Tragic past of Susan Boyle

Tragic past of Britain's Got Talent contestant Susan Boyle

SAD: Susan

19/04/2009

BARNSTORMING BGT contestant Susan Boyle's run of good luck contrasts sharply with her life laced with tragedy.

The big-voiced singer from a family of seven has lost a sister and both parents in the last few years-while another sister Patricia died of cot death as a baby.

Sister Kathleen died suddenly from an asthma attack aged 53, eight years ago. Her death came a year after the family buried dad Patrick, 83, who died of cancer. And in 2007, her beloved mum Bridget, who she still lived with in Blackburn, West Lothian, died aged 91.

Clutching a photo of Bridget holding her as a baby, Susan said: "I look at it every day, it's what keeps me going."

The 48-year-old virgin has endured taunts for years from local yobs who mocked her appearance. But since her performance-seen by 20million on YouTube-they now ask for her autograph.

And her idol Elaine Paige has offered to duet with her after email from fans. Susan is already 2/5 favourite to win BGT.

Watch Susan Boyle's stunning performance on Britain's Got Talent

Your comments

This article has 6 comments

Susan: you are spectacular. It's not about winning or the money. You have superlative talent and it is your humbleness which makes you so loved... please don't let fame spoil that quality of yours. It's what people need to uplift them. Use it wisely... BEST BEST WISHES IN ALL THAT COMES YOUR WAY.

By Eve .. Posted May 31 2009 at 7:34 AM.

Diversity is a NOVELTY act. They will be a flash in the pan...then gone.Susan, poor thing, looked tired. Susan - I be line when you CD goes on sale!!

The point of the competition may be to WIN a place on the variety stage, but the Queen has a right to ask any performer she wants, to perform as well. AND IMHO the Queen would probably appreciate Susan's talent to a bunch of kids jumping around as if they have bugs up their trousers!!

By Paula.. Posted May 31 2009 at 12:26 AM.

Good Luck Susan for this evening

By beryl boote.. Posted May 30 2009 at 10:19 AM.

Yes but the competition isn't to WIN a spot on Oprah is it? She is supposed to WIN the spot on the Variety Show not have it given to her anyway. What is the point of her being in the competition if she is going to get the prize anyway. They should take her out and let someone else get the "winning" spot. She will get the same "prize" as if she was on it. She's already got the "money". Yes she is a good singer...but then so are so many others. Dance Acts like Diversity are not two a penny....and that's what VARIETY is all about. DIVERSITY to win!

By Angela.. Posted May 25 2009 at 9:18 AM.

I think susan boyle is great, and if the queen request her to appear before her what is that to anyone. i live in the U.S.A and oprah wants her on her show. good luck susan, i hope you win

By agnes kyllonen.. Posted May 24 2009 at 6:31 PM.

Well if what the papers are saying is true and that the queen has requested her to appear whether she wins or not then she shouldn't be on the show anyway! How fair is that to the other contestants? The whole point of the competition is to WIN a place on the variety stage. Anyway I thought the whole point of a "variety" show was that there was variety. Having yet another singer on it is hardly that.

By Angela.. Posted May 24 2009 at 8:33 AM.

We have to check every comment before we can allow it to be published. But don't worry, we've got a team on it 24/7 - so check back soon! Please note that we cannot publish all comments received. The editor's decision is final. Please note that your email address will not be displayed next to your comment.