Susan Boyle's comeback on America’s Got Talent saw her rewarded with the prestigious Golden Buzzer.
Boyle was competing in the US reality series having been a runner-up on season three of Britain’s Got Talent in 2009 when she wowed crowds with a rendition of “I Dreamed a Dream” from the musical Les Misérables.
“Most of the audience, they were laughing, but they looked at my mouth, and that seemed to change. You don’t expect people to be that excited about you,” she said of her original appearance. “I’m glad I stepped on that stage.”
Boyle made it to the final on the 2009 series but was eventually beaten to the prize by dance troupe Diversity, despite being a clear favourite to win.
“For those who maybe don’t have the confidence to do things, for those who don’t have a voice, the ones who people tend to ignore, I feel like I’m a champion for them,” the Scottish singer added. “Coming in second doesn’t mean you lost, it’s an unfulfilled promise.”
On performing in front of Simon Cowell, who was on the panel of judges during her first appearance, Boyle said: “[I’m] excited to show Simon how much I’ve grown since the last time he saw me. It’s my golden opportunity to have that promise fulfilled.”
“You know what, Susan? I can’t think of any other contestant who has defined this show better than you, if I’m being honest with you,” Cowell said of her performance. “You’re the one, you made a huge difference in a lot of people’s lives. I’m absolutely thrilled you’re here.”
Mel B, meanwhile, pushed the coveted Golden Buzzer for Boyle, which can only be used once by a judge per season, explaining: “I just want to say what an absolute honour and pleasure it is to be sitting here and listening to you. Your angelic voice and I want to be the woman who gives you something you deserve.”
Her debut studio album, I Dreamed a Dream, became the UK’s best-selling debut album of all time, and she has released a further six studio albums. She has been nominated for two Grammy Awards, in 2011 and 2012.
For her return to the series, Boyle performed “Wild Horses”, which featured on I Dreamed a Dream and which she performed on AGT’s fourth season in 2009, which marked her US television debut.
Follow Independent Culture on Facebook for all the latest on Film, TV, Music, and more
