Susan Boyle has returned to the spotlight and is preparing to release a new album to celebrate her ten years in the music industry. The 57-year-old, who came runner-up in Britain’s Got Talent in 2009, entered a Priory rehab centre shortly after losing to dance troupe Diversity. She was later diagnosed with Asperger’s in 2013 and has recently opened up about her mental health. “It can be difficult to talk about mental health issues, as there is a kind of fear about that,” the singer told The Sun.
“Years ago there used to be a stigma about it but now there is more knowledge, more expertise, and talking about things makes it a lot easier.”
The Scottish singer, who is often referred to as SuBo, credited the “support and the love” of her community for helping her.
Susan has now learned how to deal with the pressures of fame and looks forward to the launch of her new album.
“I can cope with the pressure now. I know how to control myself better,” she stated.
“I don’t get so worked up about things. I got a lot of help and I’m managing a lot more effectively.”
She lives a relatively normal life in Blackburn, West Lothian and still stays in her parent’s council house, despite owning a five-bedroom property.
Susan said she likes living in her mum’s house, where she was brought up, because there are “a lot of nice memories” there.
Her mum Bridget died aged 91, two years before Susan’s audition. The singer cared for her during the later stages of her life.
Insisting her parents would be “proud” of her achievements, the songstress added: “My mother would be proud of me, you know, and my dad especially. My dad was trying to be a professional singer at one time but it didn’t work out.
“My parents said, ‘Wait until the time comes and you’ll know if you’re ready, you’ll know if you can cope with it or not.’ The time came along in 2009.”
The superstar recently returned to TV screens on America’s Got Talent: The Champions and showed off her phenomenal vocal skills once again.
After her performance on the show, Simon admitted he had “goosebumps” as he apologised for his behaviour during her audition on Britain’s Got Talent back in 2009.
Praising the star, he said: “I have goosebumps on my goosebumps. Oh my god.
“Susan that really really took me back, all those years I can remember vividly how disgusting I was on the day, before you sang.”
He continued: ”And then, what you did and what happened afterwards and to end the show… it’s been an amazing night.
“I mean, seriously it was fantastic. You’re a champion.”