Susan Boyle In Concert UK Tour

I went to see Susan Boyle live this week. She was absolutely amazing.

Her singing throughout was strong, note perfect (to my untrained ears). To be frank she is the best singer I have ever heard perform live. 

She was joined in part by Lance Ellington from Strictly.  He too was very good and smooth on his feet with it.

She was a little stiff and motionless as she sang in the first half but it didn't take away from the show,  it was designed well around showing what she does best, standing and singing.  Slowly she relaxed and tapped away to the rhythm as she sang on a stool by the piano and she did move around the stage with Lance in a very upbeat number.

She looked absolutely gorgeous and had at least 4 dress changes, all of which were amazingly fast.

Taking photos was strictly policed by the theatre staff where I was and I only dared snap a few at the end.  It was her 53rd birthday on the night we were there and we sang happy birthday to her.  She seemed genuinely happy about it.

One of the most refreshing things for me about this was that the band, backing singers and choir (that came on twice) had been picked for talent above looks.  There was a stage of people of all shapes, sizes and ages performing to an incredible standard. Too often in the music world I think looks are chosen over talent but this show got the balance tipped right.    I was a little surprised by her references and thanks to Britains Got Talent. I know without the show she wouldn't have got a foot in the door but a TV show does not sell 20 million albums, only her talent will do that.

My favourite song will always be 'Wild Horses' and I was struggling to hide the tears as she sang it.  The set list included ‘I Dreamed A Dream’, ‘Perfect Year’, ‘River Deep, Mountain High’, a version of 'You’ll Never Walk Alone' that also moved me to tears, 'You Raise Me Up', 'Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me', an incredible 'As Long as He Needs Me' from Oliver and Chess’ 'I Know Him So Well', Abba's 'The Winner takes it all' and of course 'This is the moment'. 

If you can still get tickets to any of the remaining dates (I think it is likely to be another sell out tour - our night was completely sold out) then I thoroughly recommend you go.