TV talent sensations to sing for pope in Scotland

(August 20, 2010) Stars discovered on popular British television talent contests will perform for pilgrims during Pope Benedict XVI's visit to Scotland September 16. Michelle McManus, the 2003 winner of "Pop Idol" and television program host, will sing before the pope's Mass in Glasgow's Bellahouston Park, according to the press office of the Scottish bishops' conference. Susan Boyle, who gained worldwide fame in 2009 after her performances on "Britain's Got Talent," also will sing at a papal event, said Peter Kearney, director of communications for the Scottish bishops. Kearney said on August 19th that details of Boyle's performance would be released later in the month. Announcing the participation of McManus on August 18, Kearney said she would sing "Home," a song composed by her 22-year-old cousin Michael Brady. In addition, she will perform "From a Distance," a song made popular by Bette Midler. The church in Scotland expects up to 100,000 to attend Mass in the park.