SUSAN BOYLE NEW YEAR SURPRISE IN DUNFERMLINE

SUSAN Boyle surprised revellers celebrating the turn of the year when she turned up for an unplanned duet with the Red Hot Chilli Pipers.
The Celtic rockers were playing their regular end of year show at the Alhambra when 
Susan arrived to watch her friend and vocal coach Chris Judge perform.  
The 62 year old who recently told that she had suffered a minor stroke last April was just there to watch the show but after speaking with Chris and the band backstage, she was asked if she might like to join them. 
Chris was about to sing his last song of the first half of the show with the pipers but paused to tell the large crowd they had a star in their midst. 
Chris teased: “The singer that we wanted was not available because our favourite singer comes from Blackburn in West Lothian. 
But tonight she’s not in Blackburn West Lothian. Dunfermline please welcome to the stage our friend Susan Boyle.”
Susan then duetted on the Leonard Cohen song Hallelujah as the audience went wild. 
And after hitting the high notes with Chris she told the crowd to have a happy new year. 
Chris said of the magical moment: “Susan and I had never properly duetted on stage before and it was such a buzz, the smiles say it all. 
She surprised the audience and earned a worthy standing ovation and it was a moment I will cherish forever.”

The rest of the band added on their social media: “What an honour!!! Last night wasn’t only an incredible night with it being the last show of another amazing year for the band, it was also capped off by an extra special moment when the world famous and Scottish national treasure, Susan Boyle joined us on stage to sing a song with her good friend and our singer, Chris Judge. 
“Susan had came along to the gig, and we couldn’t believe that she was willing to give us the honour and privilege of allowing us to share the stage with her. It’s safe to say that the crowd gave her the reception she deserves, and what a memory it was for every single person in the auditorium last night.”
Happy New Year to all of you out there, much love from all of us wherever you are in the word.”
Susan’s impromptu appearance came after she was filmed stealing the show as she appeared on-stage for a singalong with Donny Osmond in Glasgow at the start of December.
The world talent who shot to fame with her rendition of the Les Mis smash hit I Dreamed A Dream on Britain's Got Talent in 2009, appeared alongside the American singer to preform 'This is the moment.' 

YOUTUBER AND STRICTLY STAR SAFFRON BARKER TALKS LOVE ISLAND’S PAIGE TURLEY

Exclusive 
Beverley Lyons 
STRICTLY star Saffron Barker has given her seal of approval to Scots Love Island contestant Paige Turley. 
YouTuber and dance contestant Saffron is currently in Aberdeen for the live Strictly tour and comes to Glasgow’s SSE Hydro this weekend. 
Speaking about Love Island, she said “I think Connaugh is beautiful, and Callum looks good too.  I’m not going to lie. I like Paige though, I really like Paige. I’ve liked Paige from day dot. No one likes Paige. I loved her from the minute she came in.“
Saffron reckons that Paige had a bad reception because of her constant name dropping  that she was Lewis Capaldi’s ex, but she blames show producers for making her mention him so much. 
She said: I feel like just because she’s Lewis Capaldi’s ex that nobody liked her but the thing is it’s a producer show and she’s going to get told that she has  to say that 1000 times. I really like her as well. I think her and Finn are cute although I’m not being funny I could never date a guy with a foot fetish. I honestly have no idea as to how that girl is doing that, honestly no idea at all because I really just could not. Paige is so chill and she has personality.”
Saffron’s costars have been loving their time  in Aberdeen. 
Dancer Neil Jones and judge Craig Revel Horwood also donned kilts for their first night. 
Neil said: “I have a surprise costume for you Aberdeen.” as fans teased if he was a true Scotsman. 
Katya Jones also had a tour of local hotspots including St Machars Cathedral, Aberdeen University, Kings college, Seaton Park and the Brig of Balgownie. She said: “Aberdeen is gorgeous.”
Cath Tyldesley enjoyed a breakfast fry up with two portions of black pudding ahead of her double shows yesterday and also put on a Scots accent ahead of her appearance. Sounding like Lorraine Kelly she said: “You know where we are don’t you. We’re in Aberdeen and I'm absolutely loving Aberdeen. 
Promising a show full of sparkle glitter and campiness she said: “We want you to cheer your socks off. Come on Aberdeen don’t let us down. Your auntie Cath loves you.”
As dancer Karen Hauer showed off some of her stretches on a tartan carpet, Dancer AJ Pritchard also embraces the city. As he sang along to the tune of Summer Holiday how we he admitted he was going to feel cold with the temperature at minus three.
The Strictly stars hit Glasgow on Saturday and Sunday. 

SUSAN BOYLE REHEARSES WITH JAI MCDOWALL AHEAD OF 2020 TOUR

Pic: Steve Walsh

Fans will be in for a treat after seeing Susan Boyle team up with Jai McDowall for her upcoming tour. 

The BGT star hits the road in March 2020, and a successful first rehearsal, saw the addition of fellow BGT alumni Jai McDowall as special guest for “The Ten Tour”.

Susan, along with Jai McDowall and a dazzling array of the industry’s best musicians are coming to the stage this Spring, performing in 15 cities across the United Kingdom, starting on the 3rd of March through to the 25th of March, 2020.

Susan said; “I was looking forward to my tour, but getting into the studio and rehearsing and coming up with exciting new material and suggestions, I can’t wait to get back on that stage. I’m also looking forward to Jai joining as well. This will be an all-new show, like nothing you’ve seen me do before.”

Jai added, “After a very successful first rehearsal with Susan I am beyond excited to start the tour it’s going to be incredible and the fans are in for a real treat, can’t wait to hit the road in March 2020.”

With brand new production, staging and choreography, “The Ten Tour” is set to wow audiences. The spectacular concert, will feature her greatest hits and some incredible new genres of music in an honest and intimate show that will inspire and delight, just as she did ten years ago.

Following on from the phenomenal success of Susan’s sell out UK tour in 2013 and USA tour in 2014, she is not only singing into the top venues in the country, but into the hearts of the Brits. “The Ten Tour” is traveling throughout the U.K. including stops in Edinburgh, Manchester, Cardiff, Birmingham and Dundee, in this 15 show extravaganza.

For up to date information and to purchase tickets visit www.susanboylemusic.com

BGT CHAMPION JAI MCDOWALL UNDERWENT GRUELLING CIRCUS TRAINING AHEAD OF SHOW

JAI McDowall proved to be the Greatest Showman when he appeared on BGT The Champions at the weekend. 

And now we can reveal that the Ayrshire born singer underwent special training at the circus to build his confidence ahead of the show. 

As well as having knives thrown at him, and limboing under fire, Jai also took part in Zippos Globe of Death where he stood while two 125cc scrambler bikes circled his head. 

He said: “I was very nervous the first time I took part in BGT and the judges even remarked that my knees were knocking together as I performed. This time round I wanted to make sure that I’d be confident so I got some extra special training at the circus. 

He laughed: “I figured that nothing would be worse than staring death in the face.”

Jai wowed the audience with a moving performance of I’ll Never Love Again during the weekend’s talent contest and even received a standing ovation from Simon Cowell. 

Simon apologised to the Scots star for writing him off eight years ago after he won the show and proclaimed: “So, 2011. I remember my issue at the time was I was struggling to find out where you fit into the market," Simon told Jai. 

"The fact that I never gave you support during or after the show and you have the guts to come back and prove a point to me: you've grown in stature and in confidence and that was an amazing performance.

"I owe you an apology for not giving you the support you needed at the time, but I also respect the fact you've come back and made me look like an idiot and you look fantastic.

"I could not be more thrilled so here's the standing ovation I should have given you."

Jai has been inundated with calls since the show and was even approached by Hollywood producers to star in a big movie. 

A spokesperson for the star said: "Jai is in talks about lots of future projects and there is s lot of interest in him taking on some acting roles, He has also received a request from Susan Boyleto join him on tour this March."

SUSAN BOYLE IS ON FIRE FOR 58TH BIRTHDAY

Susan with PA and friend Geraldine


Exclusive 
Beverley Lyons  
SUSAN Boyle joked that she would have had to call the fire brigade if there had been enough candles on her birthday cake this week.
The West Lothian born BGT star,  who is celebrating ten years of being in the public eye since her now legendary shock  performance on the show, also joined friends to enjoy the festivities for her big birthday. 
Susan went for lunch near her home in Blackburn and said of her 58th birthday celebrations: “I had a lovely birthday and was thoroughly spoilt by my friends. I got some lovely gifts, including a hamper of spa products, which is perfect for my new bathroom. I went out for a lunch and had a surprise birthday cake!”
She laughed: “Thank goodness they didn’t put 58 candles on it or we’d have been joined by the fire brigade.”
“It was a great day and I felt very loved and happy by friends, family and of course my wonderful fans who sent me cards, messages and gifts wishing me a happy birthday.”
Following Simon Cowell’s revelation that he gave her a pep talk during the lead up week to the finals on BGT in 2009, Susan claims she is older and wiser now that she’s 58. And she said she wishes she hadn’t worried as much when she was younger. 
She said: “As for what I would tell my younger self, it would be not to worry and enjoy every moment and experience that comes my way.”
Susan who has previously credited Simon as being the best boss ever said: “I’m looking forward to the next week celebrating ten years since my first BGT audition and what a wonderful 10 years it has been.”
Simon revealed on Lorraine this week that he gave Susan a pep talk on how to deal with her fame, as the pressure of the competition piled up. 
The 59-year-old judge explained: ‘The lead up to the week of the final we sat down with her and her friends.We said, “Look, if it’s too stressful, because it’s all over the media”…she said it was fine, she was going to do it. And I’m thinking, “Fine, she’s going to win.”’And I'll never forget it [when they said] 'The winner is Diversity'. "I was on that stage under 20 seconds saying into her [ear], 'We've got an album deal. Literally from that moment." Simon said that from that moment on it was up to her when she wanted to make an album and insisted that she was "part of the family" now."

SIMON COWELL AND SCOTS DREAMMAKER CHARITY HELP CANCER TEENS

Beverley Lyons
SIMON Cowell has invited two Scots cancer teens and their families as VIPs during the live finals of Britain’s Got Talent after they presented him with a teddy bear and Tunnocks Teacakes for his son Eric.
The music mogul and reality show judge was in Manchester and held up the show recording with Alesha Dixon, Amanda Holden and David Williams when he met Sara Miller, 15 and Molly Cuddihy, 16.
The two girls and their mums had been invited down to watch the auditions of the shows by the Les Hoey MBE Dreammaker Foundation.
Sara who has suffered from non Hodgkins lymphoma and has had five phases of chemotherapy since 2017 said: “It was amazing and everyone was lovely, especially Simon who couldn’t have been nicer. I took him a teddy bear and said he should give it to Eric and he said Eric would love that and he would give it to him that night. He was a wee bit smaller than I expected but was amazing and asked us to come to the live shows. David Walliams is so funny too, hysterical. Me and my dad and brother love him and he was interested to hear about our conditions.”
Alesha Dixon, Amanda Holden and David Williams also welcomed Sara and Molly.
Molly, 16 from Gourock who was diagnosed woth Ewings Sarcoma and finds it hard to walk now said: “It was incredible. Simon was so friendly and not the cold personality you see on TV. He was quite taken aback we thought of Eric and he loved the Teacakes too and kept them beside him for the auditions.  They were all really lovely and really interested to talk to us even though we met them during the actual show. They said they would restart after our meeting. Ant and Dec even gave me a high five on the way down.






















From Scotland with Love Theshowbizlion.com

SUSAN BOYLE GEARING UP FOR BIG 2019

THE incredible Susan Boyle cannot wait until her performance on America’s Got Talent airs in January. 

Susan said: “I received a phone call from Simon Cowell and flew over to the States for the show.”

The singing star from West Lothian who made her mark on judges including Heidi Klum who I’m told was a massive fan, was on sparkling form at the Scottish Music Awards on Saturday night at Glasgow’s SECC.

I’ve had the privilege of her company a number of times now and she’s looking better than ever.

Before singing at the bash to raise funds and awareness for Nordoff Robbins music therapy charity, Susan who has been working on a brand new album told me: “You do get nervous on nights like these but it’s good nerves, exciting. It’s a very special night for Nordoff Robbins too -the 25th anniversary so congratulations to them.”

After seeing a clip of herself on stage with Elaine Paige Susan who sang Wild Horses beautifully and was wearing a Frox of Falkirk fuchsia dress commented: “I’ve come a long way and I didn’t realise I’d done so much so I was very humbled.”

We will be seeing a lot more of the star next year when her new album comes out. She told me to expect a mix of classic and new songs on it and that she has had some fun making it in the studio. 

SCOTS BGT WINNER JAI MCDOWALL NEEDS NOSE JOB

SCOTS BGT winner Jai McDowall says he is having to undergo nose surgery to help his singing career.
Jai who won the TV talent show in 2011 claims his performances have been affected by a deviated septum which has caused him nasal blockages resulting in pre show nerves.
He also says he's fed up with photographers photoshopping his nose.
Jai said: "I've been singing for twenty one years and broke my nose as a teenager before someone broke my nose again in a pub fight seven years ago. I went to the doctor at the time and he was going to break it again to reset it but it never happened. I thought everything was fine but in the last six months my nose has been getting blocked up all the time and
I've been waking up with a sore throat.


It's been making it hard to sing and I've suffered from anxiety about not being able to sing before performances."
He added:'"I've also had photo shoots, where the photographer has changed the appearance of my nose which has been a bit insulting."
Jai, who has been on a keep fit drive and is trying to get his career back on track, recently had an audition for Les Miserables in London's West end but was suffering from severe congestion beforehand.
He said: "I've recently been recording in LA and have a few big work things coming up so I have to get my nose seen to now."
The Ayrshire born singer who has just turned thirty admitted he contemplated getting surgery done abroad before friends talked him out of it.
He said: "I've missed several appointments in Ayrshire with an Ear nose and throat specialist through my doctor as a result of work commitments and can't afford too leave it any longer. I thought about going abroad to get it done privately but friends told me some horror stories and there is not necessarily proper after care
I've now been consulting with Mr Ray from Glasgows's Elanic Clinic. Mr Ray is one of the leading cosmetic surgeons in the UK with a specialist interest in Rhinoplasty and used to work at the world renowned Canniesburn Unit of the Glasgow Royal Infirmary. He talked me through everything and also showed me how my nose would look from all angles on a specialist 3D Vectra simulation system.
I'm set to have surgery in the first week of April and will go to hospital to have it done. I am a bit nervous because my nose is a big part of me but I know it's the right thing to do. I'm hoping my nose will be all ready by the time the new series of BGT is aired next month."
















- Posted with love from Scotland by theShowbizLion.com

SUSAN BOYLE FINISHES NEW ALBUM AND TALKS FESTIVALS

SUSAN Boyle claims she can relax with some visits to Scotland's festivals after finishing off her brand new album.
The singer was chilling with friends at McEwans Party At The Palace in Linlithgow when she bumped into The Showbiz Lion.
She said: "I've just completed an album which is due out in November and it's a bit of a surprise. I'm having a whale of a time here. I'm hoping to see the Proclaimers later on. I met them a few years ago and they are nice lads."
She added: "I'm also planning to go to the Fringe to catch a couple more shows there."
Susan normally releases an album to tie in with US Thanksgiving and the Christmas holidays and after taking a break last year from the scene fans can't wait to see what she has up her sleeve.



- From the showbizlion.com with love from Scotland

BGT'S BAILEY MCCONNELL SINGLE AND READY...

BRITAIN'S Got Talent's Bailey McConnell reckons splitting from his girlfriend has given him the motivation to write even better music.
The 17 year old talent has been writing new material for his album and was in Glasgow this week touring with The Brooks twins at the Classic Grand.
He said: " I've been writing in the studio and trying to play my song and make it sound amazing and get on stage in Glasgow and show my tracks."
He added: "I've been through a few things that have spurned me onto writing songs. I was at school and stuff and just split up with my girlfriend and that. I guess I'm single now. It was quite a while to be fair."
Of the new tracks, he said: "My music is deeper and darker and if I have to describe a genre I'd say it's like Zane, Justin Bieber, Ed Sheeran mixed up."
"You just need the motivation to do what you love especially when you can turn a tough experience into something crazy like a song or dance. I aspire to have that quality and like seeing it in others."

- From Scotland with love from theshowbizlion.com

BAY CITY ROLLER AND BGT WINNER SURPRISE AT CELTIC ROCKERS GIG IN DUNDEE

 BAY City Roller Alan Longmuir ended up playing Shangalang after becoming the  surprise guest at a Scots celtic rock gig.

 The legendary popster surprised punters at the Dundee gig by award-winning Scots celtic rock band Gleadhraich who were Rolling in Talent alongside Britain’s Got Talent winner Jai McDowall.

 The band, who were Angus Cultural Ambassadors in 2014, were joined by  two talents for their sell-out show at the Starlight Showroom.

After a kilted Jai provided vocals on Loch Lomond, the Carnoustie band welcomed Alan to the stage.

As he brought out his acoustic guitar the lads in the band joined him to play a special rendition of 1972 hit Shang-A-Lang sending the crowd into raptures.

The band then closed the show with their version of Take On Me from their second EP, Where We’re From, with confetti canons blasting into the crowd and showering the band as they took their final bows to David Bowie’s fitting Heroes.

 Both guest spots came about through piper Craig Weir who had supported the artists over the last few years.

 Craig piped on the Bay City Roller’s reunion tour last Christmas, with Queen at the SSE Hydro in January 2015 and twice with The Libertines. He’s also composed and played a tune to the Dalai Lama in 2012 and along with brother, Paul, played Arnold Schwarzenegger into his Edinburgh business event in January.

 Craig said: “We were keen to make this show extra special with the addition of a couple of special guests.

 We’d previously played with Jai and thought it would be great to get him to sing with us. When I was on the Bay City Rollers tour I discussed with Alan the idea of him guesting for us, so when I asked if he was up for it he agreed straight away. I still can’t believe it’s really happened.

 “To have both of these major Scottish artists playing with the band was amazing and hopefully the crowd enjoyed the surprises. It certainly completed the night for us!”

Afterwards, Roller Alan, who kept his promise to play despite suffering from flu, said: “They’re a great band.”

 Jai added: “I was panicky before the gig, as I normally am, but once I was on stage the audience were great and the boys were brilliant too.”

COLLABRO HIT THE HIGH NOTES DESPITE DRESSING ROOM DRAMA

CLASSICAL group Collabro might have come from a reality TV show but they ooze a quality that transcends the hackneyed format.
The five lads each offer something different for fans - from high to low on the singing scale - and grungy to polished on the looks side, but on the night they were suited and booted and blended together perfectly.
Michael Auger, Richard Hadfield, Jamie Lambert, Matthew Pagan and Thomas J Redgrave have come a long way since winning the eighth series of BGT in 2014 and their performance at Glasgow's  Royal Concert Hall was one of their best yet. 
Mash ups were promised on the night  as well as songs from their album Act Two, but there were a few nice surprises along the way.
Five part harmonies shone on songs like Somewhere Only We Know while the lads got to do a bit of swing with That's Life, bringing even more life to their set. 
Their chat on stage was natural, and they even managed to laugh things off when Richard arrived late on stage from the dressing room. He claimed he was putting on his tie.
There were some original vocal arrangements on tracks like No Matter What, originally suggested to the the boys by former Boyzone manager Louis Walsh.
A section of the show devoted to The Phantom of the Opera played perfectly and gave Scots soprano Catriona Murray another chance to shine too. She gave Sarah Brightman a run for her money.
Songs like A Thousand Years were pitch perfect while the boy's attempt at twisting Mumford and Sons also thrilled their Collaborators.
Standing ovations were order of the night during this sold out gig and this, we're sure,  will be one of the last chances to see Collabro in a smaller venue before they play arenas. 

REMAINING TOUR DATES:

MARCH

4th SOUTHEND – Cliff Pavilion

6th LLANDUDNO – Cymru Theatre

8th LIVERPOOL - Philharmonic Hall

9th CARLISLE – Sands Centre

11th SHEFFIELD – City Hall

12th BRIGHTON – Centre

14th GATESHEAD – Sage 1

15th NOTTINGHAM – Royal Concert Hall

17th  CAMBRIDGE – Corn Exchange

18th STOKE ON TRENT – Regent Theatre

19th CARDIFF – Motorpoint Arena

21st BRISTOL – Colston Hall

22nd WATFORD – Colosseum

24th PLYMOUTH – Pavilions 

25th BOURNEMOUTH – International Centre 

26th LONDON – Royal Albert Hall

28th OXFORD – New Theatre

29th & 30TH BIRMINGHAM – Symphony Hall

APRIL 

1ST GRIMSBY – Auditorium 

2nd LEICESTER – De Montfort Hall

3rd GUILDFORD – G Live


http://www.collabroglobal.com/