Returning to Britain’s Got Talent was a highlight. It was very exciting to be going back to the stage where it all began three years ago. Singing You’ll See from my first album, I Dreamed A Dream, well I felt it was quite apt. It was a really enjoyable experience and I’m very glad I did it. My highlight was meeting the gorgeous Pudsey. What an amazing dog and I’m very very pleased he won. Ashleigh was an absolute delight and so talented to be able to train her dog to that incredible standard.

On Sunday it was off to Windsor to perform for the Queen. Another dream ticked off my wish list! I performed Mull of Kintyre, written by Paul McCartney as part of the Jubilee celebrations. To say it was an honour was an understatement. I have such respect for our Monarch, she is the backbone to this country and to be a part of celebrating 60 years as our Queen, it’s a moment that I’ll never forget.

The best moment for me was meeting the Queen herself and Dame Helen Mirren, it’s a memory I shall cherish.

The past couple of weeks have been rather busy but also lots of fun.

I celebrated my dear friend Lorraine Campbell’s 50th birthday. She had a big party and a good time was had by all of us. It was lovely to see friends I hadn’t seen for awhile as well as dance the night away and really show Lorraine how much we all care for her and love having her as a friend.

Three weeks ago I threw a party for my family, friends and neighbours- it was to say thank you and show my appreciation for all their support and kindness over the last few years. It was a great night and we had a wonderful band and before I knew it I found myself up by the microphone singing three songs, my signature party favourites Whistle Down the Wind, Who I was Born To Be and I Don’t Know How To Love Him from Jesus Christ Superstar. We all had a great time and it was lovely to laugh and be with the people who have helped me along this incredible journey.

Apart from rehearsals for the musical I’m also focusing on my new album. There is something so exciting about working on a new project and entering unknown territory, I really enjoy this and the anticipation of getting back to my sanctuary in the recording studio and working with the talented Steve Mac. It’s a challenge to try out different songs and to be able to take yourself out of the comfort zone and experiment with new genres and different tempos and I am looking forward to it as soon as we can decide on songs!

One of my wonderful fans, Angel, a hugely talented singer recently auditioned for America’s Got Talent. I sent her a little video message to wish her all the best! I know that feeling of getting on the audition stage and I wanted to let her know that we are all behind her and rooting that she makes it through. I sincerely hope AGT say yes, they’d be daft not to!

On Tuesday, I was invited to St Augustines School in Edinburgh with Cardinal O Brian to support the charity work they do for SCIAF, the Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund. They pupils have raised a staggering £52,000 so far and for Lent are focusing on raising money for Southern India. It was a great morning spent with the pupils. I helped make pancakes and successfully flipped a few as well and also watched a dance class, which I ended up participating in! Although I have two left feet and am as dainty as an elephant it was still a giggle!

I will continue to try and update you all as regularly as possible- life is getting busier, but I’m not complaining as I really am enjoying all the opportunities on offer! I’m a very lucky lady.

A special congratulations to my record label, Columbia in the USA for winning the Grammy with Tony Bennett’s album. They are a super team to work with, very talented and deserved to win this award.

I am so sorry that I have not written sooner and been delayed in wishing you all a very happy 2012. I’ve been quite busy over the past few weeks so let me begin where I left off, Christmas.

I spent christmas with my brother Gerry. I had a wonderful time and was very spoilt by everyone. My favourite gifts this year were a big teddy bear and a christmas jumper that’s a bit loud. Thank you so much to you all for the gifts and cards you sent to me. I was very touched by your kindness, sorry I can’t respond to each and everyone of you individually. I am trying!

Christmas isn’t Christmas without the Pantomime and Cinderella at the Kings Theatre, Edinburgh was great and extremely funny- Allan Stewart, Scotland’s most popular dame was hysterical and Grant Stott was great to. I always enjoy a good panto.

New Year’s Eve I spent with friends, we had a lovely meal together and waited for the bells at midnight. It was a great party and good to see in an exciting new year full of expectations with my oldest and dearest friends.

2012 has started off well. I’ve been choosing songs and ideas for the new album which I’m very excited about. So far I’ve come up with 86 songs that are personal favourites as well as looking at new material. I really enjoy the beginning of a new album, I like the creativity and team work as well as asking my fans opinion- your thoughts are very important to me.

Elaine C Smith and I have been discussing more of the musical, which starts in March and I’m really looking forward to the stage shows and being a part of a big ensemble cast.

At the beginning of January I was able to escape for a lovely few days to Ireland to visit friends. We had a really good time. I managed to visit the place, Lough Swilly, where John Newton was inspired to write Amazing Grace after being shipwrecked. This song was on my first album, I Dreamed A Dream and it was a really special day especially with my connection to that song. I had lunch at a lovely little country pub and what started with one person at the bar ended up with over 40 people joining us.

2012 is going to an exciting year and I will try to keep my updates as regular and interesting as possible, I don’t want to bore you all! I will definitely be writing once a fortnight but if there is any exciting news then I will write more and share it here first on the website.

Een opgetogen Susan vertelde; “Ik ben zo blij dat ik voor de tweede keer ben genomineerd voor een grammy award. Het is een echte eer om genomineerd te worden in een categorie waarin zoveel legendes meedoen zoals Barbra Streisand en Tony Bennett, ik ben sprakeloos, het is geweldig.” ‘The Gift is het tweede album dat genomineerd is voor een grammy. Afgelopen jaar was ‘I Dreamed A Dream’ ook genomineerd in de categorie Best Pop Vocal.

De uitreiking van 54ste Annual Grammy Awards vind op 12 February 2012 plaats in Los Angeles.

Bestel het album op Bol.com

Bekijk hier de video van “You Have To Be There”, de eerste single van Susan’s nieuwe album “Someone To Watch Over Me”

“De melodie van dit nummer is prachtig,” vertelt Susan aan muziekmagazine Rolling Stone, “maar ik denk dat het voornamelijk de tekst is die mensen net zo zullen raken als mij”.

a href=“http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/exclusive-stream-susan-boyle-covers-depeche-mode-20110929”>Luister hier naar het nummer op Rollingstone.com!

Vertaling:

“Ik wil alle fans bedanken voor de ondersteuning en liefde die ze mij hebben gegeven. Dit album is een cadeau voor jullie allen. Reflectie is erg krachtig, het laat je naar jezelf en de wereld om je heen kijken en dit komt naar voren in de nummers. Het is vaak muziek die een herinnering weer naar boven haalt. Ik hoop dat jullie het album kunnen waarderen en er net zoveel plezier aan beleven als ik tijdens het maken ervan. Dankzij jullie ben ik niet langer alleen…”

- Susan Boyle

Bekijk hier het optreden bij America’s Got Talent

‘You Have To Be There’ is geschreven door het legendarische Abba duo Benny Andersson en Bjorn Ulvaeus en komt oorspronkelijk uit de populaire Zweedse musical Kristina.

Susan Boyle’s eerste twee albums ‘I Dreamed A Dream’ en ‘The Gift’, hebben beide wereldwijd de charts gedomineerd en hebben meer dan 14 miljoen exemplaren verkocht in 14 maanden tijd. Daarnaast wisten de albums in meer dan 30 landen de nummer 1 positie in de album charts te bereiken waarmee Susan Boyle meerdere records heeft gevestigd

The superstar Scot is taking time out from recording her 3rd album to celebrate the big 50 with an intimate private party for her family and close friends in Scotland.

When asked about reaching this landmark birthday, Susan jokingly laughed, “Well there’s not much I can do about it. But I’m happy to be here and will be growing older gracefully”

She went on to say; “I’ve had some wonderful moments throughout my life, especially over the past two years and I would like to thank everyone for their kindness and encouragement, I wouldn’t be here without it and I appreciate it every single day.”

Simon Cowell said; “Happy 50th Birthday Susan. You are an amazing lady and I hope you have a fantastic day.”

Many thanks,
SB HQ.