Susan Boyle readies her first U.S. tour

NEW YORK -- Five years after her musical breakthrough, Susan Boyle says she's feeling confident and comfortable -- and ready to launch her first U.S. tour.

The 53-year-old will hit the road in October on a 21-date trek. Boyle said she hadn't been ready to take on the tour after her pop culture moment in 2009, but now she's more relaxed and ready to perform.

"I didn't have the confidence. I didn't have the right experience, but I feel more ready now, and I really can't wait," she said Thursday from her home in Scotland.

Boyle was chipper and excited when talking about her American tour, which she said will include "a few surprises." The tour begins Oct. 8 in San Diego; tickets go on sale June 9.

She said the tour is a "thank you" to fans. She's released an album each year since she captivated the world when she sang "I Dreamed a Dream" on "Britain's Got Talent" in 2009. She's sold more than 14 million records worldwide.

"The adaptation at first wasn't very easy because you have to get used to it at first," she said of learning to deal with fame. "It's like a baby learning to walk really. But once ... you see the people embrace you, it becomes easier."

Boyle revealed last year she had been diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome, a form of autism. She said she's healthy and feeling better than ever.

"Everything is fine. I've never felt better. I'm ready to go," she said.

Boyle's tour, which includes performances in Sacramento, California, Phoenix and Atlanta, will wrap Nov. 6 in Jacksonville, Florida.

"I like to be kept busy, but I'd like to see some of the country as well. And I'll be traveling by bus anyway, so I'll see most of the country anyway," she said.

Boyle said her tour will include new material. She's finished her sixth album, due out this year, which heads in a "jazzy blues direction."

Outside of music, Boyle said she's interested in acting after making her big-screen debut in the holiday movie "The Christmas Candle."

"I haven't done much acting before ... so it felt a bit strange to begin with. But once you get used to it, it becomes fun and you start to enjoy yourself," she said.

"I'd like to balance the books a bit -- I'd like to do a bit of singing and a bit of acting."

Would she consider Broadway?

"The sky's the limit. I'm open to offers," she said, laughing.

She's open to offers from musicians who want to collaborate, though she wants to make an offer to one singer.

"My favorite performer is Michael Bublé and I'd like to work with him at some point," she said.

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Online:

http://www.susanboylemusic.com/us/