Susan Boyle Defies Stereotypes, Dominates Charts

By Sarah Matheny on December 3rd, 2009

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When I first heard that Simon Cowell had a new protege, I pictured a young sexy songstress along the lines of Leona Lewis. While Leona can sing (or is it “Leona can sang“), it doesn’t hurt that she is strikingly beautiful as well. As I headed for You Tube and searched for “Susan Boyle,” I nearly fell out of my chair and spit out my venti soy misto when this unassuming, shall we say “mature” woman appeared on my monitor.

Despite her modest looks, which fall more along the lines of my grade school librarian than an international superstar, Boyle, 48, who released her first album in the U.K. last week, is breaking records. Her album I Dreamed a Dream quickly became the U.K.’s top selling album of all time in first week sales by a debut artist. The album of cover songs and holiday classics just hit America and has sold 701,000 copies in America so far, beating out Adam Lambert and Rihanna and becoming the best-selling debut of 2009.

The true beauty of Boyle, aside from her angelic and flawless voice, is that her music transcends generations. I plan on buying a copy of the album for myself, as well as one for my parents and other relatives. Everyone can get behind this shy Scottish woman, because she proves that dreams can come true, regardless of age or appearance. Of course, it doesn’t hurt that girlfriend can sang.