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Susan Boyle talks about tough childhood, Irish mother’s death and her ‘Cinderella story’

By
ANTOINETTE KELLY,
IrishCentral.com Staff Writer

Published Saturday, November 7, 2009, 10:58 AM
Updated Saturday, November 7, 2009, 2:13 PM

 

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A young Susan Boyle prepares herself for her huge future music career
A young Susan Boyle prepares herself for her huge future music career

After her beloved Irish mother died, Susan Boyle’s home was quiet for weeks.

But eventually, the singer began to play her music again, decided to audition for “Britain’s Got Talent,” and the rest is history.

Boyle talked to Britain’s Daily Mail about her journey – from her tough childhood, to her close relationship with her mother, to her independence and her rise to fame.

The youngest of nine children, Susan was born to Irish immigrant parents in Blackburn, Scotland in a terraced house that she still calls home today.

“I was bullied quite a lot as a child,” Boyle told the Daily Mail.

“They used to call me Sambo, because I had black curly hair, and Simple Susie. At school, I felt very frustrated, very lonely – people didn't want to sit next to me in class. I was often bawling my eyes out and it does tend to chip away at your personality.”

But Susan felt safe at home, where she created an imaginary world while playing with her dolls.

“That was my wee family,” she said. “I had my own way of playing. They were my friends.”

But eventually, music took Susan’s toys’ place as her escape.

“When I got older, all that changed to music. Music was very much an escape, because I'd go to my bedroom and nobody could taunt me,” she said.

Boyle’s dream was always to sing professionally, and she would perform at local venues as often as possible.

Susan, a devout Catholic, was a volunteer at her church, Our Lady of Lourdes, and she’d entertain the elderly and disabled with her amazing singing ability.

Mostly she kept to herself, calling her parents her friends, but the “Scottish spinster,” as they’ve dubbed her in Britain, did have a brief romance.

“I had a boyfriend, John, who worked in an office. He asked me to marry him after seven weeks, although we'd only ever had a peck on the cheek, but he eventually got cold feet,” Susan revealed.

“It made me sad, in a way. It makes you feel unattractive; you feel that life is passing you by. But I thought, ‘Maybe there's something for me later.’ I was always optimistic.”

Tragedy struck the Boyle family when Irish father Patrick died in 1999 at the age of 80.

“It was just old age,” Susan said, recalling the loss. “But that was the first time I'd ever encountered bereavement.

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10 Comments

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Posted by marieco on Feb 05, 2010, 03:21 PM EST
I still pray for Susan. Her story is such an inspiration to me. In my heart, I cheer for her everytime I see or hear anything about her. It makes me sad to hear some cruel remarks made, just like it would if the remarks were made about... one of my own kin! I pray that the Good Lord continues to bless Susan Boyle and keep her safe.
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Posted by jenntVT on Nov 14, 2009, 02:24 AM EST
What a wonderful story. So great to hear Susan talk about her Mother. I think this is the best therapy she can do and Susan needs some REAL friends. Not just someone that wants something from her, but someone who can be as silly and fun as Susan wants to be(i enjoy watching Susan laugh). Susan Boyle will prevail against the evil that attacks her .(all of the sharon osbournes out there) because her FAITH sustains her from this evil. Susan will probably pray for Sharon O. Sorry to get off on that tangent, I am still mad about that video of Sharon.
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Posted by LinLinisme on Nov 09, 2009, 06:35 PM EST
Hi neely 12 I wish I could afford to go and see her perform. I think she is the best. SwimmieKimmie I totall agree with you and everyone who loves Susan Boyle as I do LinLinisme
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Posted by Pebbles on Nov 09, 2009, 05:01 PM EST
Thank you so much, what a lovely article about such a lovely lady.
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Posted by beachpolly on Nov 09, 2009, 01:59 PM EST
Excellent article In Susan's own words. She has a kind of magic that people respond to. She makes people feel good.
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Posted by ORourkes on Nov 09, 2009, 01:40 PM EST
I THINK SHE'S WONDERFUL...A BEAUTIFUL PERSON...I'D BE PROUD TO HAVE HER AS A FRIEND OR NEIGHBOR...MAY SHE HAVE GREAT FUN GREAT CAREER AND GOD'S BLESSINGS...
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Posted by swimmiekimmie on Nov 09, 2009, 02:34 AM EST
oh i love this, she is very articulate, and empathizing, and she is getting that dream from hard work, and she is sharing it with the world, great timing, the world is kind of a mess right now... thank you susan, thank you all for this interview
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Posted by neely12 on Nov 08, 2009, 09:45 AM EST
I read the article that Susan gave to the paper. I agree with you and and feel even more respect for this woman. She has persevered! Anyone that knows her story will agree. I will keep following her and buying all the CDs that are offered. I plan on flying to New York from Ohio to see the NBC Today Concert. Money well spent!!!
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Posted by LoveSusansMusic on Nov 07, 2009, 08:05 PM EST
A wonderful article and wonderful photos in the Mail! This interview really taps into the "true" Susan Boyle in a way we haven't seen before; she is open, honest and forthright about where she's been and how she's gotten here..... Susan pours out her heart in each and every song she sings; one listen to any of those songs clearly shows that. This is part of her "magic," her appeal. She is indeed gifted with a truly beautiful singing voice but she also brings something of herself, her life experiences (good and bad) to each song she sings, and IMHO that is the even better, more potent gift......
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Posted by marieco on Nov 07, 2009, 02:04 PM EST
I adore Susan's singing! I think she's going to knock the socks off all of us. I guess I want to see her make it because I can't...my time is past. Susan has lots of time left and I pray for her well-being, both spiritually and emotionally. God bless you, Susan!
 


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