SUSAN BOYLE // SEC ARMADILLO, GLASGOW

SUSAN BOYLE //
SEC ARMADILLO, GLASGOW

 

The Ten Tour sees a decade pass since Susan Boyle shook up the TV talent show circuit and her performance proved that she is here to shake up the hearts of a nation once again.

 

★★★★☆ (4/5)

SUSAN BOYLE PERFORMING AT GLASGOW’S SEC ARMADILLO - 04.03.2020
PICTURE BY: | CALUM BUCHAN PHOTOGRAPHY

Susan Boyle was thrown into the spotlight with her unforgettable Britain’s Got Talent audition in 2009. It is a TV moment that seems to be known nationwide – ask any of your neighbours, heck, ask their dog, everyone has heard of her. The 58 year-old from West Lothian has released seven studio albums and has ranked up numerous accolades across the globe as well as multiple Guinness World Records. Operatic singer, Boyle broke the mould of stardom, had a huge impact overseas and left everyone questioning their own cynicisms.

For many, just the mere mention of the name Susan Boyle evokes intense emotion. With powerhouse vocals and a journey of triumph over her critics, Boyle brings out strength in those who listen to her.

This year saw Boyle return to the same arena where it all began for her and, with tickets having sold well, a large, cheerful crowd filed in. Although it was more mature audience, an occasional youthful face popped up. Everywhere there were people were smiling, rich with anticipation for what was to come. And their pièce de résistance did not disappoint, coming out in a red, sparkling ball gown, Boyle looked amazing and had most of the crowd on their feet before they she had opened her mouth.

An uplifting sense of happiness and hope filled the show from start to finish. The set list was heavy with cheesy pop but still managed to stay surprising and, with Boyle’s raw vocals, any would-be eye roller tracks sounded anew. Boyle was joined by amazing support singers and together they created a performance with depth and honesty.

Initially, Boyle’s nerves shadowed her. Standing inwardly, she began her set looking uncomfortable. Starting with the number ‘A Million Dreams,’ there was a definite sense that, despite her nerves, Boyle was still charging forth to give the best performance she could. The glorious ‘Stand By Me’ empowered and ‘Wild Horses’ created a rippling silence across the room where eyes filled with tears and hands gripped their seats tightly. At points, Boyle’s vocals slipped but this was rare and, otherwise, she sounded epic. She sung ‘You Raise Me Up’ and belted out the line ‘I am strong . . .’  and Susan Boyle certainly proves her strength continuously.

What drove the evening to the heights was Boyle’s superb sense of humour. She reacted to each heckle - “Susan, I love you . . .” her response “See me outside.” As heckles started about her drinking - likely water - on stage, Boyle responds with a fake a burp into the mike. But the moment that everyone went home talking about was her glorious recreation of her original audition. She left the stage and returned with her third outfit change and was now wearing what looked exactly like the dress she wore all those years ago when first meeting Simon Cowell. With one her support singers voicing Cowell, Boyle spoke through her beloved BGT introduction and she flawlessly delivered ‘I Dreamed a Dream.’ The crowd rose to their feet, roaring in glorious triumph, Susan had once again left everyone ecstatic and in awe.

Watching Susan Boyle is as refreshing and as empowering as it was a decade ago. Time out of the spotlight seems to have positively impacted on her and, despite her nerves; she left the crowd honoured with an amazing performance. Her fierce humour shone out beside her often astounding vocal delivery. Joy filled the room and attendees left delighted. Susan Boyle is a modern Scottish hero for the every-man, and ten years on from her unforgettable public discovery, she can still leave a whole arena inspired. Get in there, Susan!

REVIEW BY: | KATRIN LAMONT
PHOTOS BY: | CALUM BUCHAN PHOTOGRAPHY

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