Susan Boyle might officially be turning 65 today (1 April), but fans of the Britain's Got Talent legend seem convinced that she's aging in reverse.
When it comes to memorable first performances on the ITV show, you might think of Diversity or even Ashleigh and Pudsey, but most would agree that Boyle's superb opera singing will never be topped.
The Scottish singer has since gone on to sell over 25 million records worldwide, and won over one A-list fan in the form of Timothée Chalamet, who said she 'dreamt big, bigger than all of us'... at least, before he decided 'no one cares' about opera and ballet.
Boyle looks set to make a return to the stage soon, after the pandemic and a stroke in 2022 put her performances on ice.
Advert
The stroke had left her unable to speak or sing properly, and she wrote on Facebook in 2023 that she was working 'so hard' to be able to return to the stage.
But when she does eventually come back, many fans may well struggle to comprehend that it's the same person we first saw 17 years ago (yes, it's been that long), with some comparing her to Benjamin Button.
Of course, part of Boyle's charm and original breakthrough was that many of the judges were judging her a little too much by the way she looked and talked, before she produced a miraculous version of 'I Dreamed A Dream'.
Go on, you know you want to watch it again.
Her latest Instagram photo shows the star with some blonde locks in a football shirt, which has been created to support the charity Street Soccer Scotland.
Boyle wrote: "I’m so proud to support the wonderful charity, Street Soccer Scotland. I’ve absolutely loved getting my hands on this beautiful limited edition Street Soccer Scotland x Timorous Beasties football shirt.
"Every shirt sold helps give people experiencing homelessness hope and the chance to create positive change through football. We’re all on the same team."
Although her post was focused on her charity work, many were left in awe over her appearance, particularly after she revealed that she'd gone through a stroke.
One user recalled: "I remember watching you 17 years ago and my God we're you absolutely amazing. And here you are today. You look fabulous."
A second questioned: "OMG, are you Benjamin Button? Looking so youthful and really pretty in your cute tee."
A third fan added: "Wow! You look fabulous. Keep up the good work, and sing. I have always enjoyed your singing. Absolutely beautiful."
It comes as The Sun reports Boyle has upped sticks from the former council house in Blackburn, West Lothian, which she continued to live in years after she amassed a reported $40 million (£30m) fortune.
She paid £65,000 to buy the house back in 2009, later buying the £110,000 semi-detached home next door to combine the two properties in 2014.
Not only is that a depressing reminder of how much house prices have gone up over the last 12 years, but an unusual move for a singer worth millions.
During an interview with OK! in 2020, Boyle said: "It’s to do with the memories of your house and your upbringing, you need to take stock of things and maybe see where you come from and where your roots lie."
But Boyle's friend told The Sun she's now left her childhood home, but has only moved 20 miles to Larbert, near Falkirk, to be nearer her manager, Geraldine Easton.
The BGT legend will perform alongside the Red Hot Chili Pipers (yes, you read that correctly, it's the Celtic rock band who play the bagpipes) at a festival in Scotland later this year, having announced that she was back in the recording studio this time last year.
"Today was wonderful, emotional, and everything in between," she said.
"I made my return to the recording studio for the first time in six years, something I was told I might never achieve again. But here we are, in my happy place! I want to thank my manager, Geraldine, for being my absolute rock through everything and for helping me get back to where I belong. A million thanks."
Topics: Britains Got Talent, Music, Charity
James Moorhouse