NBC Insider Exclusive

Create a free profile to get unlimited access to exclusive show news, updates, and more!

Sign Up For Free to View
NBC Insider Holiday

Susan Boyle's Reverent Cover of "Away in a Manger" Is Biblical Euphoria

The Britain's Got Talent Season 3 finalist performed the song a year after she went viral on the show. 

By Jackie Manno
AGT Winner Richard Goodall Marries Girlfriend | America's Got Talent | NBC
Video thumbnail
Now Playing
2:57
Web Exclusive
AGT Winner Richard Goodall Marries Girlfriend | America's Got Talent | NBC
Video thumbnail
7:14
Highlight
Perfect Mother's Day Gift Box With MorningSave
Video thumbnail
30:17
Web Exclusive
Amy Poehler Tries to Make Seth Cry, Shows Off Her Cher Moonstruck Impersonation and More
Video thumbnail
0:55
Highlight
Jennifer Beals Jokingly Calls Out Kelly Clarkson Over Viral Wink
Video thumbnail
1:56
Excerpt
Karen Read’s second murder trial gets underway
Video thumbnail
0:56
Excerpt
Musk: time at DOGE will drop significantly starting next month
Video thumbnail
0:54
Excerpt
Whooping cough infections spike as vaccination rates drop
Video thumbnail
1:45
Excerpt
U.S. health officials announce plan to ban artificial dyes from food
Video thumbnail
2:06
Excerpt
School leaders ban together against Trump administration
Video thumbnail
3:57
Excerpt
Vatican releases new details about remembrance for Pope Francis
Video thumbnail
2:00
Excerpt
Sources: Military information Hegseth shared came from secure messages
Video thumbnail
0:52
Excerpt
American cardinal temporarily leading the Vatican
Video thumbnail
3:18
Highlight
Fashion Designer Recycles Red Solo Cups Into Sweaters
Video thumbnail
7:25
Highlight
Kelly Clarkson Celebrates Earth Day With Permaculture Garden Build Surprise
Video thumbnail
4:55
Highlight
Kesha Surprises Kelly Clarkson With Ghost Hunting Starter Pack
Video thumbnail
17:59
Highlight
Bradley Whitford & Dulé Hill Gorilla Walk & Tap Dance On Kelly Clarkson Show 'West Wing' Reunion
Video thumbnail
1:14
Highlight
Guest Star Sarah Catherine Hook: Woman Claims "Machine Elves" Attacked Her | Law & Order: SVU | NBC
Video thumbnail
1:38
Highlight
Frost Yells at a Patient’s Parents for Exploiting Their Son | Chicago Med | NBC

In 2010, Susan Boyle put a unique spin on a classic Christmas carol.

How to Watch

Watch the Season 20 premiere of America's Got Talent on Tuesday, May 27 at 8/7c on NBC and next day on Peacock

When the Britain's Got Talent Season 3 finalist appeared on a holiday special in New York City over a decade ago, she performed a breathtaking rendition of "Away in a Manger" that will send chills down your spine. 

During the performance, a youth choir sang the introduction lyrics before Boyle jumped in, crooning with some gentle vibrato. The song reached a lovely crescendo as Boyle sang with a steady tone, wrapping things up with a confident note. 

Listen to the wonderful performance here

That wasn't the only time that Boyle has sung a universally beloved gospel tune. In 2019, she also appeared on BBC's Song of Praise to sing "Amazing Grace" at the Glasgow Cathedral.  Watch the performance here

Susan Boyle attends the BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards in 2014

And listen to Boyle's studio version of "Away in a Manger" in the video, below. The song appears on Boyle's 2010 holiday album The Gift, which reached number one both in the U.K. and U.S. and is certified triple platinum. Other covers featured on the record include "O Holy Night" and "Do You Hear What I Hear?"

RELATED: Susan Boyle's Cover of "O Holy Night" Is Absolutely Angelic

What to know about "Away in a Manger"

"Away in a Manger" is a classic Christmas carol with music composed by hymn writer William J. Kirkpatrick in the late 1800s. According to The Cincinnati Enquirerthe tune was penned in Philadelphia in 1895, and was originally titled "The Cradle Song."

Per The Cincinnati EnquirerAs of today, it is unknown who wrote the lyrics of the song, as they were previously incorrectly credited to theologian Martin Luther. However, C. Michael Hawn, professor of sacred music at Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University, said that the lyrics first appeared in an 1885 Sunday school book titled Little Children's Book for Schools and Families. Lyrically, the songs tell the story about the birth of Jesus according to the Bible.  

RELATED: Catch Susan Boyle's Beautiful Version of Judy Garland's "Over the Rainbow"

Susan Boyle herself has a strong faith. "My faith is incredibly important to me on every level," she told The Christian Post. "It gets me through those moments of self-doubt and also allows me to understand that this gift of my career, later in life, is from a higher power."