. As part of the makeover, Boyle fitted in a simple yet modern grey-and-white kitchen, with generous counter space and storage room for her collection of kitschy crockery. She joked that prior to the renovation, she barely had enough space “to swing a cat” in the room.
She further elaborated to OK! UK on the almost six-decades worth of memories she’s collected in the home.
“There’s a bit of history attached to this house there used to be nine of us in it,” Boyle said. “Three sisters used to sleep in what is now my dressing room. Bridie, Cathy and myself. Mary had gotten married and left the nest long ago. So when they all left I was left with this room. This used to be my room.”
The down-to-earth songstress also looked back at her style bloopers as a newbie in showbiz. She even looked back at the infamous dress she wore on the BGT finale, which Boyle boiled down to not having a stylist to help her make better choices. “I have a stylist now who helps me!” she assured. While she might have not been making the fashion statement she would have liked to, she stressed that she wouldn’t have it any other way.
