In 1995, Susan Boyle stepped onto a small stage at the Olympia Shopping Centre in East Kilbride, ready to show her talent to the world. She wore a bright pink jacket, a navy skirt, and shiny black shoes, with her long curly hair pinned back. At 33 years old, Susan was full of hope as she prepared to sing “I Don’t Know How to Love Him” for Barrymore’s popular TV talent show “My Kind of People.”
As she began to sing, her powerful voice filled the room, catching the attention of some in the crowd. Even Elizabeth MacLean, another contestant, later said, “When she began to sing, I knew she had a great voice.” But instead of letting her performance shine, host Michael Barrymore started acting silly. He flopped onto the floor, pretending to look up her skirt, while the audience laughed. Susan stayed focused and kept singing, throwing a playful kick at Barrymore to show she wasn’t backing down soon enough.
Exclusive: Susan Boyle’s 1995 My Kind of People Audition and Her Unexpected Kiss with Michael Barrymore
When Susan finished, the crowd clapped, but she didn’t move to the next round. Instead of praise, Barrymore planted a big kiss on her lips, leaving everyone stunned. Elizabeth, who performed after Susan and made it through with her own song, said, “Barrymore was intent on taking the mickey out of her.” Susan’s talent was clear, but it wasn’t taken seriously that day.
It would take 14 more years before Susan Boyle finally got the recognition she deserved.
In 2009, Susan Boyle created history on Britain’s Got Talent with her jaw-dropping performance of “I Dreamed a Dream.” Overnight, she became a global sensation, leaving everyone amazed by her voice and story. Sure, her 1995 audition was ignored, but let’s be real talent like hers was bound to shine sooner or later!