Seven months after her life-changing Britain’s Got Talent audition, Susan Boyle returned to the spotlight in December 2009 for a performance no one saw coming—a stunning duet with her idol, West End legend Elaine Paige, on Paige’s BBC Radio 2 Christmas Special. The song? “I Know Him So Well” from Chess—a poignant choice that mirrored Boyle’s own Cinderella story. When their voices harmonized on the chorus, the studio audience erupted—but the real magic came in the final key change. Boyle, once a shy church singer from Scotland, held a soaring high note with Paige in flawless unison, symbolizing her metamorphosis from underdog to equal.
n December 2009, just months after rising from obscurity to global fame, Susan Boyle shared the stage with one of her lifelong musical heroes — the legendary Elaine Paige — in a duet that felt as poetic as it was powerful. Their performance of “I Know Him So Well” on the UK’s ITV Christmas special wasn’t just a musical number — it was a full-circle moment years in the making.
For Boyle, who stunned the world earlier that year with her now-historic performance of “I Dreamed a Dream” on Britain’s Got Talent, the chance to sing with Elaine Paige was nothing short of surreal. As a young girl growing up in Blackburn, Scotland, Susan would listen to Paige’s West End performances on cassette tapes, dreaming of one day standing on a stage herself.
e “First Lady of British Musical Theatre,” graciously welcomed Boyle into the spotlight. Their chosen song, “I Know Him So Well” — originally from the musical Chess — was a fitting selection. It’s a soaring, emotional ballad that requires not only vocal precision but deep storytelling ability. And together, they delivered.
Onstage, the chemistry between the two was evident. Susan’s vulnerability and crystal-clear tone perfectly complemented Elaine’s seasoned grace. When they reached the final harmonies, the room fell silent — and then exploded into applause.’
