Susan Boyle Audition Tape from 1995 Uncovered

The singing sensation tried but failed to make it on to a TV talent show

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Photo: Ken McKay/Rex

While Susan Boyle encounters fresh competition on Britain’s Got Talent – this time in the form of 10-year-old Hollie Steel, whose rendition of “I Could Have Danced All Night” from My Fair Lady could give original fair lady Julie Andrews a run for her money – Scotland’s Daily Record has uncovered a 1995 tape of Boyle, then 33, auditioning for the TV talent show My Kind Of People.

Only, that time, Boyle wasn’t ready for the spotlight.

Shortly after that attempt, Boyle undertook lessons with vocal coach Fred O’Neil, who teaches about five miles from Boyle’s home in Blackburn, West Lothian, Scotland.

O’Neil tells PEOPLE that, even back then, Boyle didn’t need much help from him, only “fine-tuning.” Of her current recognition, O’Neil says, “No one deserves it more. She’s a good singer, and it’s great to see her rewarded. She totally deserves it. She’s a great natural singer.”
Simon Perry and Stephen M. Silverman

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