Scottish singing sensation Susan Boyle has expressed her heartfelt gratitude after Hollywood actor Timothée Chalamet placed her on a prestigious list of his all-time favourite British icons.
A Star-Studded List of British Greats
While discussing his upcoming film Marty Supreme, for which he is tipped for an Oscar nomination, Chalamet compiled a personal list of five British stars he considers the greats. Alongside Boyle, the 29-year-old actor named Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton, football and fashion icons David and Victoria Beckham, and hip hop artist Fakemink.
Speaking to BBC News, Chalamet specifically highlighted Boyle's iconic 2009 audition on Britain's Got Talent, where her powerful rendition of "I Dreamed a Dream" from Les Misérables stunned judges Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, and Piers Morgan. "She dreamt bigger than any of us," the actor said, referencing the performance that catapulted her to global fame.
Boyle's Humble and Touching Response
Responding to the unexpected accolade on social media, the 64-year-old singer from Blackburn, West Lothian, said she was "flattered" and found the recognition "so incredibly touching."
In a post on Instagram, Boyle reflected on her remarkable journey. "Those early days were quite something, and to know that moment meant something to you all these years on truly humbles me," she wrote. "We all start somewhere, with a dream and a bit of hope, don't we? We should all dream big!"
She concluded her message with warm wishes for Chalamet, stating: "I wish you every success as you continue to dream your own dream. Thank you for your kindness and for remembering that moment so fondly."
From Viral Sensation to Lasting Legacy
Boyle's life changed forever after that audition. Despite finishing as runner-up on the ITV competition, she secured a major recording deal. She went on to release two chart-topping albums in the United States, defying expectations and cementing her status as a beloved performer.
The singer's career has been marked by significant personal resilience. In April 2022, Boyle suffered a stroke that temporarily left her unable to speak or sing properly. In a triumphant turn, she shared a photo from a recording studio in May of this year, signalling a major and heartening step in her recovery.
Chalamet, who was just 14 years old when Boyle's audition went viral, described the clip's impact. "It was like the advent of YouTube," he recalled. "Who wasn't moved by that? I remember that like it was yesterday."
The actor is currently earning critical acclaim for his role in Marty Supreme, where he plays professional table tennis champion Marty Mauser. The film, directed by Josh Safdie, is set for release in the US on Christmas Day and in the UK on Boxing Day. A potential Oscar nomination for this role would be Chalamet's third, following nods for Call Me by Your Name (2017) and this year's Bob Dylan biopic, A Complete Unknown.
