Susan's TV impact no surprise to her loyal army of fans

Apr 16 2009 by Debbie Spalding, West Lothian Courier

BRITAIN’S Got Talent star Susan Boyle may be surprised by all the attention she has received since last week’s show, but her fans say it’s a miracle she wasn’t discovered sooner.

People in Susan’s home town of Blackburn say her singing talent has always set her apart and that she always impressed at karaoke nights.

But her popularity has not stopped there, as now Susan has won admiration from all over the world, including the United States and Spain.

Many people have already contacted the Courier asking for their best wishes to passed on to her.

The 48-year-old, who freely admits she has never been kissed, now has an army of fans who have seen her performance on the hit ITV show and YouTube. There is even talk that Susan will be signed by talent judge Simon Cowell’s label Sony BMG.

Susan says she has been “overwhelmed” by the support and that her phone has been red hot with people calling to wish her luck.

Carol Osbourne called the Courier from California this week to say: “I heard her on the internet and will be buying her records when they are released.

“I was blown away with her, she is a charming lady and I hope she does well. It’s amazing she wasn’t discovered sooner.”

Another message from America came from Ginny Devine, who lives in New Jersey.

She said: “Susan's audition is taking everyone by storm, we are all moved and really supporting Susan.”

And Susan has also won some fans in Spain, where Madrid-based radio station Wradio has been keeping listeners up-to-date with her story.

Susan said this week that she had always dreamed of becoming a professional singer and had enrolled on a drama course in Edinburgh several years ago.

But her ambition was cut short after the death of her dad Patrick when she had to stay at home and look after her mum Bridget, who sadly died two years ago.

But regulars at Blackburn pub the Ospray told the Courier that Susan had always been destined for great things.

Owner Tony Moran (pictured) said: “Everybody knows Susan and knows she has always enjoyed singing.

“She’s always been good at our karaoke nights and I think everybody in Blackburn has been supporting her and will be getting behind her.”

Another regular agreed, saying Susan was well thought of in Blackburn.

“She does a lot for charity, in fact she has sung in the past to raise money. Everybody has a lot of time for Susan, she is a popular lady.

“Everybody has been watching her on TV and is rooting for her.”