Boyle appeared on America’s Got Talent in 2009 to perform the song.
Shortly after Susan Boyle came in second place on Britain’s Got Talent in 2009, she traveled across the ocean to make an appearance on America’s Got Talent to perform a breathtaking rendition of “Wild Horses” by the Rolling Stones.
Before the performance, Boyle told a personal story about how achieving such massive success extremely quickly has affected her life. She described herself as a “spectator, looking out at the world” before fame. “But now, I’m a part of that world. Although frightening, I embrace it. Because I feel a bit more confident in myself now. More able to cope. More able to take part in the dream,” she said.
During her performance, she started out with a soft, vulnerable tone. Then, when the chorus hit, her voice soared and the crowd went wild. Her confidence showed as she put her own unique spin on the melody, and some gorgeous strings accompanied her. Watch, below.
Released off the band’s iconic 1971 album Sticky Fingers, the music to “Wild Horses” was written by Keith Richards, with Mick Jagger handling the lyrics that describe someone’s unwavering loyalty to their longterm partner despite turbulence in their relationship.
“[Wild Horses] is a testament to their talent, chemistry, and unfailing ability to rise above all the chaos,” American Songwriter wrote about the tune. In 2021, Rolling Stone listed the song in the 193rd position on its “500 Greatest Songs of All Time” list.
