The past month has seen the unfolding of the dream for Susan Boyle. Susan has sold over 4 million albums to date and smashed music records worldwide. She has seen chart success in over 20 countries, hitting number one in the UK, USA, Australia, Canada, Switzerland and many more.
After some time off in Scotland at the beginning of December, Susan flew in to London to film her TV special which was aired to record breaking audiences in the UK and around the world.
Filming for ‘I Dreamed A Dream’ started back in August at Susan’s home in Scotland and on the shores of Loch Lomond.
At that time Nigel Hall, the show’s film maker, thought he was simply there to film a short piece to promote Susan’s album.
It soon became apparent to the crew, the producer and the interviewer that what was unfolding was far more special. For the first time, Susan Boyle was speaking frankly, intimately and passionately about her life. Both at her home in Scotland, and at her local Church, she spoke with honesty about the subjects close to her heart; her faith, her childhood and her gratitude and respect for the close-knit community from which she comes.
The following day in an enlightening interview at the Cameron Hotel, Loch Lomond, against a back drop of crackling fires, and bagpipe music, Susan spoke freely about the events which led to her becoming the biggest – and most unwitting - YouTube phenomenon of the decade.
The highlight of the trip for Susan was taking a seaplane ride over the coast of western Scotland and being piped home as she stepped onto Scottish ground. “That was brilliant – fantastic – one of the best experiences of my life!” she commented.
As the final day of shooting drew to a close it became obvious to all involved that they were no longer making a quiet promotional video, they were making a TV special: the story of Susan Boyle’s dream needed to be shared.
Once the idea had been born, and after several months of planning, ‘I Dreamed A Dream’ was scheduled to be filmed December 6th and 7th at The London Studios.
Filmed over two days, the show consisted of that revealing interview material and four magical performances from Susan: ‘Who I was Born To Be’, ‘I Know Him So Well’ - her duet with Elaine Paige, ‘Cry Me a River’ and THAT finale - ‘I Dreamed A Dream’ with the cast of Les Miserables.
After her duet with Elaine, Susan returned to her dressing room where she was overcome by what had just happened: “I can’t believe I have just sung on a stage with Elaine Paige – she is an icon of the stage. I know I don’t have the years behind me that she has had but I sang with her as an equal. That is something I never thought I would do.”
Most stars of Susan’s stature have very specific demands for their back stage riders: Susan’s? Some ham sandwiches, honey, lemon and hot water and a selection of mini chocolate bars!
She did, however, receive an enormous bouquet of white roses from Simon Cowell which took pride of place on her dressing room table..
Susan’s dressing room was mostly very quiet during the recording of the show. However, at one stage during the second evening, the small room was packed with celebrity visitors and well wishers including Piers Morgan and Paul O’ Grady. In typical humble fashion, Susan accepted their good wishes and said afterwards, “Wow! I can’t believe they were all here to see me – that was Paul O’ Grady for goodness sakes! Everyone has been so supportive and so kind!”
At the end of two long days, Susan loaded her suitcase, her flowers and her platinum disc into the boot of a waiting car and then, before speeding off into the night, took time to reflect on the events of the past two days, “This has been a very special time. I always had this dream, today that dream became a reality. I hope it never ends.”
I wish they show this special here in Japan with subtitles. For sure, the Japanese audience wil enjoy it very much.
Great work Susan to be so wonderful in the television special [filmed here in Australia last night (Perth, WA time]. Like so many of your millions of fans I watch in awe at how you rise to each occasion, in different countries too! I bought five of your cd—car, home and ‘spare’ (just in case one wears out!). I think your fans became ‘starved’ of your voice between July and September 09—hence we all ‘pounced’ with glee to have your recordings available at home. It is truly wonderful to know you are happy. We love you Susan.
Take care of yourself.
love
Tumbleweed
Dear Susan, the show is on TV tonight in Australia. Even though I have seen parts of it on utube and the Susan-Boyle.com fansite this is going to be a special treat.
Dear Susan, I was privilege to watch your TV Special 2 nights ago. It was so wonderful to watch how you went from a ugly duckling to a beautiful swan. In the show there was a snippet from your early days where you were singing: Don’t Cry For Me Argentina” from the musical “Evita”. You sang it so well, it suited your voice perfectly. Now for your next CD will it not possible to include that song too? Please. I only wish you the best and thank you for making us realise that dreams can come true. Elza from Cape Town, South Africa. xxxx
I am so bummed that I missed it Susan. Is there any possibility of making a DVD? I, for one, would purchase it, especially if it were available in the US markets. Thanks.
Dear Susan,
I wish you all the best in 2010.
Angels lift us to our feet when our wings have trouble remembering how to fly.
Susan you’ve been an special angel to me.
Thank you for giving me hope. I love your CD and the TV special.
Urszula,
USA
Hello, Susan, I can only echo what so many people have said about you - amazing. The cd is brilliant. I ordered a few extra and have sent one to my sister in Canada who hasn’t been very well so missed a lot of your story and she is delighted with it. I also sent one to a young university student who can’t afford to buy one and she also is thrilled to bits and is hoping that she and I can see you in concert sometime.
Your record-breaking album is beyond all our hopes and dreams for you. It must be quite difficult to take it all in, but just enjoy the plaudits and praise - you deserve them all.
I’m very glad you have your faith and your family to be a stronghold for you. God bless and keep you safe and I hope your success will go on and on and on, not just for your sake but because it gives your fans so much pleasure.
Miss Susan, I loved your TV special. A friend recorded it on DVD for me so can always treasure it. My favorite part is when you were given the Triple Platinum Record Award. Every time I see it I laugh out loud. It makes me that happy. You want to make people happy? Congratulations, because I’m one of those happy ones. I can hardly wait for your next CD. Be safe. Be happy. Be prosperous. I love you with all my heart. Your friend for life, Leon.
Home, what a heartwarming and comforting word. I pray Susan that in the New Year your home offers you the solace you so deserve. Please do not fall prey to those who seek to just use you for their own gain. Your character and charm could be changed forever. I love you just the way you are. Mmmm, another new song maybe? You have so many, many fans who see you safe in your home. Let’s keep this HOME page going strong!! Kathy W P.S. You definitely are Who You Were Born to Be!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I bought several of your DVDS for Xmas Presents, & everyone were delighted.
One very close friend called Ivy (she’s 98!) absolutely loved your voice, but didn’t know much about you, because she hadn’t followed Britains Got Talent, & she missed the Susan Boyle Story on T.V.
It would be GREAT if the Susan Boyle Story were released on Dvd (maybe with “Unseen Footage?) I would definitely buy several of these as well, as future gifts.
All good Wishes
Mike
