Got Talent alumnus Susan Boyle had a busy year in 2009. After captivating viewers with her instantly viral performance of “I Dreamed a Dream” on Britain’s Got Talent, the singer rose to fame. Boyle’s celebrity only grew after she performed a duet of “I Know Him So Well” from the musical Chess with world-renowned violinist Elaine Paige in a special ITV1 performance in December of that year.
Boyle’s tone and range perfectly complement the timeless song “I Know Him So Well,” which was recorded by Paige, one of the two original vocalists.
The pure joy on each of their faces is the highlight of the performance. You are soulless if their perfect harmonies don’t make you shiver!
The fact that Boyle expressed her desire to pursue a singing career similar to Page’s during her memorable audition on Britain’s Got Talent added even more significance to this duet. The two gifted women were sharing the stage a few months later.
In a 2010 interview with the Daily Mail, Paige confessed her admiration for how Boyle turned her viral moment into a full-fledged career.
“I am a huge supporter of Susan Boyle and admire what she has achieved,” the singer revealed.
Released in 1984 as a lead single from the concept album Chess, written by ABBA members Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus and performed by Paige and Barbara Dickson, the success of “I Know Him So Well” helped transform Chess into an acclaimed musical of the same name.
Although the song failed to gain traction in the United States, it was a massive success overseas, reaching number one on Ireland’s and the United Kingdom’s singles charts.
“I Know Him So Well” is a popular song for contemporary artists to cover — Whitney Houston, Idina Menzel, and even the Spice Girls’ Mel C and Emma Bunton have put their own twist on this iconic track.
Now, music fans can add Susan Boyle’s unbelievable rendition to the list.
