Susan Boyle Then & Now: Photos of the Singer Through the Years

Take a look at Susan Boyle’s incredible journey in pictures, from her Britain’s Got Talent days to the 2025 Pride of Britain Awards red carpet.

Susan Magdalane Boyle was born in Scotland on April 1, 1961, and became a global sensation after her unforgettable 2009 audition on Britain’s Got Talent. Performing “I Dreamed a Dream” from Les Misérables, Susan stunned both the judges and the world with her powerful vocals and humble charm, earning her the nickname “SuBo.”

Later that year, she released her debut album, also titled I Dreamed a Dream, which became a record-breaking success. The album sold over 400,000 copies in its first week, making it the fastest-selling debut in UK history at the time, and it went on to top the Billboard 200 in the United States for six consecutive weeks.

Over the years, Susan has released seven studio albums under the guidance of Simon Cowell, earning Grammy nominations and global recognition for her timeless voice. Beyond her music, she’s been open about her personal journey, including being diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome, which she said gave her “a clearer understanding” of herself and her experiences in the spotlight.

Scroll through the gallery to see Susan Boyle’s transformation and career highlights through the years.

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Susan Boyle arrives at ‘America’s Got Talent’

Susan Boyle Then & Now: Photos of the Singer Through the Years

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Susan Boyle wears her signature silver sequins and an all-black ensemble as she arrives at ‘America’s Got Talent’ at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on August 20, 2019.

Susan Magdalane Boyle was born in Scotland on April 1, 1961. She quickly rose to fame after competing on the wildy popular talent show, ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ in the UK in 2009. Susan – or ‘SuBo’, as the fans nicknamed her – sung the iconic “I Dreamed A Dream” from the musical Les Miserables for her initial appearance. She released her first album, also titled “I Dreamed A Dream” later that year. The debut included various covers, and broke records, becoming the fastest selling UK debut album at the time with over 400,000 copies. In the US, the album also topped Billboard’s charts for a whopping six weeks. She has released seven studio albums over the last decade, under the direction of Simon Cowell — also a judge on ‘BGT.’ Boyle has also been public about her Asperger syndrom diagnosis.

August 22, 2019, 12:02AM 2 of 9

Susan Boyle In 2023

Susan Boyle Then & Now: Photos of the Singer Through the Years

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Susan Boyle returned to ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ in 2023. She appeared on the finale of Series 16, singing her signature song from Les Mis that she sang 14 years prior.

June 6, 2023, 10:51AM 3 of 9

Susan Boyle on Britain’s Got Talent

Susan Boyle Then & Now: Photos of the Singer Through the Years

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Susan Boyle performs on ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ on May 24, 2009. The singer rose to international stardom after her appearance on the talent competition.

August 22, 2019, 12:02AM 4 of 9

Susan Boyle on ‘Lorraine’ in the UK

Susan Boyle Then & Now: Photos of the Singer Through the Years

Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock

Susan Boyle wears silver sequins for an interview on London-based talk show ‘Lorraine’ on June 5, 2019.

August 22, 2019, 12:02AM 5 of 9

Susan Boyle performs on a live tour for Britain’s Got Talent

Susan Boyle Then & Now: Photos of the Singer Through the Years

Ken McKay/Shutterstock

Susan Boyle stuns in sequins on the opening show of a live tour for Britain’s Got Talent on June 12, 2009. The singer, nicknamed ‘SuBo,’ thanked her legions of fans.

August 22, 2019, 12:02AM 6 of 9