HOLLYWOOD, Calif. — In less than a week's time, Susan Boyle has gone from obscurity to the world's most famous star.
The unemployed 47-year-old singer splashed onto the scene last weekend when she appeared on "Britain's Got Talent." After taking the stage to snickers, Boyle's rendition of "I Dreamed a Dream" from the musical "Les Miserables" wowed both the audience and judges, including the often cynical Simon Cowell.
"Everyone was laughing at you — no one is laughing now, said fellow judge Piers Morgan. "Susan Boyle is not just a good singer, she's a fantastic singer."
Boyle's stunning performance has since gone viral, with more than 11 million people having watched her showbiz debut on YouTube.
On Thursday, the Blackburn, Scotland native made what was billed as her "first U.S. performance" as she appeared on CBS News' "The Early Show." Boyle told the show that her sudden fame "hasn't really sunk in yet." She spent many years caring for her mother, who recently died but is the motivation behind her will to sing.
"I wanted to make this a tribute to my mother. I knew it was something I had to do. I had to get on with it. That's where the courage came from, my mother," she told the show.
"Early Show" hosts Maggie Rodriguez and Harry Smith requested the chance to hear Boyle belt out the song again and she delivered another performance that wowed everyone, including Broadway's Patti LuPone, who first introduced the song in 1985.
"I'm crying," said LuPone, who was listening by phone. "Susan, you've got pluck, girl."
Video: Susan Boyle singing on Britain's Got Talent
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