She wasn’t listed in the program. She wasn’t meant to appear. But when Susan Boyle walked onto the stage during the final moments of the musical about her own life, the audience erupted. Dressed in a dazzling red outfit, she stunned everyone with a surprise performance that turned the night into something unforgettable. As she sang the opening note of “I Dreamed a Dream,” time seemed to stop. That iconic voice—filled with emotion, strength, and grace—soared once more. When she finished, the crowd rose to their feet, shouting “Susan, we love you!” through tears and thunderous applause. It was more than a performance—it was a breathtaking, full-circle celebration of her extraordinary journey
On a memorable evening in Newcastle, England, Susan Boyle received a rousing standing ovation at the premiere of a musical inspired by her incredible journey. The production told the story of the Scottish woman who shot to fame in her late 50s after a jaw-dropping performance on a radio talent show in 2009.
While Susan didn’t take on the role of herself in the show, she made a special appearance at the end, performing two songs, including her iconic hit, “I Dreamed a Dream.” Dressed elegantly in a red ensemble and sporting a polished new look, Susan captivated the audience, who responded with heartfelt cheers of, “Susan, we love you.”
Below is the full version of the song:
Few songs capture Susan Boyle’s story of overcoming odds like “I Dreamed a Dream.” This powerful ballad from Les Misérables, the famous musical based on Victor Hugo’s 1862 novel, tells the tale of Fantine, a young mother facing hardship. She sings the song after losing her job, reflecting on lost dreams and the harsh realities of life.
With emotional lyrics about stolen youth and shattered hopes, the song resonates deeply. Written by Claude-Michel Schönberg, with French lyrics by Alain Boublil and an English version by Herbert Kretzmer, it begins with Fantine recalling a time when love was thrilling and life was full of promise—before everything went wrong.
