Classsical Singer Magazine, July 21, 2024
In the first installment we looked at the definition of autism and the act of “masking” in the performance process. We shall now look at an example of a highly successful autistic singer and offer guidance for autistic classical singers. I highly recommend that autistic individuals with singing talent be encouraged to study voice and perform publicly. This may be in as innocuous a situation as a karaoke night at the pub or a solo at church or synagogue.
Scottish singer Susan Boyle rose to fame in 2009 because her older age and frumpy appearance on Britain’s Got Talent belied her incredible singing voice. She was able to sing flawlessly and without trouble before a huge audience. She has gone on to become one of the top-selling singers of all time, selling 25 million records and earning a Grammy award as well as many other awards. Her debut album I Dreamed a Dream is one of the best-selling albums of the 21st century, having sold over 10 million worldwide copies.