Susan Boyle Announces Retirement After Final Album

has revealed she plans to retire next year after recording her final album, as she opened up about her surprise comeback this week.

The singer, 65, recently launched her return to the spotlight with new campaigns for Irn Bru and Cornetto, and has now shared she wants to disappear from public life when she completes her new record, and a biopic about her journey.

Susan became a global star when she auditioned for Britain's Got Talent in 2009, but has since shared she struggled with her mental health during her time on the show.

The star also opened up on her health struggles after suffering a stroke which impacted her voice and singing ability.

After her own struggles with fame post-BGT, Susan called for better support for contestants.

She said: 'Back then, I had no support. It was extremely hard.'

BGT judge Simon Cowell recently reflected on Susan's viral audition, and the moment when he appeared to laugh at her before hearing her incredible vocals.

At the time he told Extra: 'Susan is a real character, and I think at the corner of my eye, I must have seen her messing around in the wings or something because I thought she was a comedian, a standup comedian.

'And, yeah, there is that famous awful look between me and Piers. And that's what we were like on the day.'

He also told the Tales From The Celebrity Trenches podcast: 'I think of all the looks I’ve ever remembered, that might be the worst. And I was just as bad. We all were.

'And then, you know, thank God for her, it all worked out well. And, of course, I had the ability to cut all that stuff out, but it was a bit of a wakeup call. Which is, you can’t judge a book by its cover.'

In response to Simon's comments, Susan added to The Daily Star: 'I'm in a very happy place in my life. I've healed a lot over the years. 

'I know what people thought about me back then. It was a lesson he learned from, maybe everyone has learned that leading with kindness, no matter what, is the way forward?'

Susan also spoke to The Sun about her 2022 stroke which left her unable to speak or sing, sharing she had to undergo speech therapy to regain her voice. 

She said: 'I never thought I would be able to come this far. I've had a lot of encouragement and the public have been so loving to me.

'I have had a lot of speech therapy. It was difficult at first, but after the first few weeks, my voice slowly started to come back. I have been having a lot of vocal lessons, too, for my singing.

'It still needs some work, but I am sure my singing voice will come back. I am taking wee baby steps. If you go too fast, too soon, you go down a hole. It took a while for my confidence to come back with my music. But I am getting there. Slowly.'

Susan has been hailed as a national treasure ever since she delivered a history-making performance of I Dreamed A Dream on back in 2009. 

And she appears to be in the middle of a rebrand as she continues to build up her social media status.

Part of her unexpected transformation has included, showcasing new blonde locks.

Nowadays, the BGT icon enjoys plush lunches with her friends and attends plenty of star-studded events when she isn't busy singing. 

Susan is regularly seen rubbing shoulders with celebrities including , and  and flaunting their encounters online.

The singer-turned-influencer is an avid user on Instagram, posting snippets of her lavish lifestyle to her 176,000 followers.

As a thank you to her fans for supporting her over the last 17 years, Susan released her very own merchandise this week, selling branded clothing and accessories.

It means Susan may be able to earn a killing, with her products priced between £13 and £50.

'I've got a little birthday surprise for you all', she told her loyal followers. 'As I celebrate my 65th birthday today, I'm so happy to finally share my very first official merchandise range with you. I've loved putting this together and I hope you'll find something you like.

'It's available to order now for UK delivery, and EU shipping will be opening in the next few days, with the US following in the next few weeks, and the rest of the world shortly after.

'There are also more exciting items on the way, so do keep an eye on the shop over the coming days.

'Thank you for all the love you've shown me today and over the years. It truly means everything to me, and this felt like a lovely way to celebrate together. Have a wee look here at my official shop: susanboylemusic.com'

She has already been given the ultimate seal of approval from Liam Gallagher after he dedicated the song Stand By Me to her at an Oasis gig last year. 

Before the song began, the Mancunian singer announced into the mic: 'This one's for Susan Boyle.' 

Susan shared a message to thank the band for the dedication on Instagram following the moment.

She penned: 'Thanks so much for the dedication @liamgallagher. You've made this old girl's day. Hope to see you and the rest of @Oasis at Wembley in September for a wee bit of poznan. Big love to you all.'

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