Scots reality TV superstar Susan Boyle reveals dream of duetting with Lewis Capaldi

Superstar Susan Boyle has revealed her dream of duetting with Lewis Capaldi and hopes they can one day do a comedy sketch together.

SuBo, who lives in Blackburn, West Lothian, said although she has never met the Brit Award winner who grew up just a stone’s throw from her house, she thinks they would have a right laugh together.

In an exclusive interview with the Sunday Mail, Susan also revealed she would love to star in an Adam Sandler movie and how she finally feels comfortable with her fame.

The 63-year-old, who will be presenting an award at our Pride of Scotland Awards on May 20, said: “Lewis Capaldi is an absolute sweetheart. He has an incredible voice, an incredible personality and is so down to earth, which I love.

“Our paths have never crossed and we actually went to the same high school – St Kentigern’s Academy. I would be honoured to duet with him and even do a wee comedy sketch. I feel we would have quite a carry-on!”

Susan, who still lives in the council house she grew up in, added: “I have duetted with some incredible artists including Donny Osmond and Andrea Bocelli, they were favourites.

“If I was given an opportunity I’d also love to duet with Josh Groban. I love his voice and I listen to a lot of his records. All of these things are on my bucket list which has now turned into a bath list.

“As you can see, there are still many things I’d love to do and achieve. One of them being I’d love to act in a comedy movie with Adam Sandler.”

Susan’s jaw-dropping first audition on Britain’s Got Talent – singing I Dreamed A Dream from Les Miserables – is one of TV’s most memorable moments.

Broadcast on April 11, 2009 and watched by 10million, her performance was an instant sensation. The clip has now been viewed on YouTube 300million times.

It’s been 15 years since that day changed Susan’s life beyond all recognition but she remembers it like yesterday and said her only regret was her outfit of choice.

Susan, who did the karaoke circuit hoping to get spotted before BGT, said: “It was incredible, after 12 auditions and feeling slightly deflated from so many put-downs. I felt genuinely accepted. It was a magical moment and a moment I will treasure for the rest of my life.

“I would do it all over again in a heartbeat but I would leave the doily dress at home and get myself a proper rig out.”

Susan went global with debut album “I Dreamed A Dream” selling more than 10 million copies worldwide, making it one of the best-selling albums of the 21st century.

Being thrust into the spotlight proved overwhelming for Susan, who had been living the quiet life in West Lothian, caring for ageing mum Bridget who passed away in 2007.

Susan, the youngest of nine, has found it hard to cope with the fame but said she is now much more content with being in the public eye.

The singer, whose dad Patrick died in 1997, said: “To be honest, it was extremely difficult in the beginning. I had a very sheltered and quiet life.

"So it was overwhelming at times and as much as I felt I was finally accepted I couldn’t get used to that amount of attention, it was just crazy. Now I am much more at ease with my fame and I enjoy being recognised. I enjoy chatting with fans and some have even become friends.

“I tend to be recognised anywhere I go, most recently I was with my manager at a car wash and the young lads jumped in surprise when they saw me in the car.

“I’ve done some incredible things since that BGT moment but the best experience would have to be meeting his Holiness Pope Francis and singing at the Vatican for a Christmas Concert. It was an incredible experience that will live with me forever. It was truly an honour.

“I always dreamed of being a singer and used to sing into my hairbrush, I dreamed of standing in front of a large audience one day.

"How lucky I have been. I think my mum and dad would be so proud of me, and overjoyed by my achievements. Sharing my singing with the world was my mum’s dream for me.”

Susan’s last concert tour wrapped in 2020 and, while appearing on the BGT final last year, she revealed she had suffered a minor stroke in April 2022 but also said she has no plans to retire.

She said: “I do still sing every day. I sing in the shower, I sing when I’m doing the dishes and I look forward to singing professionally again in the near future.

“If there was a demand for a tour, I’d really love to get back on the road. I would like to go out with a bang before I consider retiring.”

Susan, who has not managed to catch any of this year’s BGT episodes, said she has lots of exciting projects in the pipeline.

Whether these will include a Netflix series based on her life still remains to be seen, despite it being mooted for years.

Susan, who performed at Windsor Castle for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Pageant in 2012, said: “There are some very exciting projects that I am currently working on however, you will need to watch this space.”

For now she is happy spending time with her friends and going shopping.

She said: “A daily routine for me is much like anyone else. I love to start my day with a cup of tea and see what I need to get done. I enjoy getting out and I’m terrible for hitting the shops! I love seeing friends.

“The most important people in my life are my family.

“I also have a close relationship with my manager Geraldine.

“I have my housekeeper Debbie and vocal coach Chris who are all great at keeping me grounded and on my toes. Not to forget my dear friends Annette and Gatha.”

Susan is looking forward to the Daily Record Pride of Scotland Awards with TSB next Monday and meeting up with host Elaine C Smith, who played her in a musical.

The awards, in their fifth year, celebrate the nation’s unsung heroes.

Susan, who would love to perform in a big musical theatre show, said: “This is an incredible evening celebrating extraordinary people who deserve special recognition.”

Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - Sign up to our daily newsletter here.