Susan Boyle returned to the stage where she first caught the world’s imagination – as the guest star during the final of Britain’s Got Talent.
Three long years ago, the skittish Scottish spinster went on to raised eyebrows and laughs, before she surprised everyone in the live audience, and at home, with her rendition of I Dreamed A Dream.
Her version of the Les Miserables ballad became a worldwide phenomenon, and the YouTube clip of her in action that first time has since been viewed more than eight million times.
Looking distinctly more groomed, well-presented, immaculately made-up and coiffed, Susan Boyle’s voice and calm performance of Madonna’s You’ll See were testament to what three years travelling the world, selling 17 million records and performing to sold-out arenas across the globe, can do for someone’s confidence.
Other guest performers on the night were the act who actually beat Susan Boyle to the 2009 title, urban dance act Diversity – the little curly-haired one having grown a foot or so in the interim – and a reprise of the Show Bears, with guest performer… one David Walliams.