Susan Boyle, a former judge on Britain’s Got Talent, has spoken up about her rehabilitation after a stroke, saying she ‘worked so hard’ to regain her speaking and singing abilities.
The singer stated that her “sole goal” was to return to the stage, and that her “hard work paid off” when she was allowed to return to the TV show that catapulted her to fame.
Susan, 62, appeared at the grand finale of the West End production of Les Misérables among the cast, duetting with The X Factor star Lucie Jones, 32, to play I Dreamed A Dream, the song she auditioned with back in 2009.
She then published a touching Instagram post about how’special’ the event was for her because of her condition.
‘Tonight I had the privilege of returning to @bgt and performing with the wonderful cast of @lesmizofficial,’ she said.
‘This evening was even more special for me as in April of 2022 I had a stroke.’
Susan continued: ‘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”…’
Several of her fans sent her messages of support, with one writing on Instagram: ‘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.’
Someone else said: ‘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.’
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Susan finished second on Britain’s Got Talent in 2009, trailing the winning dance ensemble Diversity.
That same year, she released her debut studio album, I Dreamed a Dream, which went on to become the best-selling debut album in the United Kingdom at the time.
Susan told co-hosts Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly on stage at the Britain’s Got Talent 2023 final that it was ‘wonderful’ to be there.
‘It’s extra special for me, last April I suffered a minor stroke and I fought to be back on stage and I have done it,’ she said.
Judge Simon Cowell told her: ‘Susan, we owe you so much.’
The media mogul added: ‘I knew you weren’t well but if anyone was going to come back, you were going to come back. It wouldn’t be the same without you.’
Comedian Viggo Venn won the competition, with dancer Lillianna Clifton placing second and magician Cillian O’Connor finishing third.
Britain’s Got Talent is available to watch on ITVX.
