Singer Susan Boyle has opened up about the lasting impact of the stroke she suffered several years ago, revealing she is still struggling with her speech and signing voice despite making significant progress in her recovery.
The beloved Scot, who shot to stardom after her unforgettable audition on Britain’s Got Talent in 2009, has spoken candidly about the challenges she has faced since the health scare left her unable to communicate and perform like she used to.
The 65-year-old stunned both the judges and millions of viewers when she performed I Dreamed a Dream from Les Miserables during her first appearance on the ITV talent show.
The performance launched her successful music career, with the star going on to sell more than 10 million copies of her debut album and perform at major events, including celebrations for the late Queen Elizabeth’s Diamond Jubilee.
View 2 ImagesSusan first shot to fame on Britain’s Got Talent in 2009(Image: ITV)
However, her life took an unexpected turn when she suffered a stroke in April 2022, leaving her with weakness down one side of her body and affecting both her speech and singing abilities.
Speaking about her recovery, Susan revealed that building her voice has been a long and ongoing process. “I have had a lot of speech therapy. It was difficult at first, but after the first few weeks, my voice slowly started to come back,” she told The Sun.
“I have been having a lot of vocal lessons, too, for my singing. It still needs some work, but I am sure my singing voice will come back.”
The star explained that she has been careful not to rush her recovery, instead she is focusing on small improvements throughout time. Susan said: “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.”
Despite the setback, Susan remains optimistic about the future and is determined to keep singing. And it seems that she isn’t letting the stroke set her back with the amount of projects she has been involved in during the passed month.
Last month, she delighted fans with a glamorous new appearance, complete with blonde bob and fur coat, while collaborating with ice cream brand Cornetto. As well as staring in the new Irn Bru advert for Scotland’s return to the World Cup in 28 years.
Article continues below
Susan starred in the advert alongside Scots footballer John Mcginn, comedian Paul Black and Franz Ferdinand’s Alex Kapranos. In the video everyone is belting out the tune We’re Made in Scotland from Girders, which is a reimagining of the iconic 1980s advert.
Alongside the chorus, the video features the legendary Susan Boyle singing on top of the Forth Bridge, after being introduced by Super John McGinn – before cutting to her breakdancing to a crowd.