"It was my Mum who got me into singing properly—she knew I had to do something with my voice because she knew I was talented. She was the one who pushed me into joining a choir all those years ago, when I was about 12. I remember she told me to start with the choir and just see where it took me."
—Susan Boyle
Susan Boyle spent her early life faithfully attending her local Catholic church, taking singing lessons and performing in small karaoke venues, and caring for her aging mother, whom she promised that she would someday enter a singing contest. Boyle’s first public performance after her dear mother passed away in 2007 was before an enormous audience—more than 10 million viewers of a 2009 episode of Britain’s Got Talent.
As she walked onstage, 47-year-old Boyle was greeted by a surprised and skeptical audience. And then, as if the world stopped for just a moment, she captured the audience and stunned the judges as she sang “I Dreamed a Dream.” Her dream swiftly became reality as tens of millions of viewers around the world became acquainted with her phenomenal performance, via the live broadcast and an online video that quickly went viral.
Who was she, where did she come from, and the most often heard query—where has she been?! Boyle never sought stardom. Over the years, she had quietly pursued her dreams from the small village of Blackburn, West Lothian, Scotland, gaining just a bit of local notoriety by performing at church and community events. As a child, she struggled with learning differences and, she reports, was bullied in school.
By the end of 2009, however, the world was very aware of Boyle. After she came in second on Britain’s Got Talent, her debut album, released in November 2009, became the best-selling album of all time in the UK. Her subsequent albums have been extremely successful as well. She has toured widely, collaborated with household names, and performed before the Queen of England.
In addition to revealing her tremendous talent, Susan Boyle has been an inspiration to many. She is a beautiful example of overcoming the stereotypes of age and circumstance, to rise to world acclaim. Her first public song is really her story—she dreamed a dream.
This billboard about Live Your Dreams features Susan Boyle.
YOUR COMMENT
EEEEEEE GREATJOBBB
Anonymous, December 19, 2024
she is so inspiring, i want to be just like her when i grow up (except when her mom passed)
Payton from Platteville, November 30, 2023
She is truly an inspiration!
Veronica (Vicki) Le Gare from California, USA, May 18, 2020
I love this tribute. Absolutely wonderful.
Jenna Herritt from Kent state, April 14, 2020
i was bullied before and now im entering depression. this inspires me to forget about what everyone else thinks and just be you.
rebeca from Connecticut, March 29, 2017
so touching i am gonna cry
Julianna from Montana, November 21, 2016
Very inspiring!
Anonymous, May 11, 2016
It was my Mum who got me into singing properly—she knew I had to do something with my voice because she knew I was talented. She was the one who pushed me into joining a choir all those years ago, when I was about 12. I remember she told me to start with t
creeper from minecraft, December 15, 2015
You should always sing your heart out. Music is the key to happiness and if you keep pushing yourself to something that you really want and you will get it eventually. Practice makes perfect and don't let someone tell you that you can't because you can no matter what they say. Always push yourself to your full potential and live life not caring what they say.
NULL from NULL, January 27, 2015
A few years ago, I was visiting my home town of San Diego and I saw this great billboard and was inspired to become an actor. She is such a great singer and when I get on stage next month, I'll think of her for living her dream and thank her for telling me to live mine.
Len from Phoenix, May 9, 2014
I know Susan Boyle was on Britain's got talent and she was a good singer.
Ohodgee Nieves from Hartford,CT, February 15, 2014
She can sing. But she had an impact on my life and the life of others. Even when she was talked about that didnt stoop her form puersing her dreams.
Darnell Ervin from Winston-Salem, February 11, 2014
i like her music
vanessa from washington, February 5, 2014
oh wooooooooooooowwwwwwwww
vanessa from washington, February 5, 2014
I LOVE THE WAY SHE LETS HER SELF RUN FREE!
salie franklin from jonesboro, AR, August 29, 2013
Nothing in this life passes by accident; I read Susa n Boyle's Billboard and her experience touched my heart; I am one of them. I have lived my entire life hidden my personal talents- fears are my great obstacle. Thank you so much for given my encouragement to overcome my monsters.
Yolanda Contreras from Provo, Ut., July 8, 2013
She is beautiful in heart and doesn't let a couple thousand haters bring her down At the end... She made history
Maddie from Nun ya, April 5, 2013
I like her music!
Me from Wedj, March 12, 2013
Anything is possible so pursue your dreams!
Molly from CT, March 11, 2013
Susan Boyle rocks
Emily from Pulaski, WI, February 20, 2013
i love susan
me from earth, February 20, 2013
I loved Susan Boyle when she sung I dream a dream.
tcratty from indiana, March 22, 2012
This lady has the most beautiful voice in the world! I wish I could dream a dream just like her!
Cliff Brown from New York, New York, April 20, 2011
I WANT TO BE A SINGER WHEN I GROW UP BUT I'M ONLY 11 SO I HAVE A LONG WAY TO GO!
Kathryn J. from AZ Peoria, March 8, 2011
She doesn't look like she has a good voice, but no one can judge anyone by their looks. WAY TO GO SUSAN!!!
Peppyalicekullen from USA, February 15, 2011
thats cool
louise b from canada, January 26, 2011
I LOVE the Susan Boyle billboard.. She's the PERFECT person to represent this characte trait. But you have to know the WHOLE story to fully understand it or at least watch the audition, anyways.
Christie H from CAN, January 17, 2011
I love Susan Boyle Billboard.. It's such a nice warm greeting when I drive home and always inspires me as well. Thank you.
Debra W from DeSoto.Mo., January 5, 2011
Wow! A multiplicity of truly amazing people....living & dead. You are to be congratulated for spot-lighting them and giving them the accolades they deserve! Thank you!
Carol Y from California, November 19, 2010
I saw this billboard near the community in which I live. Ms. Boyle is truly an inspiration and deserves commendation for the excellent character she possesses.
Carol Y from California, November 19, 2010
Thank you for highlighting Susan Boyle as the example of perseverence, kindness and faith. Billboards not shown in Australia -- we need them to highlight great human endevour.
Mary T from West Australia 6172, November 11, 2010
This billboard is now in several California locations, including two recent one posed outside Fresno, the southern one gloriously nightlit. This photo of Susan shown here cuping a Shure Model 55 microphone emblematic of the 1950s is my absolute favorite of mine, thank you for using it for the billboard!
Richard L. Mendes from Cameron Park, California U.S.A., October 5, 2010
Please couldn't we have posters that can be used in a classroom or a church bulletin?
Juanita Polk from Monterey, Ca, July 27, 2010
I love this article. This just goes to show that when you believe in something and give it your all that you can make anything possible. It may take time and may take 110% of your heart but you can do it. I believe in some cases people have forgotten how to just make things happen. People let small obstacles stop them from achieving what they want. Susan Boyle took her heart and her passion and followed her dreams. I really hope that a lot of people can learn from her and that people will stop giving up and start going for the gold.
Brian O from Bay City, Michigan, June 24, 2010
My wife and I, our married daughter, and family are always looking for the new ads on TV. What wonderful inspirations they are. We are grateful to this wonderful organization for promoting these ideas. Hopefully they will catch on and continue to be passed on. Thanks
Charlie M from Decatur, AL, June 16, 2010
Some of the Values that describe Susan Boyle are: Achievement, Ambition, Believe, Believe In Yourself, Caring, Character, Commitment, Compassion, Confidence, Courage, Dedication, Determination, Devotion, Drive, Encouragement, Strength, Teaching By Example, True Beauty, Vision, Volunteering, Hard Work, Helping Others, Hope, Inspiration, Laughter, Live Life, Live Your Dreams, Love, Loyalty, Making A Difference, Motivation, Opportunity, Optimism, Overcoming, Perseverance, Persistence, Preparation, Purpose, Right Choices, Rising Above, Sacrifice, Spread Your Wings
Cynthia M. from Ohio, June 13, 2010
You could not have picked a better person for your bulletin boards. These boards should be available on every roadway in America. Susan is such an inspiration to so many people and has achieved her success through hard work and determination. Thank you for using her in your ad campaigns.
Marie H. from Texas, May 30, 2010
Does Values.com have a list of where Susan Boyle billboards have been put up? Would love to know.
Pat W from Maryland, May 24, 2010
Wonderful billboard tribute. You couldn't have picked a better representative of courage and hope. Susan Boyle is an inspiration to many, many everyday people around the world. She did "dream a dream" and the world has reaped the rewards. God Bless Susan Boyle.
Grace R. from MA, May 20, 2010
There is something angelic and magical about Susan's voice! She touches the hearts and souls of countless millions world-wide! KUDOS ON YOUR GROUP's NOBLE PURPOSES!!!
Kiki L. from Honolulu, Hawaii, May 20, 2010
What a perfect choice for a Billboard! Susan is a true gift to the World. She is a lady of very admirable conscience, and an inspiration to us all.
Mary B from Virginia Beach, VA , May 19, 2010
First time I LOVE a billboard-ad-thingy!!
Rita A. from Vancouver, Canada, May 17, 2010
Susan Boyle is SO DARLING! And such an inspiration. I love her music and must congratulate you on choosing such an admirable Poster Girl for your campaign and billboards! Check out our Forum for her as well: www.forum.susan-boyle.com with over 50,000 members worldwide!!
Gayle H. from Michigan / USA, May 17, 2010
A very inspiring fact of life. Living and giving has been her passion. Now she is getting what she has given!
Ali ShahanShah from India, April 28, 2010
I love you Susan I cried the first time I watched your video and I will continue crying every time I watch it. When I have a bad day, I listen to you sing. Thank you for helping us remember the hidden talents in ourselves and in each other.
Maggie, G from Denver, Colorado, April 28, 2010
Dear Sister Susan, it does not matter that you did not win Britain's Got Talent, what really matters is that your mother was listening and cheering you on in the spiritual realm. The initial part of your dream has been fulfilled. The best is yet to come. You are anointed to sing. There will be many offers and opportunities that will be coming your way. I love you dearly and my dream is that I will be in the audience on the very first row at one of your majestic concerts. Peace and Blessing be upon your gift, talent and skill.
Adrienne Hall from Randallstown, Maryland, April 27, 2010
Susan: you are an example to those of us who have not had the courage to follow our dreams. God bless.
María Méndez from Costa Rica, April 27, 2010
What a great source of inspiration! I use Susan's story to teach teenagers about the power of believing in themselves.
Beth W. from Surprise, Arizona, April 27, 2010
Susan Boyle is one of a great number of people who have inspired the world by living their own dream motivated only by their own inner purpose. How wonderfully to be reminded that we all have this potential in some way! I drive my car listening to Susan often moved to tears by the authenticity of her voice, a gift to the world!
Pat D. from Saint John, NB Canada, April 27, 2010
Susan you're lucky. You're an awesome singer! Congrats on almost winning Britain's got Talent! GOOD JOB! :)
Jeremie C. from Canada, Ontario, April 21, 2010
