The Susan Boyle Phenomenon

Two nights ago, Tuesday, Anderson Cooper showed a clip of an amazing performance on the reality show "Britain's Got Talent." He said that Susan Boyle, the 47-year-old woman in the video clip, had received over 4 million views on the video on YouTube since her performance. Anderson Cooper and his producers were so impressed with the lady's performance, they nearly showed the entire video clip. On Thursday, Susan Boyle sang for "Anderson Cooper 360."

An avid fan of singing competitions myself, this writer was smitten with the video, with the entire performance, from Ms. Boyle's unassuming but confident statement that she would rock the place in the 7 minute video available on YouTube to the surprisingly beautiful lyrics she sang. And she made good on her word. She rocked the hall, shocking everyone there, including the "Britain's Got Talent" judges (which panels international brutes Simon Cowell and Piers Morgan). Everyone came to their feet for this dowdy woman in a print dress.

And then the world fell in love with her. By the Wednesday morning, the first video of her performance had received nearly 6 million views. By 11 p.m. that evening, the video clip had almost 9 million views. By around 6 p.m. on Thursday, the total had reached over 12 million views. At midnight, the views had reached nearly 16.5 million.

And that was just one of the videos of the event. Several others have gone over the million views mark.

"It hasn't changed me one bit," she told CNN in an interview. If it has done anything, she says it may have made her more humble. Susan Boyle says she is still in shock and a little overwhelmed. She says the way people have "embraced" her since singing is the most surprising. "The way they seem to have apparently fallen in love with me."

And that they have. She has inspired millions around the world. CNN reported that Susan Boyle has begun receiving quite a bit of fan mail. The world's media is seeking her out. People are actually coming to her door at Blackburn, West Lothian, Scotland, and asking for autographs. CNN also reported that they have received hundreds of messages at their studios wishing the singer well.

In the meantime, Simon Cowell reportedly has been trying to put together a recording contract for her. But Susan says she is concentrating on winning "Britain's Got Talent." Her performance just got her to the second round of the competition. If she wins, she will take home the top prize of the equivalent of $150,000 and she will get to sing for Queen Elizabeth II.

And she's managed to keep her cheeky sense of humor as well. "If it all gets too much and they lock me up, I want a great big strait-jacket with spots on . A pink one... and a big zip on the back so I can escape."

When asked what she might share of her experience, Susan Boyle said, "Go for it." And why not? That's what she did on "Britain's Got Talent." Unemployed. Unmarried. Never been kissed.

And she knew she could sing. Now the entire world knows as well.

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Susan Boyle sings "I Dreamed A Dream" acapella for "Anderson Cooper 360."

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Sources:

CNN.com

"Anderson Cooper 360," CNN Television

"Britain's Got Talent," BBC Television

YouTube.com