Susan Boyle: Bullies 'Made Me Feel as If Nobody Loved Me'

By PopEater Staff Posted Oct 20th 2010 06:54AM

'Britain's Got Talent' sensation Susan Boyle sat down with Oprah Winfrey on Tuesday to give her take on the hot-button issue of the day: bullying. The operatic singer, there to promote her book 'The Woman I Was Born to Be,' recounted growing up in Scotland with taunts for being different.

Winfrey, seizing on the issue, asked Boyle what kinds of things bullies would do to her. Things like "burning my clothes with a cigarette" and being "hit on the head" were par for the course.

"That is the physical, but the more hurtful is the psychological," Boyle said. "Name-calling. Really repeating name-calling. It made me feel as if nobody loved me. I didn't really matter. I was just a target. Once you give bullies that power, they've really got a hold on you."

When asked to give some examples of names she was called, Boyle declined. She said that despite her success, fame and notoriety, "some of the bullies are still around."

Oprah's suggestion: "Send them a signed autographed CD saying 'how ya like me now?'"

Besides talking about bullies, Boyle pulled out a version of the Crowded House favorite 'Don't Dream It's Over' for Oprah's audience. Her book is in stores now and her new album, 'The Gift,' is out Nov. 9.

Though Boyle came in second on last year's 'Britain's Got Talent,' she parlayed her success on the show into a global singing career. Her debut album was a chart topper in both the U.S. and her native UK. Boyle was born in Blackburn, a small industrial town in West Lothian, Scotland.

Tags: susan boyle

Comments

(9)

Wednesday 20 October

By mw

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I was bullied as a preteen, cuz of my name, stupid huh? It happened for about 2 years, til I got in high school. then it stopped.

By KT

OMG !! And you have the nerve to call Justin gay and a girl?? i HOPE YOU GET YOURS.YAYYYYY TO KARMA !!

By Donna

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Thats alright Susan,, You have had the last laugh.
Those bullies are wishing they were nicer to you now.
I would bet, some of them wish they were you right now.
And Susan is loved by millions.
I wonder, how many people love those bullies right now?

By Janet

Bullies are scared little jerks. It doesn't make the hurt any less. None of them have your talent.

By Thomas Hofer

Here is yet another example of why we should take a stand against bullying at all levels. Susan Boyle made an excellent point and should be listened to.

By Edith Ann

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I love Susan Boyle. She is so kind and beautiful. The world needs more Susan Boyle's.

By Karen

Susan, you DESERVE your great success...You bring joy to so many people!

Always Remember.."Success is your BEST REVENGE!"

Let the bullies watch you FLY!

By #

Bullying definately shaped my life. It was awful both the physical and mental aspect. I did turn that experience around and have used it for the better when dealing with other victims in my work. You don't have to be a victim forever but some of the younger ones may need help getting to that point. God Bless.

Thursday 21 October

By marylinusca

I look like Susan Boyle, and I was bullied too when I was a child. It's terrible. I still feel inadequate at times because of it, and it's a hard fight to have faith in myself. Susan showed that God will puts the loveliest content in plain packages. What a voice she has! She was so meant to sing! It's wonderful to hear her.

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