Since her stunning “Britain’s Got Talent” audition tape went viral in 2009, Susan Boyle has become one of the world’s most popular singers. Now the Scottish singer finally makes her way to the United States for a 21-date tour in support of her sixth and latest album, “Hope,” which features her billowy covers of classic songs by John Lennon, Simon & Garfunkel and Pink Floyd, among others. We spoke with Boyle, 53, at her home in Blackburn shortly before the tour kicked off. She performs Saturday at the Orpheum Theatre in San Francisco.
Q: This is your sixth album but first American tour. What took so long?
A: You have to pick the right songs and get yourself ready for the public. If you don’t do that, then you’re not going to do it right. You have to be careful.
Q: You take on some pretty iconic songs on this album, like John Lennon’s “Imagine” and Pink Floyd’s “Wish You Were Here.” Were you at all intimidated?
A: I think you have to really push yourself to your absolute limit. You have to push your talent somewhere else. Those songs helped me do that. The theme to the album overall was inspiration. These songs all fit that theme.
Q: I think the key is that you don’t try to copy the originals but in some way make them your own.
A: You have to really feel a song to perform it. A lot of people try to sing like the original artists but I don’t think they’re doing anyone any favors. It’s really better to do it as yourself. It’s more honest.
Q: Your career has been going nonstop since the “Britain’s Got Talent” audition. Has it been easier adjusting to this life than you imagined?
A: In the very beginning it was very difficult. I had a lot to learn. As the years progressed, I got more relaxed about doing interviews and how I presented myself. It’s gotten easier. It’s become second nature, really.
Q: Are you happy fame came when you were a little older?
A: I wouldn’t be able to handle it so well if I was younger. I can take it more levelheadedly because I’m at a certain age.
Q: A while ago there was some talk of making a film of your life story with Meryl Streep in the lead role. Is that still happening?
A: That was one of the names. There’s nothing really finalized yet.
Q: How would you feel about seeing your life on the screen?
A: I’ve seen it in a musical theater context. I’ve seen the characters portrayed onstage. It’s really enjoyable and entertaining.
Susan Boyle: 8 p.m. Saturday. $55-$115. SHN Orpheum Theatre, 1192 Market St., S.F. (415) 551-2000. www.axs.com.
