18 Apr 2009

Charity worker snapped up by Oprah Winfrey

5:47 pm on 18 April 2009

A middle-aged woman who has become an internet and media sensation, been invited to appear on Oprah Winfrey's chat show.

Scottish charity worker Susan Boyle became an overnight star after performing on a British TV talent contest.

A spokesperson for Oprah confirmed that Boyle, 47, had caught the attention of the Chicago-based television mogul Winfrey and was being lined up as a guest.

By Thursday, a video clip of Boyle's singing debut on the Britain's Got Talent television show last weekend has received more than 19 million views on YouTube, with the number rising fast.

US actress Demi Moore was apparently moved to tears by the clip, while the story was been picked up around the world, with US, Australian and other broadcasters reportedly queueing for interviews.

In the clip, the down-to-earth Boyle walked on stage, saying she dreamed of emulating West End star Elaine Page.

When she began to sing, the panel of three judges led by music guru Simon Cowell appeared visibly taken aback, and the audience in Glasgow rose to its feet as her voiced soared through I Dreamed A Dream from Les Miserables.