It’s a funny old world
Column
‘I still live in the same house I grew up in!’ This week’s columnist: Global classical singer Susan Boyle
If you had told me 10 years ago that I would have released eight albums, travelled the world and was about to embark on my fourth tour, I would have thought you were having a carry-on. Most people will remember me for walking onto that Britain’s Got Talent stage, with wild hair, looking like I’d got dressed in the dark, and everyone expecting a joke audition. Then I sang, and in that moment I symbolised the old adage ‘never judge a book by its cover’. I didn’t expect the turn of events that happened. Over the years leading up to that audition, I’d entered into many local competitions and never won, always came second. So while I had hoped for the best when I went to the BGT audition, taking six buses and getting lost on the way, I honestly expected it to amount to nothing. But at least I could say I’d given it a go and stood by my promise to my deceased mother that I would try and make something of my life. I didn’t own a computer and I had no idea what Twitter or YouTube were, but thanks to Hollywood actor Ashton Kutcher, who shared my performance
on social media, suddenly I had the world’s press on my doorstep. The rest, as they say, is history. I’ve still never won a competition, but coming second in the final of BGT changed my life forever. I went from lonely unknown, broke, struggling to keep the electric going, to the very opposite in the blink of an eye. I get to live my dream of performing and recording, I’ve been to places in the world that I never thought possible, I’ve made wonderful friends and I never want it to end. Fame and fortune hasn’t changed me, I still live in the house I grew up in. In fact, I bought it with the first cheque I made. I like to shop in Tesco and Zara, and now, most importantly, I don’t have to worry about paying the gas or electric bills. I was finally able to get the correct diagnosis for Asperger’s. My parents were told I was brain-damaged at birth, but academically I did well at school, so that never sat well with me. That was my ‘ahhhh’ moment. It all made sense. I decided to keep it quiet and learn about what it meant and then, in 2013, I spoke about it publicly because I felt
I never want this to end
that I could help people with autism understand there are no barriers in life. I wanted to make people aware, and to use this platform for good and show what is possible. I also wanted people to have a better understanding of me and why I do the things I do. I think people with disabilities – and I don’t like to use that word about myself, but others do – need to prove themselves all the more. Don’t give up. I think that’s what I have done – shown what is possible. Ten years ago, I lived alone with a cat. Nobody knew me. Now everybody knows me, and I don’t feel alone any more.
✣ Susan Boyle will be on tour in March 2020. For dates and tickets, visit susanboylemusic.com
PHOTOS: NICKY JOHNSTON, GETTY
My Funny Old Week WHERE I’VE BEEN Glasgow, in the studio! I’m currently in full rehearsals for my TEN tour. WHAT I’VE BOUGHT Gowns for the tour. I use a great store called Frox of Falkirk. They look like I’ve spent a fortune, but you know me, I like a bargain. WHO I’VE MET The band and choir for the TEN Glasgow calling! tour, as well as all the wonderful behind-the-scenes crew – it takes a village to get me on stage! WHAT I’VE SEEN The inside of a studio, quite literal are all eating, breathing and sleeping these rehearsals, to make sure it’s the best show we’ve done.
NEXT WEEK Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen
