Susan Boyle has announced she intends to step away from public life next year following the release of a farewell record, marking the end of a staggering career that began with her iconic Britain’s Got Talent appearance in 2009.
The 65-year-old Scottish singer, who has sold 25 million records worldwide, told the Daily Star: “I hope to have a farewell album next year, I’m going out with a bang!”
The announcement comes four years after a stroke took away her ability to sing and speak properly.
Alongside her final studio album, Ms Boyle revealed that a biographical film about her extraordinary journey is also in development.
The singer opened up about losing her voice after her stroke
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“We are in the process of my story being put out on the screen but I can’t say anything else just yet…watch this space,” she added.
Ms Boyle suffered a stroke back in 2022. It left the opera singer unable to speak or sing, forcing her to take part and go through extensive rehabilitation to regain her once incredible voice.
Speaking to The Sun, she reflected on her lengthy recovery: “I never thought I would be able to come this far. I’ve had a lot of encouragement, and the public has been so loving to me.”
The singer revealed she has undertaken considerable speech therapy alongside vocal coaching to rebuild her abilities.
“It was difficult at first, but after the first few weeks, my voice slowly started to come back,” she explained.
However, Ms Boyle acknowledged her singing voice remains a work in progress.
“I am taking wee baby steps. If you go too fast, too soon, you go down a hole. It took a while for my confidence to come back with my music. But I am getting there. Slowly.”
Drawing on her own difficult experiences following her rise to fame, Ms Boyle has urged television producers to provide greater support for reality show participants.
Ms Boyle’s comeback has been enhanced alongside her work with Cornetto
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“Back then, I had no support,” she told the Daily Star. “I don’t mind sharing. It was extremely hard. I was put to the Priory remember.”
The singer, who was diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome in 2012, emphasised the importance of looking after neurodiverse contestants in particular.
“So I really do hope that there is support for neurodiverse people. Everyone should be fully supported.”
Ms Boyle remains the most successful artist to emerge from Britain’s Got Talent, making her perspective on contestant welfare particularly significant.
Simon Cowell has recently expressed regret over his behaviour towards Ms Boyle during her legendary 2009 audition, describing himself as “horrible” towards her.
The music mogul reflected on the infamous moment when he and fellow judge Piers Morgan exchanged dismissive looks before hearing her sing.
“I think of all the looks I’ve ever remembered, that might be the worst. And I was just as bad. We all were,” Mr Cowell told the Tales From The Celebrity Trenches podcast.
He added that the experience served as “a wake-up call” about not judging people by appearances.
Ms Boyle revealed the hard work she has been through to recover her voice
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Ms Boyle responded to his comments with characteristic grace and told the Daily Star: “I’m in a very happy place in my life. I’ve healed a lot over the years.
“It was a lesson he learned from, maybe everyone has learned that leading with kindness, no matter what, is the way forward?”
Ms Boyle has recently re-emerged in the public eye through advertising campaigns for Cornetto and Irn-Bru, sporting a striking new blonde bob that she debuted on her 65th birthday.
The singer has cultivated an impressive circle of celebrity admirers, with Liam Gallagher dedicating Stand By Me to her during an Oasis concert last year.
The star revealed she will retire after her upcoming album
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“Thanks so much for the dedication @liamgallagher. You’ve made this old girl’s day,” she wrote on Instagram afterwards.
Hollywood actor Timothée Chalamet has also shown his appreciation, gifting Ms Boyle a jacket from his film Marty Supreme.
To mark her birthday, the Britain’s Got Talent star launched her first official merchandise range, with items priced between £13 and £50.
She thanked supporters for their loyalty over 17 years, describing the launch as “a lovely way to celebrate together.”
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