37 Comments

• im2bossy | Dec 27, 2009, 02:00 PM EST

  i think susan boyle is sweet and innocent, and her story is so unique that peoople have to trash her because they are just jealous. Its sad really, and I also think she looks really cute now that someone plucked that unibrow. You go girl friend!!

• SusaBawesome! | Dec 26, 2009, 05:12 PM EST

  As for Simon Cowell referring to Amanda Holden as his friend - count on him putting her as one of the judges of the US X-FACTOR show. The guy likes people like Amanda Holden, Sharon Osbourne, and that other loser because they are like him. It seems people have forgotten that Simon Cowell couldn't get through a show without making people cry for several years. Don't get your hopes up in thinking Sharon Osbourne is going anywhere either. Simon Cowell thinks negative behavior like that is entertainment so either get used to it or stop watching it.

• SusaBawesome! | Dec 26, 2009, 04:40 PM EST

  I don't know what a "shippers romance" is but I have to agree that the supposed Susan Boyle fansite (the one that brags in the most vomit inducing of ways and we all know what site that is) is an embarrassment to no end to any Susan Boyle fan who hasn't gone over the deep end into the world of fantasy. I do not belong to the fansite nor will I ever but from what I have read from people who do/have, the site is full of quacks who have convinced themselves that they have some kind of personal relationship with Susan Boyle as though they call her up to chat on the phone several times a day and have her over for holidays. I might add that the quacks who currently reside in la-la land are the people running the site and they are all over youtube as well. You couldn't pay me to join that group. From what I understand once you join you cannot get out because they want to count members so they can continue the virtual illusion of being Susan Boyle's spokesperson, best friend, controller, whatever delusions they are having. Cross off #6 because that is so unrealistic it is HILARIOUS and add the quack fansite in its place. Add all of the fansites for that matter because they are probably all full of people who are more out of touch with reality than people who are in touch with reality and Susan Boyle in general.

• cherokeehippie | Dec 26, 2009, 01:45 PM EST

  I have to agree about the fansite with the shippers romance thread on Susan and Piers. Very embarrassing. Also, the forum is very 'controlling' and into banning members a lot, etc. It doesn't make any sense.

• Respectfully | Dec 26, 2009, 10:03 AM EST

  Niall, I suppose we could add the huge “broken zipper” picture of Susan that was plastered on all the tabloids in November. Millions of adults have experienced broken “zippers” and “popped buttons” no matter what size we are. Also, Amanda Holden was on Larry King a few days after Susan entered Priory to give the audience an update on Susan. However, she took the opportunity to conveniently tell us “how she (Amanda) thought Susan had a crush on Piers, and how Susan would get excited every time Piers walked by her hotel room during BGT.” As I watched that interview, it raised all kinds of red flags and has been in the back of my mind since. Amanda’s jealously was showing even then!

• TheFooster | Dec 26, 2009, 06:22 AM EST

  Nice summary! I have to agree ShyViolet about the so-called Fansite! I've just heard they've banned DJG-Scotland forever because he couldn't afford to pay the $25 they now charge. That's awful!

• KathyMu | Dec 25, 2009, 11:00 PM EST

  PhillyUSA, I also wonder how Amanda Holden had the nerve to appear on that special at all, and even worse why would Simon have allowed it? He's just made quite a few million because of Susan but can't give her enough respect to keep that white trash off of Susan's Special. If he's friendly with her and Sharon Osbourne, that says an awful lot about his character.

• ShyViolet | Dec 25, 2009, 07:42 PM EST

  If I may add #11. The Susan Boyle Forum - not her official site, but one of the fansites. Members mobbed her in NYC and harrassed her publisist for special favors. Their most popular thread on their forum is about a supposed romance between Susan and Piers Morgan. This site is a total embarasment to any real fan of Miss Boyle.

• roseofengland | Dec 25, 2009, 07:20 PM EST

  1 agree, 2 agree, 3 agree, 4 I prefer "losing BGT final", 5 agree, 6 Piers has a dry sense of humour, but is a self publicist, but again always supported Susan in public through her bad times (Simon kept quiet), but again quite recently spoke in his football column in Daily Mail about 'my friend Amanda Holden' and AH also gained from a small part on Susan Show ( B..... cheek!)so I'm not sure how good a friend he is to Susan; 7 agree, 8 agree, 9 agree, 10 neutral. So that's 8 out of 10, Niall. Good effort but could do better. xx

• Makeji1 | Dec 25, 2009, 05:43 PM EST

  There was one small clip of Amanda talking by herself and another with Piers where he said that if Susan didn't in BGT that he was a doughnut.

• katykatt | Dec 25, 2009, 04:41 PM EST

  Even though I watched the Susan Boyle special on TVGN five times, I do not recall seeing Amanda Holden in it at all. I was so pleased with Piers Morgan being so sweet with Susan and kissing her on the head when she burst into tears because of the platinum album award. As for the negative publicity from A.H., S.O. and others, they are so desperate for attention themselves that they use Susan's name any way that they can in order to get even a crumb of attention. Shame!

• katmc1149 | Dec 25, 2009, 03:25 PM EST

  Susan has always touched my heart and my soulsince I first heard her and saw her sing in the audition but when I saw the video of her receiving the award from Piers Morgan and god bless her she cried I just lost it...!! I love this gal so very much and feel so close to her and protective of her and hope that this is only the begin- ning of many more awards and allocades to come ...! As your mum Bridget would say...Keep going Susan you are doing great! hugs dear one Kat Florida xo xo

• PhillyUSA | Dec 25, 2009, 11:58 AM EST

  I noticed Amanda didn't really say much on the show. Don't even know how she had the nerve to even be there. I love her CD, her voice is totally amazing. Love from Philly

• alioops | Dec 25, 2009, 07:58 AM EST

  Niall, you just have to get off the Piers thing. IT WAS ONLY A JOKE for heaven's sake and most of us know that. I have agreed with every single thing you have said since you posted your first article on Susan. But this I do not agree with. We love Piers as Susan obviously does and he (like you) is one of her best champions. I suggest you change #6 to: Coming in second rather than first in BGT. Imagine the desperation she felt then... And now.. they are all eating her dust!

• SusaBawesome! | Dec 25, 2009, 03:57 AM EST

  Seeing Amanda Holden on Susan's special show was as sickening as her Chat Show skit. Piers Morgan was kidding. I don't know why you supposed super fans don't get that yet. Susan sure does and anyway she said herself that the reason she went on BGT in the first place was to meet Piers Morgan "who [she] thinks is rather dishy." Cross off #6 and find a new tragedy to take its place. Best Susan Boyle moment of 2009 was Susan entering the spotlight so we can enjoy her for all of 2010 through eternity. Who does a top 10 worst anything of Susan Boyle? There are way more awesome Susan Boyle moments to be proud of.

• KathyMu | Dec 25, 2009, 02:27 AM EST

  ohiocathy, no, I don't think that Mr. O'Dowd will take any flak for that. I noticed that after reading quite a few reviews, every critic liked or disliked different songs. There's never been an album that everyone liked every song. The world would be a very boring place if everyone liked the same thing. ikawgarud, it is hard to understand why so many people are so very nasty towards Susan Boyle. I believe it all stems from the vicious tabloids. They succeeded in turning a lot of people against her even though she never did anything to deserve it. Thank goodness that most people don't buy into their garbage. The UK really came through in supporting her, but there are those that just won't change no matter what.

• ikawgarud | Dec 25, 2009, 01:33 AM EST

  Thank you for listing these moments. It is an eye opener and I believe that it is a mark of a CIVIL society that is intelligent, perceptive and contrary to MEDIA CLAIMS, could easily be hoodwinked. Goes to show that the 99% of us mere mortals are Susan Boyles and that is why she is dear to our hearts. The 1% that is the Holdens, Osbourns, Paul Henrys(made famous for his "retard" comment) Lily Allens, etc... only think they are "IT" and therefore have the audacity to behave without CLASS. Well, they are the ones living in their own little glorified worlds.

• busterbrown | Dec 25, 2009, 01:29 AM EST

  Her CD. I was expecting better.

• ohiocathy | Dec 24, 2009, 11:36 PM EST

  I agree with all that you say. I imagine you will take a little flak for the "Daydream Believer" remark but I agree with you. I didn't like this song years ago. When I heard it would be on Susan's CD I thought maybe I would begin to like it. It's not Susan, it is just the melody of the song. Not my favorite at all. On the flip side, my sister tells me DD is her favorite song of the entire CD.

• shirleyo | Dec 24, 2009, 10:59 PM EST

  I've emailed Sony Ent., Simon Cowell web site,and AGT Producers...telling all they should not bring Sharon Osbourne continue as a judge on AGT. Niall, will you add your voice? She proved her credibility shallow:biased, insensitive and cruel. There is room for different tastes in music, but no room for nastiness.

• FromAsia | Dec 24, 2009, 09:15 PM EST

  Why could some people be so vicious to create anti-susan sites on facebook? She is not hurting anyone? She is bringing joy to millions. Are there sites of anti-anyone else? Is there any sites of anti lili allen? For us Asians, if we do not like someone, we don't listen to her/his music. We will listen to whoever we like but would not go that far to anti. Only the communist government would be anti-somebody.

• youareloved | Dec 24, 2009, 06:09 PM EST

  Niall, why not take a break from your busy schedule and listen - listen well - to Daydream Believer. The reason Susan sings it in a tempo much slower than usual is because she wants the listener to listen and think about the words. You see, Niall, Susan is the daydream believer and homecoming queen in the song! She did an awesome job on that one - Perez Hilton apparently thinks so too!

• idafan43 | Dec 24, 2009, 05:16 PM EST

  Agree with you especially on 9, I can't figure why so many people are just jerky when hearing how good Susan is doing. If anybody should get bent out of shape is Soap Actors and Has Been actors being replaced by the likes of Kate Gosslin and Spheidi. Here's a novel idea for the people that are mad because she's number one BUY A CD instead of free downloads of a artist that writes there own songs. If that is completely true then Debbie Gibson should be a huge super star.

• janeway | Dec 24, 2009, 05:15 PM EST

  Niall, I like Daydream Believer, but we are all different and there is no accounting for taste! Thank you for all your support for Susan throughout the year. You are right that all of these events could have been a setback but in fact none of them had a lasting impact and this lady with a huge heart and rocksolid faith conquered them all. Now we are celebrating a year-end with unprecedented sales and even some tabloids begin to realize that sometimes the truth can be so incredible that it sells more papers! Nollaig Shona Duit!

• KathyMu | Dec 24, 2009, 04:39 PM EST

  Mr. O'Dowd, I agree with most of your list, but not all of it. Actually what Amanda Holden and Sharon Osbourne did will be among the worst moments of THEIR lives, not Susan's. Although it must have really hurt Susan and she'll never forget it, she never said a word and even said that Osbourne was a nice lady when asked. She wasn't going to stoop to her level. Whenever I hear their names, for the rest of my life, that's what I'll think of, and I hope I'll never have to see either of their faces again. The fact that they both still have their jobs made me lose the tiny bit of respect that I ever had for Simon Cowell. As for Daydream Believer, I really didn't think I'd like it, but I do.

• ksdust2009 | Dec 24, 2009, 04:34 PM EST

  though it should have had a faster tempo, having listened to it many times I now like Daydream Believer as sung by Susan. SUSAN is NUMBER ONE!

• atirausa | Dec 24, 2009, 04:23 PM EST

  I agree that DDB is pretty slow, but it kinds grows on you. It showcases her beautiful voice. I certainly wouldn't call it one of the 10 worst moments of the year for Susan. I agree with your other points, especially being betrayed by those 2 talent-free cats.

• carol0911 | Dec 24, 2009, 03:21 PM EST

  Agree with 9 out of 10, Niall but I love "Daydream Believer" and really, top ten "worst"? Rest, you are spot on.

• PWattis | Dec 24, 2009, 03:16 PM EST

  Yes, it's quite a list, but look how she has managed to overcome it all!

• ArielAZ | Dec 24, 2009, 02:23 PM EST

  This list was unnecessary and not in the spirit of Susan. As for DB, well maybe you don't like it because you find yourself humming it. And homecoming queen is so sweet a phrase and has lots of meaning and imagery for every American who remembers their teenage years. It's an altogether poignant song.

• CatsAloud | Dec 24, 2009, 02:17 PM EST

  Agree with Niall's list. Concerning the slow version of Day Dream Believer, it is definitely not how the song should be sung, but if there is a good thing as a slow version of this song then Susan has sung it.

• katladyd | Dec 24, 2009, 02:06 PM EST

  I agree about Daydream Believer. Someone should have stopped her from recording this one, though I love the rest of the album tremendously. All in all, I do believe it has been the females (I refuse to call them women) who have been Susan's harshest critics. Is it because Susan threatens their ideas about outward beauty trumping inner beauty? Hmmmm. Could be. C'mon Amanda and Sharon, there is room for everyone in this world! I'm an attractive female, at least that is what I have been told, and it is inner beauty that lasts! Susan has that in spades!!!

• entropydecides | Dec 24, 2009, 01:38 PM EST

  I liked this list, although DD is one of my favorites, very relaxing. Including this lullaby on the CD was inspired. Whenever I find myself becoming anxious at work,(trauma center) I just let the song flow through my head.

• Gingercat | Dec 24, 2009, 12:44 PM EST

  Don't quite agree with no. 10. I would have made No. 1 Waiting to walk onto the stage for the audition. That must have been awful thinking your future kind of depended on how the next 5 minutes went. Thank you, Susan, for overcoming that fear and giving the world your incredible voice! Christmas blessings to all!

• stevieboy49 | Dec 24, 2009, 11:56 AM EST

  DD grows on you, Niall - at least, it does with me. Other than that, I agree with all the others. As Piers so pointedly remarked at a certain audition, "no one is laughing (at Susan) now!" The naysayers are the ones that must be cursing the day that they dared to poke fun at or make hurtful remarks about the most successful female singer in the world at the moment. For Susan has triumphed over them all. Thanks for all your wonderful articles this year, Niall. I wish you a wonderful Xmas and a Happy New Year.

• marydobish | Dec 24, 2009, 11:06 AM EST

  I loved Daydream Believer. Seriously, it grows on you, and we need that calm song between her strong, emotionally charged songs on her CD. Susan, you did it right, Lady! You keep going, and a very merry Christmas to you!

• JoMichael | Dec 24, 2009, 11:00 AM EST

  You hit the nail on the head again, Mr. O'Dowd. Several of those above should be under the category, "Jealousy gets you nowhere" -- not just no. 2. Susan's fans, of whom you are one, really, really appreciate your fair and balanced reporting of her and her success. Where she has needed applause, you have been here to give it to her! Thank you.