Susan grew up in Blackburn, Scotland, where she was thought of as a bit of a kooky figure. Thanks to her reclusive nature, her learning problems, and her frizzy hair, she endured constant bullying all though her entire youth. "I was called names. I informed the teachers, but because it was more oral than physical, I could never prove anything," she informed the press after her performance of "I Dreamed a Dream" at the Britain's Got Talent music contest. After appearing on YouTube, that performance would rocket her to international mega stardom.

Her peculiar personality, caused in part by minor brain damage because of a birth imperfection, made her adopt several eccentric routines, including keeping her money in a whiskey bottle. After her mum died, Boyle's shy nature deepened. A neighbour made public to the press that Susan practically detained herself at home for over a week after the tragic loss, not going out even to buy groceries.

Susan's story has a very contented ending, however. Ever since her debut, she has turned into a star. But how has this shy, bullied woman managed to become such a hit? It began in the 80s.

After Boyle's father died, she lived alone with her mother, dunked in a deep depression. Her mom inspired her to express her unhappiness through her God-given talent for singing, and so she signed up to her church's choir. From this humble beginning, Boyle challenged herself further, performing at boozers and karaoke bars all over town. These early performances have been recorded, and, since being purchased by a Scottish tabloid, can be seen on YouTube.

Among this early photographs is an old recording of Boyle's audition for the game show My Sort Of Folks with Michael Barrymore. The video shows the comedian ridiculing Susan brutally as she gave her performance. This video went viral as quickly as it hit the Net, and Boyle's fans take great satisfaction in the knowledge that Boyle has found success in spite of Barrymore's criticisms and her very own tough life.

Susan is, as the chestnut goes, "a tricky skinned girl." She has proven both her talent and courage to the world after having such a troublesome life, and is a living testimony to the truth that anyone can achieve their dreams, regardless of how impossible they first seem.