I’m all about rooting for the underdog. I’m also still a big musical theater whore, so when you combine the two, I’m in a little piece of nirvana.

I suppose that’s why I’ve yet to not get chills when I watch this YouTube clip of Susan Boyle’s performance from Britain’s Got Talent.

What. A. Voice.

This rendition of “I Dreamed a Dream” rivals that of the great La LuPone herself (sorry, but I am a Yank and so my heart rests with this particular American diva).

I also think it is more than telling that, even before anyone heard Ms. Boyle’s singing voice, they were already convinced that she was going to be horrid. Check the faces that the audience and the judges pull as she speaks of her dream of being a professional singer akin to West End diva Elaine Paige. And why? Because she doesn’t look like star material? And what would that look be? Britney Spears? Lindsey Lohan? Paris Hilton? All three are proof that looks are most assuredly not everything (or anything, for that matter).

I only hope that the lights shining down on Ms. Boyle as she sang weren’t so bright that she couldn’t see when the audience sprang to their feet (along with two of the three judges) to applaud her performance. Well deserved ovation, indeed.

I wish for nothing but spectacular things within Ms. Boyle’s future. According to this Daily Times article, she has already been in to speak with Simon Cowell regarding signing with his Sony BMG label. Good on ya, Susan.