Susan Boyle Dethrones Taylor Swift on Billboard 200 Chart

By Tracey Harrington McCoy Posted Nov 17th 2010 07:00AM

Kate Middleton isn't the only lady in the U.K. with something to smile about this week -- Billboard just announced that Susan Boyle's holiday album, 'The Gift,' has bumped Taylor Swift from the No. 1 spot on the Billboard 200 chart. Swift has dominated the charts for the past two weeks, but her 'Speak Now' album was no match for Boyle, who moved 317,600 units.

"Singing is the best job in the world, it really is fantastic. I'm just an ordinary woman who showed a bit of determination and this is what has happened. To have a second No.1 album is wonderful and something I never expected," the singer exclusively told PopEater upon hearing the news.

For those keeping track at home, Boyle's album is the highest-selling holiday album in recent years, breaking the record previously set by Josh Groban's 'Noel.' This is after Boyle's debut album, 'Dream a Little Dream,' sold 701,000 copies in the U.S. last December, giving her the best first week sales of 2009 and the bestselling debut album by any woman since SoundScan began tracking in 1991.

The holiday album features seasonal songs and Christmas classics like 'The First Noel' and 'O Holy Night.' The 'Britain's Got Talent' star says the music is meant to "touch hearts."

"Music has always been a companion to me, particularly on special occasions," Boyle explains. "I wanted there to be a mix of songs that would flow with all our moods this holiday season. As much as the season is a time for reflection, it is also a time for fun and enjoyment with those closest to us."

The British songbird's current reign at No. 1 is no fluke. Industry sources reveal that Boyle's album is presently running neck-and-neck with Rihanna's highly-anticipated new album 'Loud,' which was released Tuesday. While the race for next week's No. 1 is reportedly air tight, Boyle is projected to surpass the pop star and top the charts again.

Boyle also does a cover of rocker Lou Reed's 1972 classic 'Perfect Day.' Watch the video, directed by Reed himself, below.

What Susan Boyle's 'Perfect Day' Video

Listen to Full 'The Gift' Album for Free Buy 'The Gift' CD

Tags: susan boyle

Comments

(73)

Wednesday 17 November

By Ny

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You really should go see a Dr.

By lillysue2

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I am still trying to figure out who is buying Swift's CD's.
I know of no one who even thinks she can sing...Susan on the other hand has fantastic vocal pipes and she can Sing with them!
Congratulations Susan ...You are most deserving of this....

By Jo Anne

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You said the truth. Taylor appeals to the teeny boppers that don't even know what an "off key" note sounds like. They are young and she is like an idol to them. I can't stand to hear her,and in my opinion, she should not be wearing those fake looking lashes.Her manager should advise her to get a makeup artist as well as a voice teacher. Sure, she has made the money,but it sure is'nt because she can sing or write good songs.
She has nothing but teenagers following her,I'd be ashamed to accept an award for singing.SHE CANNOT SING !

By Iris Monk

I don't know who told Taylor Swift she could sing because she can't. Susan Boyle is a SINGER and a good one!!. I would listen to her any day over Taylor Swift and I do. I have already bought Susan's new CD and will buy every one she ever puts out. Thanks!

By AboutTime

About time someone who can actually sing dominates the chart!! One has to wonder how that over-hyped, over-sexed rat-faced beanpole actually got a recording contract!! Who did she slept with??

By Jim

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I know Taylor can sing,and sing damn good. Remember people,Susan can sing but this is a holiday album. It is only OK for 1 or 2 months. Whereas I have a crap load of wonderful Swift CDs throughout the whole year. Taylor is a fine singer,a fine performer and a wonderful song writer. Long Live Taylor Swift.

By dj

@JIM

You must have came from under a rock!
Swift SUXXXXXXX now & always will

By chris

Susan Boyle is a great vocalist. Taylor on the other hand........not so much. That's like nominating Taylor for FVOTY at the CMA Awards and Reba for FVOTY..........and Taylor winning. Taylor isn't even in the same league as Reba. Reba's vocal abilities are unmatched.....and have been for quite some time. Susan Boyle's voice is quite amazing. Taylor's-not so much. My dog sings better. So who exactly is buying these albums?

By JC hELMUTH

This is meant for Jim. Obviously, all of your taste is in your
mouth. Get your head out of the sand.

By Barbara

Thank goodness!!! Susan has true talent! Big talent. T.Swift has a 4 note range & poor voice. With whom is she sleeping to get as far as she has? It isn't on merit vocally! go susan!!!

Thursday 18 November

By Ken

Taylor Swift - lovely girl, serious issues keeping pitch & voice is nyah, so, so. Nice to see that you don't have to be a bombshell to be noticed (Ethel Merman and Ella Fitzgerald weren't exactly pinup girls!) Yeah for Ms. Boyle!

Friday 19 November

By Janni S.

I am sincerely happy for you, Susan Boyle. You're a lady who can sing in a way that truly touches lots of hearts. Both your chart-topping albums get a lot of play at my house. Will always buy any of that gorgeous sound that, to me, is uniquely yours alone -- because I'm hooked..."You just keep me hanging on".