Simon Cowell has revealed that Susan Boyle is the contestant who has done the most good for Britain's Got Talent, despite the dismissive treatment she initially received from the judges. In a recent interview, the 66-year-old talent show judge expressed his deep admiration for the Scottish singer, stating that she has contributed more to the show's enduring success than any other participant.
Cowell's Change of Heart
Speaking to Extra, Cowell reflected on the now-famous 2009 audition where Boyle, then 47, walked onto the stage to smirks from judges Cowell, Amanda Holden, and Piers Morgan. After she declared her ambition to be as successful as Elaine Paige, the judges appeared skeptical. However, Boyle stunned them with a powerful rendition of "I Dreamed a Dream" from Les Misérables, creating one of the most memorable moments in television history.
Cowell admitted that his initial reaction was "awful" and explained that he thought Boyle might be a comedian based on her behavior offstage. "Susan is a real character," he said. "I think out of the corner of my eye, I must have seen her messing around in the wings or something because I thought she was a stand-up comedian." He added, "There is this famous awful look between me and Piers. That's what we were like on the day. I wanted to show that you can't judge a book by its cover."
Now, Cowell says, "I absolutely adore her. She did more good for our show than probably any other contestant."
Behind the Scenes
In a May podcast appearance on Tales from the Celebrity Trenches, Cowell revealed that the judges' behavior toward Boyle was even worse than what viewers saw on camera. "I mean, that look Piers gives me," he recalled. "I think of all the looks I've ever remembered, that might be the worst. And I was just as bad. We all were. And then, thank God for her, it all worked out well." He emphasized the lesson learned: "You can't judge a book by its cover."
Boyle's Legacy
Although Boyle did not win Britain's Got Talent—losing to dance group Diversity in the final—her debut album sold over 10 million copies worldwide, making it one of the best-selling albums of the century. She went on to perform at the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Pageant and the 2014 Commonwealth Games. In 2023, she suffered a minor stroke but returned to the stage months later to perform on Britain's Got Talent again.
Boyle also made headlines last year when actor Timothée Chalamet named her among his five favorite Brits. She responded by singing happy birthday to him while wearing merchandise from his film Marty Supreme. Just last month, she debuted a dramatic blonde bob and teased a "new era," which turned out to be a collaboration with Cornetto ice cream.
Recent BGT Success
The 19th series of Britain's Got Talent recently concluded, with Jeremy Clarkson's Hawkstone Farmers Choir winning the £250,000 prize and a spot at the Royal Variety Performance.
