Susan Boyle was born in Blackburn, West Lothian, Scotland on April 1, 1961. She was born to Patrick and Bridget Boyle, who worked as a miner and a shorthand typist, respectively. Boyle was one of nine siblings and struggled with learning disabilities in school after she was deprived of air during birth. After finishing school, Boyle began studying regularly with a vocal coach and performed frequently with various church groups. Hoping to start a music career, she recorded a three-song demo, which leaked after she found success on “Britain’s Got Talent.”With her vocal coach’s encouragement, Boyle applied to audition for Britain’s Got Talent in August 2008. Without the common appearance of a potential winner, Boyle floored the producers and judges with her rendition of “I Dreamed A Dream” from Les Miserables.“Vocally it is one of the best versions of the song I've ever heard. Touching, thrilling and uplifting. I do hope she gets to sing it for the Queen,” said producer Cameron Mackintosh in a press release.