Britain’s Got Talent star Susan Boyle makes ‘emotional’ return following stroke recovery
Britain’s Got Talent star Susan Boyle has made an “emotional” return to the recording studio after suffering a major stroke three years ago.
The Scottish singer, who rose to fame in 2009 with her rendition of “I Dreamed a Dream”, shared the emotional milestone on Instagram on Monday evening.
“Today was wonderful, emotional, and everything in between,” she wrote alongside a photo of herself in the studio.
“I made my return to the recording studio for the first time in six years, something I was told I might never achieve again. But here we are, in my happy place!”
The national treasure had previously been told she might never record again following her health setback.
The stroke Boyle suffered in April 2022 left her unable to speak and sing properly, with significant muscular weakness down one side. She had to complete intensive vocal coaching lessons to help restore her speech and singing voice.
In her Instagram post, she added a special message for her manager, Geraldine, thanking her for support “through everything” and “for helping me get back to where I belong”.
The singer has sold more than 25 million albums worldwide since her Britain’s Got Talent appearance, where she narrowly missed out on winning, coming second to dance group Diversity.
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During a surprise appearance on Britain’s Got Talent in 2023, Boyle revealed her health struggle while joining the West End cast of Les Misérables on stage.
“It’s extra special for me actually, last April there, I suffered a minor stroke and I thought it’d be crazy to be back on stage and I have done it,” she said.
In a later interview with STV at the end of 2024, she opened up about the severity of her condition.
“I had a major stroke, maybe three years ago. I had to fight my way back […] It’s been hard, I’m not going to pretend otherwise. But it’s given me a hunger to keep going.”
Despite her health challenges, Boyle is not slowing down, revealing ambitious plans for 2025. She will make a cameo in Rupert Everett’s next film, for which she’s also contributing a new song.
The singer’s schedule also includes an upcoming documentary, a drama, and potentially a new tour.
“My feet won’t touch the ground, really,” she joked, adding with characteristic humour that “you can’t keep an old woman down”.
The 64-year-old’s return to recording marks a significant milestone in her recovery journey.