May 31, 2009
Posted: 038 GMT

BLACKBURN, Scotland - Hearts collectively dropped in Blackburn Saturday night. The town's shining star Susan Boyle did not win the contest “Britain's Got Talent.” That prize went to a dance group called Diversity - a group of young men from East London and Essex.

Susan Boyle remains at the top of the charts for people in Blackburn, Scotland.
Susan Boyle remains at the top of the charts for people in Blackburn, Scotland.

It was a nail biter, though. You could almost hear hearts thumping in the community centre where the town gathered to watch and wait for the final result. And when that result came, Susan Boyle could be seen looking almost relieved that she didn't win the big prize. After hearing the announcement she said graciously "the best act won." But in Blackburn it was a devastating disappointment. For many in this small town just outside of Edinburgh, the excitement Susan Boyle has generated has been more than many have seen and felt in a long time.

For all intents and purposes, Boyle put Blackburn on the map. From the moment she stepped onto the stage six weeks ago, she had everyone's attention. In the beginning, though, Boyle was subjected to looks of scorn and disdain … simply because of the way she looked. But as soon as she started to sing, everything changed. From that moment on, life for Susan Boyle would take a dramatic turn. Celebrities supported her and media from around the world camped outside her home to catch a glimpse of the woman who defied stereotypes.

But for Blackburn, it's a dramatic end to a rollercoaster ride. A neighbor said "I'm disappointed for Susan, but this is just the beginning of her career.” In July, Susan Boyle is scheduled to record an album with the Czech National Symphony Orchestra and there's even talk of some performances in London's West End. And while she didn't win the opportunity to perform in front of the Queen, she did make her and her late-mother's dream come true, to sing in front of the world.

But perhaps more than that, Susan Boyle showed the world that just because one doesn't look like a stereotypical star, doesn't mean they can't shine.

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Filed under: Entertainment • United Kingdom


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Jay Boger   May 31st, 2009 224 GMT

I live in West Central Mexico and have been following Susan Boyle from the start. I was saddened that she didn't win, BUT I bet she 'wins' in the big scene. She will never be forgotten. The world knows Susan now. "long live Susan Boyle"!!!!!

Jay from Mexico

Pornpimol   May 31st, 2009 229 GMT

Susan Boyle ! You 're the best for your miracle voice. You wake up,give pleasure and also sooth our inner sense. We're waiting for your CDs. Thank you.

Matt   May 31st, 2009 231 GMT

I think Susan will make it on her own even though she came in second. I hope she gets to make an album and to part take in a west end show!

Juliet   May 31st, 2009 257 GMT

She won, everyone knows that, who care about second place, a group of dancers are just that ,dancers, she is a single person, who won the hearts, soul and minds of the people,she will far beyond the dancers in fame and bottom line money too!

VienTai   May 31st, 2009 302 GMT

Susan, you've WON! No, you really have!

While I am not denying Diversity's talent, it is Susan who'll have a real career in show business. So she is the REAL winner.

After all, singers make records and dancers make dvds. Singers get radio time, dancers don't.

Carol   May 31st, 2009 310 GMT

Susan was great, but she needs a break from the pressure. She will become a successful performer.

marc   May 31st, 2009 316 GMT

It would have made more sense for Susan Boyle to sing for the Queen instead of some smarmy dance group! I believe Susan Boyle should be granted a contract for her own Album immediately–what about it Piers and the rest of Britain has Talent team?

Mohanram   May 31st, 2009 323 GMT

There is really no need for a singer to look good. Of course genuine talent with an attractive personality makes an unbeatable and deadly combination. Great operatic tenors and sopranos will not win beauty contests. Television and pop culture are to be blamed for the obsession with looks rather than talent. Many mediocre artists e succeed because of smart promotion and good looks.

I am happy that Susan Boyle has captured the imagination of the world. She has blown the myth that some one approaching fifty and is like an average woman in the street, can come out with mind blowing performances. I hope this will motivate many more gems of purest ray serene to emerge from the dark unfathomed caves and shine forth.

Bravo Susan.

Captain Mohan Ram

Atichart Thailand   May 31st, 2009 337 GMT

Congratulations Susan, for capturing the hearts and immagination of millions around the world. Your voice is heard, but more than that, your courage has fueled hopes for people who wish they could stand up to the challenge, in whatever field they dream to achieve.
Congratulations also to Diversity, for your demonstration of how people and come together to achieve greater things in life.

Charles Adams   May 31st, 2009 411 GMT

Susan Boyle is indeed a great rising star, at least she was beaten to second place by group of dancers not singers. She has made “Britain’s Got Talent.” very popular around the world, many like myself has never heared of “Britain’s Got Talent.” before unlike the more popular "American Idol". Wishing her the best in her new career, wishing her new recording company to sell her records online were millions can see and buy it. She is an artists in modern times that will need no advertisement, even some of my hip hop listeners friends are eager to buy her album.

Allan Thomas   May 31st, 2009 429 GMT

There was so much in that first performance for me – the cynicism of the crowd, the innocence of the woman, those incredible opening notes, the humbling of the audience and the judges and their honesty in admitting their cynicism, and finally, her graciousness throughout. There is much to be learned from that video. Even now it touches my heart.

Luke   May 31st, 2009 435 GMT

Susan Boyle I never knew who Elaine Paige was i had to google her.

Susan Boyle, TO ME YOU ARE MORE FAMOUS THAN Elaine Paige.

Gerry lavia   May 31st, 2009 439 GMT

Susan Boyle voice is the most memorable that I have ever heard, and I could listen to it over and over. She is one that has been blessed with this ability to bring all of us to appreciate her ability to bring a nation of ordianary people together, I wish her all the happiness and all of her dreams to come true, Truly a outstanding lady,
Gerry

Fritz   May 31st, 2009 524 GMT

I bet the Queen would much rather listen to Susan sing than watch a bunch of guys dance. But, as stated, she has a wonderful career ahead of her. I would think a Christmas album with "The Priests" would be spectacular!

Arman   May 31st, 2009 649 GMT

Susan Boyle is the world people's star....we love Susan in Turkey! Hopefully, the Queen will hear Susan sing......one day....

Mohanram   May 31st, 2009 704 GMT

I agree with the moderated version. It reads infinitely better and conveys exactly my feelings. Thanks.

Captain Mohan Ram

Francis   May 31st, 2009 741 GMT

Boyle boils her audience with her angelic voice.She won fame,joy,attention,glory,and above all love for herself.Conglatulation Susan.

Murray Will   May 31st, 2009 750 GMT

Even thou she was second, she will still be the best in the long run. Well done a true humble Scot. We are all proud of her in Scotland. If the world could have voted she would have won it hands down. Looking forward to the CD. Take care Susan. XX

Rosa   May 31st, 2009 811 GMT

Besides talent, what Susan has shown us is her courage to trace her dream. Many of us had a dream but we loose it as life go on and what's wrost is that we judge people because of their look, age and martial status. What about the dream once we had??? Do we all still remember our dream??? For all the ladies out there, no matter what happen to your life just look up to Susan you will find an inner peace and courage to a better life.

Jay   May 31st, 2009 820 GMT

Everyone seems to be talking about Susan losing and not about the fact that How good diversity were. In my opinion following are the reasons for Susan not wining

1) She started acting and pretending like a star before wining .
2) The public intially fell in love with her simplicity , then came the make overs , the brothers fighting for contracts before the show ended .
3) Diversity came up with creativity , where as Susan sang the same song she did in her first audition .
4) Diversity were more popluar in the 18 to 30 age range

Wish them both well

JAY . Oxford

joyce   May 31st, 2009 821 GMT

She may not have won the first prize but a dancing group, even if they
are great, is not a threat to her. I have followed Susan from South Africa every day and I think she is one big sensation not only because of her voice but because of the person she is.
Would'nt a cd with Christmas carols be lovely from her?
I wish her all the luck in the world and hope that she has the right support when entering the showbiz world.

subin   May 31st, 2009 848 GMT

Congrats Susan Boyle.............. U won the hearts of people...... Among people you are number one....

All the best for your future career.....

Patrick W. McGinnis   May 31st, 2009 951 GMT

I am a 65 year old American man, working in Saudi Arabia. I hope Ms. Boyle has her first full album out by the time I return to North Carolina in six weeks; so that my wife and I can purchase and enjoy it together. The suggestion of a Christmas Carol album is also great... even for an old agnostic like me!

M Miller   May 31st, 2009 951 GMT

I watched the results of talent show last night and it seemed to me that Susan Boyle seemed more relieved than disappointed to have been voted second, her face registered relief to my eyes

Barbara Nutter   May 31st, 2009 1110 GMT

I am a 72 year old American lady, live in Maine. You are a first place winner in my eyes. I know you will have a great career, and I will be following you on your continuing success. Hope you come to America and compete. Congratulations!!

Vietnam   May 31st, 2009 1448 GMT

she is great

Minh Cuong   May 31st, 2009 1452 GMT

i think she failed because of her look..If this is true ,it is unfair

Minh Huong   May 31st, 2009 1455 GMT

because celeberities don't want to contact with those who have a bad look.

MLH   May 31st, 2009 1459 GMT

The Queen will hear Susan Boyle sing. Of that Ms. Boyle can be sure. In fact, my guess is that the Queen may have already heard her sing. As for coming second to dance group, Diversity was amazingly good, and I can't imagine how you decide whether their ability to put together a dance, or her ability to sing as she does deserves 1st place. Seems to me they both are winners in quite different categories.

DesignDoll   May 31st, 2009 1936 GMT

I think this is the first time that a second place winner will be remembered longer than the first place winner on BGT.

Thérèse   June 1st, 2009 203 GMT

I watch her every night since shehas been on the talent show. what a subeautiful voice, It is a dream to watch her sing.

Ishni   June 10th, 2009 913 GMT

Hi im from Mauritius,I was very sad when Susan Boyle had not win this competition.One day she will be a successful singer.I like her very much,she is very funny.

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