Piers Morgan was at the judging table when Britain’s Got Talent’s Susan Boyle wowed the audience — and subsequently the world, via YouTube — with her stirring, unexpected rendition of “I Dreamed a Dream” from Les Miserables. The spectacle was moving enough to send the usually acerbic into a nearly speechless state. In an interview with EW.com, Morgan explains what happened that day of the show, how he’d feel if Boyle got a much-blogged-about makeover, and what fortune her future might hold.
Can you walk me through that day Susan Boyle performed?
It was one of the most unexpected things I’ve ever seen in my life. Before she came on, we had a whole day of very bad auditions — eight hours of pretty grim acts doing pretty talentless things — and we’d all had just about enough. Then on comes this woman and she’s going to sing like Elaine Page, and we’re all like, “Oh no, you’re not.”
How were you prepped about her beforehand?
Contrary to popular myth, we don’t get any warning at all about what the acts will be like. The reason for that is, if you knew, you wouldn’t have any spontaneity to your reaction. We are literally in the same position as the viewer, we have no idea who is coming on or what their talent is going to be.
So you thought she was just going to be another mediocre performer?
Yeah, we thought she was just going to be a bit of a joke and we’d all have a good laugh and we’d all go back to bed and think, “What a terrible day that was!” When she began to interact with us, she was making silly jokes and pulling funny faces and we’re like, “Oh dear, this is really going to be the end.”
How do you think she can parlay into mainstream, regardless of how well she does on Britain’s Got Talent? What kind of star can she be?
I honestly believe she can do whatever she wants now. I think that she’s going to be the star of a Broadway musical, a West End show, a movie, perhaps. When you have a voice like that and you have the worldwide attention that she’s had, the sky is the limit. In the end, her ambition, her own dream, was to be a professional singer. Well, she’s certainly going to be that because, if I’m not mistaken, Mr. Cowell will already be plotting a global album deal and probably a world tour. So Susan Boyle is going to live her dream.
You seemed much more excited than Simon about Susan, but you think he is that into her?
I spoke to Simon last night and he likes to keep a cool head on these
kinds of things, but he said he’s never seen anything like this in his
entire career. Ever. When you think about the career he’s had, that’s a
pretty big statement. I think Simon’s keen that we don’t jeopardize the
integrity of our competition because at the moment, she’s only passed
an audition. She still has to take part in a live semi-final and a live
final and, you know, anything could happen — her voice might crack, she
might forget her lines. I think there’s going to be huge pressure on
her because everyone is expecting her to win. I happen to know from
having done the auditions, there are some other great acts to come on
Britain’s Got Talent.
Is there an act in this summer’s upcoming America’s Got Talent (premiering June 23) that could cause such a sensation?
I think there’s a possibility with two or three of them, yes. We’re
only halfway through the audition stage, but I’ve already seen two or
three acts which I think are sensational.
Would you be disappointed if next time Susan comes out to perform, she’s had a makeover?
I wouldn’t be disappointed; it’s entirely up to Susan what she does.
But I think what part of her charm is the way she looks. She doesn’t
look like the average size-zero pop star. She’s a 48-year-old woman,
she’s comfortable in her own skin, she’s never been kissed, and she’s a
very special lady. I think part of her appeal and charm is the way she
is, so I hope she doesn’t change too much. If she comes out with a new
haircut, fine; if she comes out with Simon Cowell teeth, I’ve got a
problem with it.
More on Susan Boyle from EW:
‘Britain’s Got Talent’ breakout Susan Boyle: Why we watch…and weep
Susan Boyle: What’s the big deal?
Susan Boyle on CBS ‘Early Show’: Watch talent triumph over show-biz again this morning
5 reasons why Susan Boyle is different from your usual overnight sensation
Susan Boyle’s ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ audition gives Simon his second spontaneous ‘O’ of the week
You seemed much more excited than Simon about Susan, but you think he is that into her?
I spoke to Simon last night and he likes to keep a cool head on thesekinds of things, but he said he’s never seen anything like this in hisentire career. Ever. When you think about the career he’s had, that’s apretty big statement. I think Simon’s keen that we don’t jeopardize theintegrity of our competition because at the moment, she’s only passedan audition. She still has to take part in a live semi-final and a livefinal and, you know, anything could happen — her voice might crack, shemight forget her lines. I think there’s going to be huge pressure onher because everyone is expecting her to win. I happen to know fromhaving done the auditions, there are some other great acts to come onBritain’s Got Talent.
Is there an act in this summer’s upcoming America’s Got Talent (premiering June 23) that could cause such a sensation?
I think there’s a possibility with two or three of them, yes. We’reonly halfway through the audition stage, but I’ve already seen two orthree acts which I think are sensational.
Would you be disappointed if next time Susan comes out to perform, she’s had a makeover?
I wouldn’t be disappointed; it’s entirely up to Susan what she does.But I think what part of her charm is the way she looks. She doesn’tlook like the average size-zero pop star. She’s a 48-year-old woman,she’s comfortable in her own skin, she’s never been kissed, and she’s avery special lady. I think part of her appeal and charm is the way sheis, so I hope she doesn’t change too much. If she comes out with a newhaircut, fine; if she comes out with Simon Cowell teeth, I’ve got aproblem with it.
More on Susan Boyle from EW:
‘Britain’s Got Talent’ breakout Susan Boyle: Why we watch…and weep
Susan Boyle: What’s the big deal?
Susan Boyle on CBS ‘Early Show’: Watch talent triumph over show-biz again this morning
5 reasons why Susan Boyle is different from your usual overnight sensation
Susan Boyle’s ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ audition gives Simon his second spontaneous ‘O’ of the week
Comments (1-30) of 77 Add your comment
Listen to Susan Boyle singing Cry Me A River : http://www.newslicious.net/2009/04/exclusif-susan-boyle-chante-cry-me.html
Here’s why I think we love Susan Boyle.
http://digg.com/d1opbc
Can’t wait to see Piers on The Apprentice this week!
http://tvdonewright.com/2009/04/17/youtube-signs-new-tvmovie-deal-but-not-for-everyone/
Remember the little Chinese girls at the Olympics, where the “prettier” one was on stage and the talented girl was in the wings? We were all horrified by that, so why are we so surprised now?
Ok, so she doesn’t fit any mold we associate with beautiful singing. She is “cheeky,” impudent and saucy and even a little silly.* I love it; it’s not put on. She should quit the contest and go straight to a career. I want to see her in a concert hall. *for us older folks, she is Judy Canova and Judy Garland all in one.
Please Morgan, leave her alone. No date offers, no first kiss offers. She doesn’t even need a makeover or a change of clothes. We just want to hear her sing. Let her make a CD and we’ll buy it.
…she can star in a ‘new’ version of The Sound of Music_and not kissed:-))
Cowell, get her a CD contract but don’t rape her earnings and kill her dreams. We want to hear that she is well rewarded for sharing her talent with us. This one is special.
Breaking story: Susan Boyle wanted as choir director for new church…
http://pitchbendpost.blogspot.com/
Susan’s voice is great. Let her make records and we will buy them. I like her just the way she is. She seems like a great lady. I loved her voice.
Audrey, reference your comment to listen to Susan Boyle sing “Cry Me A River” – I did listen and then immediately e-mailed all my friends and family to do the same. I was having a very sad day, and listening to Susan sing touched my heart and raised my spirits. What a God Given talent she has. Thank you Audrey for that tip. THANK YOU SUSAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I really wish people would stop bringing up her looks already – what do they have to do with her talent and spunk? Nothing, that’s what (and no I’m not saying this because I’m a ‘homely’ person myself, I’m saying it because it’s true). I’m so sick of perfectly good, kind, honest, talented people being looked down upon because they don’t like supermodels. She wants to be a singer, not a model. Why are we so superficial that every single article about her has to talk about how ‘plain’ or ‘frumpy’ she is? Enough of this superficiality. Anyone who has a problem with her looks needs to listen to India Arie’s song Video.
Thanks, Piers, for your comments to Susan after her performance. Your words and emotions led the way by letting her know how much you appreciated her talent. Her look of response says it all.
And thanks to the lady judge (I don’t know her name) for a graceful reminder of what we all (almost all) needed. Her comment that it was a privilege to her Susan’s performance was warmly received by Susan and the audience.
Best regards.
I just listened to Susan’s “Cry Me A River.” May I suggest she be referred to as “the Scottish Rose, a bit thorny, but still very beautiful.”
Susan is brilliant! She is more then great! She is perfection. The time for humanity, justice and fairness in the entertainment industry has come. For more talent check out,
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6-Hnv4wrENE&feature=channel_page
in such troubled times,Susan Boyle is just what we all needed to make our dreams seem more attainable.
Piers, please promise me that you will keep Simon honest. I respect his opinion on talent most of the time, but don’t let him exploit her. Oh, by the way, keep your date with her. Don’t you break her heart either!!!
Susan Boyle states that she has never been kissed. Susan, you have been kissed by God and we all thank God for you and the gift he gave you.
The song she chose perfectly suit her. She must have dreamt about this many many years ago. (I dream and dreamed and times gone by). I can’t tell how many times I watch her sing and I cry everytime I watch the clip. What a Gifted person that God had created. Her smile is so natural and her act is so honest. I was very touched when Simon put his face in his hands and smiled. I can see very sincere admiration from him. I could feel how much he was enjoying her song and her angle like voice.
Whether she wins or she doesn’t, she’s the most loved person on earth at the moment. I wish her well and may all her dreams come true. We love you Susan!!!!
I feel bad for any other contestant on the show, overshadowed by this.
http://tvdonewright.com/2009/04/17/strike-averted-sag-and-producers-reach-a-deal/
Yesterday, after the article appeared on this site challenging whether or not Susan was really that talented a singer, I did the same thing others apparently did. I listened to several other famous singers perform the same song, and each and every time, I found Susan’s version to be richer and more beautiful.
Susan Boyle was a knock-out. She has a fantastic talent both vocally and personally. She may be a Scottish Lass but she has wowed the world and let’s hope she never changes.
Susan Boyle is a remarkable singer! She is an insperation to everyone. I am 14 and I have never heard anything like her voice before! It is absolutely stunning!Good Luck Susan in your career! When you sell a CD I will definetly buy it!
Katie-USA
As far as I am concerned, the producers of “Britain’s Got Talent” need to close this particular competition and award Susan the price. It is going to be very difficult for anyone else to top her. (It would not be fair to the other contestants.) And if for some reason Susan is not selected as the winner? Watch out, Simon, for you have over 21 million fans to contend with! Susan, we love you and my check is already made out for the purchase of your album (CD). Go, girl, with lots of love from Oklahoma, USA (but I am Puerto Rican).
Just wondering — is it a common practice on this show for the judges to ask a person’s age when he/she comes on to the stage? In the case of a small child I can understand it, but when Susan Boyle was asked her age and the reaction to it was a collective groan, and Simon rolling his eyes, it was painful to watch. Her voice is amazing, her age and appearance are irrelevant, and don’t you all feel a bit humbled now?
way to go susan just remeber the old saying goes don’t judge a book by its cover. it’s whats inside that counts .keep your dream alive Susan.you are awesome.
Gawd I hope they don’t get hold of her and change her from the inside out. I want her to be just as she is, that’s part of the charm.
Adam Markowitz had his claws out on EW, and will gain no fans for his remarks regarding Susan Boyle. This woman tolerated cutting remarks to her in public before receiving accolades, and still held her head high and with honor. I never heard that son from Les Miserables, along with many, but now will never forget it. Congratulations, Susan. Find a good cat sitter. Your day has come.
She is truly inspirational and amazing! I want to buy her Christmas album – TODAY! (and I’m Jewish)
I as the millions of other people are in shock and disbelief of Susan Boyle….I have played that 7 minute video clip a couple of dozen times today alone. It’s so refreshing to see the talent she is, somehow fallen through the cracks for all those years, and when I found her second video clip, Cry Me A River, I was blown away again…what a talent! I rembember when Julie London made that a hit, I believe in the late fifties or early sixties and I was so gotten by that rendition but Miss Boyle just so topped that. She has mega talent capabilities and I see no limits to her success….wow what a day of a lady that has mesmerised us all. Can’t wait to see her on Oprah and listen to her first recorded album as well as watch her compete again…she will be just fine and is a can’t miss star!
Ohmygosh. Susan the Scottish Rose is stunning. Thank you Audrey for the link to “Cry Me A River”. That’s exactly what I did as I listened to her beautiful singing.