![dek](https://content.time.com/time/2010/time100_poll_walkup/boyle_susan.jpg)
Age: 49
Occupation: Singer, reality-TV star
Previous TIME 100 Appearances: 0
Because Boyle did not exist, it was necessary to invent her, during an April 2009 episode of Britain's Got Talent. In an age desperately searching for authenticity, the reality-show-cum-talent-contest devised and judged by Simon Cowell showcased Boyle's soaring voice and earthbound style, launching a career that has found chart success on both sides of the Atlantic and name-checks on South Park and The Simpsons.