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Simon Cowell is lining up Susan Boyle for Vegas act
Last updated at 13:23pm on 17.06.09Singing sensation Susan Boyle is being lined up for a series of lucrative shows in Las Vegas. The Britain's Got Talent star became a hit in the US thanks to 300 million web views on YouTube, and her mentor Simon Cowell is keen to cash in on her success.
Vegas baby! Susan Boyle in her Glasgow dressing room during the Britain's Got Talent UK tour
He is close buddies with the owner of the Planet Hollywood casino and hotel, Robert Earl, and has been trying to broker a deal which would see SuBo, 48, singing on The Strip. A source said: "Simon is confident that Susan will achieve a huge amount of success in America.
"She is already a household name despite coming second on the show, and she is now being lined up to play a number of dates in Las Vegas.
"The Planet Hollywood bigwigs have been following Susan since she burst on to the scene and are keen to give her a run at the hotel."
Meanwhile, Simon has been forced to deny claims he exploited the fragile Scottish warbler.
She spent five days in The Priory clinic after losing out to dance act Diversity in the final after suffering a meltdown.
He said: "No one ever put a gun to her head and said you've got to enter the show. I sat down with her and said, 'Look, if this is getting too much for you, you don't have to go into the final. No-one's going to force you - you do whatever you want'.
"And she looked me in the eye and said, 'No, I want to win this competition'."
She may not have won but that's not stopping her from raking in the cash. Earlier this week Simon, 49, agreed a recording contract with her.
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Reader views (19)
Even some in the British press are now admitting that Susan is better than Elaine Paige! Susan has a lovely tone, great range, stunning volume, and she never seems to have to breathe! I listened to a video of Elaine Paige side by side with one of Susan's, and Susan wins hands down, no contest. Besides, now with Simon having her groomed, coifed, and well-dressed, she has become an attractive woman--so no more "dowdy" comments anymore, please! Keep up!
- Crystal, Ames, USA
Thank god...let Las Vegas have the woman....I'm so bored with all the pumped up hysteria surrounding this woman! She doesn't have an "amazing" or "exceptional" voice and the only reason that she's getting attention is because people didn't expect a person with her looks to be able to hold a note, let alone sing!...Well enjoy it while you can love...because mark my words...it'll be Las Vegas today and then "Butlins" tomorrow!!!
- Ali Sichilongo, London
Of all the venues in America why does it have to be Las Vegas. I understand while Cowell would want that. It'll make him shed loads of money. But what a tacky, tawdry showcase for someone who has brought the world together in a way no one has in decades. Before America finishes with her she'll be a sideshow...doing Oprah and the rest of the tacky lot there (let's be clear, I'm an American and I know something about American tacky...we've cornered the market on it). I wish she would stand her ground and hold out for classier venues.
- Chase Graham, london UK
You know, I can understand if the kind of music Susan sings (you know with lyrics you can understand and real melodies) might not appeal to some people but to say she has no talent just sounds ignorant. You would be better served to say you don't care for her style of music but wish her the best in her career.
- Carol, Fort Smith, USA
Man, some of you guys are just jerks. Susan's trying to make her dream come true, just give her a break. you'd want a break too, wouldn't you??
- Linda Tyrrell, South Carolina, USA
I am so glad to hear that Susan Boyle may be coming to Vegas. Vegas is closer to me than other places and if she gets to Vegas, I will be able to go see her perform. She has a wonderful voice and I hope great things happen for her. Many great performers have played Vegas.
- Glenda Sanderson, Olathe, Colorado USA
Well lets hope she knows more than the 2 songs she's been circulating for the last few months. Stage presence? Do me a favour!
- Joseph James, Watford
The only certainty of achieving success in this country is that you will be the target of the jealous no-hopers.
- Scotty, Cambridge UK
I am really amazed at the nastiness of some people, no better than the gutter press!
I have managed to see the videos of Susan's performances in Glasgow and Edinburgh and she just gets better and better, if that's possible. She has great stage presence and charisma and you can hear every word she sings and the voice just soars.
None of us know what goes on behind the scenes.
- Jane Douch, St Paul's Bay, Malta
All this "story" about Susan makes me sad!
Why?
Because it shows how the majority of people of this world are brainless and therefor can be so easily manipulated. How can otherwise be explained all the "crazy" idolization of the woman who is neither exceptional singer nor exceptional human being. At the end of all this "charade" the victim will be Susan falling even deeper in hers for now very well hidden vices.
Yes, Simon, take her to America as soon as possible, we'll have no headache after loosing such a "talent"!
- Maggie, london. uk
Never before has so much fuss been made of someone with such minimal talent. They must surely have decent acts they can pay to ignore while they pull tyhe fruit machines
- Keith Price, Luton, England
I am very surprised that a hurriedly put together album hasnt been released as 'the perfect gift for fathers day'.
- Victoria Plump, London
Simon Cowell has really gone down in my estimation. Here is a lady with who appears to have some mental health issues, and he can't wait to get her out on the road! If she had exhibited this behaviour at the start of the competition, I doubt she would have got very far. What Susan needs is a couple of months off to gather herself, not to be constantly wheeled out like some freak show spectacle.
I'm sure Cowell only appeared in the press this week because Piers Morgan is getting good press coverage over the sensitive way he has handled things. Good on you Piersy baby! The only thing Cowell cares about are £ signs. As for signing a contract, does she have the required mental capacity?
- Sonia M., St Albans, Herts
I agree. I can't think of a worse place for her to appear on her debut overseas. She herself has said she has no interest in making millions and this smacks of total exploitation of his position. He is supposed to be her manager, not her pimp.
- Petra, East London South Africa
I am so glad for Susan Boyle ....... She deserves every glorious moment ....she just wants to sing and be herself..........she has got great charisma and talent....ok simon may make some money but at least Susan Boyle is being given the journey of her lifetime...I hope it all goes fabulous for you Susan go got it...never mind the people who try to down you don't let them win....it is your once in a chance lifetime.......
- Beth White, shetland
I really am lost to understand how Susan's fame has escalated to this extent.
I enjoyed listening to her singing at first but now I am feeling that many many people have been manipulated by media and personality hype.
How many songs can she sing -I would like to hear more before making a judgment as to whether the hysteria is deserved.
- Linda, Sheffield UK
I wouldn´t have thought Las Vegas was exactly Susan Boyle´s scene. Whatever, coin it in while you can, Susan. You´ve got nothing to lose and a big pot of money to gain. Go for it!
- Graham Rodhouse, Helmond, Netherlands
Total exploitation of the worst kind i've ever seen. I wonder what Susan Boyles cut is ? Reckon Mr Cowell is on the lion's share ?
- Scottish Al, Glasgow Scotland
Wow! This is great news! Hopefully this would come true. I am so happy for Susan's fans in America. For sure they will be thrilled. Thanks to Simon for doing what he promised to Susan. I'm positive that Susan will become a big, big hit in Vegas.
- Aiko, Kitakyushu, Japan
