Home Personality Susan Boyle Net Worth: With $40 Million but Still Living in Her Childhood Scottish Cottage, Where is Britain’s Got Talent Star Susan Boyle Now?

Susan Boyle Net Worth: With $40 Million but Still Living in Her Childhood Scottish Cottage, Where is Britain’s Got Talent Star Susan Boyle Now?

by Judy M. Ortego
susan boyle net worth

When Susan Boyle stepped onto the Britain’s Got Talent stage, many viewers likely didn’t expect much. She was 47, a bit awkward, and didn’t look like your typical pop star.

But the moment she started singing? Pure magic! Her angelic voice left everyone stunned, myself included.

And that’s not even the biggest surprise. Because what was supposed to be a few minutes of fame led to a long, successful career.

Susan Boyle in Britain's Got Talent stage

Susan Boyle in Britain’s Got Talent stage

Image source: Google

Let’s take a look at Susan Boyle net worth and how she has built her fortune since her unforgettable BGT audition.

What Is Susan Boyle’s Net Worth?

All Susan Boyle ever wanted was to make it as a professional singer. Earning $40 million was probably beyond her wildest dreams, yet that’s how much she’s worth now.

The Scottish sensation won the world over with her stunning rendition of the Les Miserables number “I Dreamed a Dream” on the third season of the hit reality show.

A year later, Susan received her first royalty check for $6.1 million for her debut album, “I Dreamed a Dream” under Simon Cowell’s label. The cherry on top was a $10,000 diamond bracelet gifted by Simon himself.

That was just the beginning of more royalties to come, in addition to an undisclosed advance payment when Susan signed her contract.

Her first album shattered records, making her the oldest artist to hit No. 1 with a first release. Even more impressive? It became the fastest-selling debut album by a female in the UK, outselling the rest of the top five albums combined during its first week!

Sure enough, this phenomenal success meant more albums and subsequent concert tours over a career spanning over a decade.

Here’s a summary of her achievements, as per her website:

  • Three Guinness world records
  • Eight studio albums
  • 128 gold and platinum album certifications
  • 25 million albums sold worldwide
  • 250 million music streams (and counting)
  • 650 million YouTube views (and counting)

She also published her autobiography “The Woman I Was Born to Be: My Story” in 2010.

Susan Boyle's autobiography "The Woman I Was Born to Be: My Story"

Susan Boyle’s autobiography “The Woman I Was Born to Be: My Story”

Image source: Google

Early Life and Musical Background

Before becoming a global superstar, Susan Boyle lived a pretty mundane life in the small village of Blackburn, Scotland.

Born in 1961, she was the youngest of nine kids. Her father was a miner and war veteran, and her mother worked as a shorthand typist.

Susan Boyle's parents, Patrick and Bridget, on their wedding day

Susan Boyle’s parents, Patrick and Bridget, on their wedding day

Image source: Google

Susan struggled with learning difficulties and was bullied growing up. It wasn’t until 2012, well into her fame, that she discovered she was actually on the autism spectrum.

With not much luck in school, she turned her focus to singing. She took voice lessons and attended Edinburgh Acting School. She sang in her parish church and won several local singing competitions.

In 1998, she spent her life’s savings recording her demo tape, including the tracks:

  • Cry Me a River
  • Don’t Cry for Me Argentina
  • Killing Me Softly

Britain’s Got Talent Breakthrough

Susan Boyle’s BGT audition is easily one of the top TV moments of all time in my book! Almost instantly, her performance video was everywhere you looked online, amassing millions of views within days and becoming the most-watched YouTube video in 2009.

Susan became a household name overnight. She made headlines worldwide, and TV shows lined up to have her on.

Although she didn’t win the finals (she finished second), it was clear she was on her way to greatness.

Interestingly, Susan backed out of her audition for The X Factor, thinking they were looking for a certain look. She almost gave up on BGT as well, but her old vocal coach convinced her to go for it. Glad he did!

Films, Musicals, and Documentaries

Susan Boyle’s foray into acting began with a cameo appearance in a stage musical about her life, “I Dreamed a Dream.”

She made her film debut in “The Christmas Candle,” which featured her performing the original song “Miracle Hymn” from her “Home for Christmas” album.

Susan Boyle's original song “Miracle Hymn” from her "Home for Christmas" album

Susan Boyle’s original song “Miracle Hymn” from her “Home for Christmas” album

Image source: Google

Additionally, Susan appeared as herself in the following documentaries:

  • I Dreamed a Dream: The Susan Boyle Story (2009)
  • Susan Boyle: An Unlikely Superstar (2011)
  • There’s Something About Susan (2013)

She also sang the theme songs for two anime movies:

  • Eagle Talon the Movie 3 (2009)
  • Welcome to the Space Show (2010)

Philanthropy

Susan Boyle’s heart is just as beautiful as her voice. She actively supports various charities, including Save the Children UK, the Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund, and the Prince’s Trust.

She’s also lent her voice to telethons for causes such as Haiti relief and BBC Children in Need. Plus, Susan has donated numerous personal items to raise funds for several children’s campaigns.

Susan Boyle sang I Dreamed A Dream for Children In Need

Susan Boyle sang I Dreamed A Dream for Children In Need

Image source: Google

Where Is Susan Boyle Now?

Millions of dollars later, Susan Boyle still lives in her childhood home in Scotland and takes the bus into town. Word is, she’s bought the house next door for $140,000 to accommodate renovation plans for her current home.

A devout Roman Catholic, Susan continues to volunteer at her local church and visits elders at her congregation.

Susan took a short break from singing after suffering a stroke in 2022, which affected her speech. A year later, she returned to the BGT stage to perform the audition piece that launched her career.

 

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A post shared by Susan Boyle (@susanboylemusic)

Final Thoughts

Susan Boyle’s net worth might be $40 million, but she’s still the same sweet, humble person we fell in love with. And I think that’s what makes her underdog story even more endearing.

It started with a song about dreaming the dream, and she’s been living it ever since. Now, with more money than she knows what to do with, she’s definitely hitting the high notes in life!


Featured image source: Google

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