Fans' dreams come true at Susan Boyle's homecoming

Published on Monday 15 June 2009 22:47

BRITAIN'S Got Talent star Susan Boyle received the homecoming of her dreams last night as she took to the stage of Glasgow's SECC to rapturous applause.

Dressed in a full-length, silver sequined dress, she sang both Memory from the musical Cats and I Dreamed a Dream.

She gave an assured performance, receiving standing ovations throughout both songs, and departed the stage blowing kisses to her thousands of fans.

Her performance came after a day of doubts over whether she would perform, having already failed to appear at two performances in Manchester on Sunday.

But following last night's performance, members of the audience expressed their delight at the show.

Fiona Watson, from Glasgow, said: "We were just so pleased that she gave such a fantastic performance. It was a great idea for her to sing the two songs back-to-back. I really think that she could have a proper career as a solo artist."

Angela Nielson agreed: "She was fantastic and she looked brilliant. I really feel she was giving something back to Scotland and all the fans that have supported her and voted for her during the show."

Miss Boyle, from Blackburn, West Lothian, had already performed in Birmingham on Friday and sang during matinee and evening shows in Sheffield on Saturday – during which she was booed by some sections of the audience – before pulling out of Sunday's show, sparking concerns over her health.

And throughout yesterday, rumours circulated that she was still not ready to perform, having already spent time at The Priory clinic in London, where she was treated for exhaustion following the talent show's final last month, when she lost to dance group Diversity.

Fans of the 48-year-old singer, arriving at the venue last night, spoke of their fears that she would still not appear. Adrienne Coyle and James Jolly, both 16, from Glasgow, had arrived carrying a banner and wearing Susan Boyle T-shirts.

"I was almost in tears today when I heard she might not sing," said Adrienne. "I've spent all my breaks on the computer checking to see whether or not she would be performing. We're such fans.

"She's got a great voice and such a quirky image."

Kathleen Donnelly agreed: "I'm hear mainly to see Susan. I think she will go on to be a really big star over in America, so I think this will be my last chance.

"I was a bit worried when I heard she might not perform. I wish the concert organisers had given a bit more notice about it. I might not have bought my ticket."

However, it was confirmed late in the afternoon that Miss Boyle, would be performing. A spokeswoman said she expected Miss Boyle to take part in the rest of the tour, which runs until early next month. After the tour is finished, Miss Boyle is expected to record an album for the lucrative Christmas market.

The arena tour, which will travel across the UK until the end of June – the Edinburgh Playhouse is hosting the show tonight – showcases winning act Diversity plus some of the other finalists and semi-finalists, including Miss Boyle.