The juggernaut of public support behind Britain's latest and possibly most unlikely singing sensation, Susan Boyle, is continuing to gather momentum.
Ms Boyle, a 47-year old spinster from Scotland, wowed the British public and Hollywood stars alike with her rendition of I Dreamed A Dream from the musical Les Miserables, for the ITV show Britain's Got Talent.
Bookmakers have continued to slash odds on the unemployed church volunteer from Blackburn in West Lothian, running out as overall winner of the show, despite the competition only being one week old.
Actress Demi Moore said she was reduced to tears by the performance after watching with husband Ashton Kutcher. After seeing the Scot sing online, Kutcher reportedly wrote on Twitter that it "just made my night". Ghost star Moore replied: "You saw it made me teary!"
Ms Boyle, complete with her distinctive curly locks, won over a sceptical audience to become a global phenomenon following her appearance on the show. Her rendition was also watched by millions online.
She has been catapulted into the limelight in America, where her story has been featured on US morning shows and news programmes.
Her local council in West Lothian has been inundated with messages of support for her from around the globe. Emails from admirers in Australia, Canada and the United States have been published on West Lothian Council's website.
She told the talent show that she dreamt of becoming a singer as successful as Elaine Paige.
Ladbrokes today slashed their odds from 11/10 to 1/2 for the Scottish chanteuse to run out as eventual winner. Paddy Power followed suit, cutting their odds on Ms Boyle winning the series to 5/6.
A Ladbrokes spokesman explained: "Susan Boyle is a phenomenon, it looks like a one-horse race. If Elton John entered he would have his work cut out, if the last week's anything to go by. We've never offered a shorter price."
