Singing sensation Susan Boyle will have another week to make a magical “Memory!”
The frumpy church volunteer and worldwide web hit advanced to the final of “Britain’s Got Talent” by nailing a winning rendition of “Memory” from the musical “Cats” Sunday night.
Boyle, 48, was obviously tense as she took the stage for her first live performance since her famous YouTube moment. Boyle clutched her stomach with her left hand during the first few nervous notes.
But by “Memory’s” final chorus, the smiling, full-throated Boyle was in total control, with the audience and judges on their feet.
After show hosts Anthony “Ant” McPartlin and Declan “Dec” Donnelly announced that Boyle had won the public’s phone vote to advance to Saturday’s final, she put her hands on her hips and shimmied in joy.
“Hey this one’s for you Piers … Piers-y baby!” Boyle said, shaking her hips at judge Piers Morgan.
Boyle took the world by storm last month with her rendition of “I Dreamed a Dream” from “Les Miserables.”
Boyle’s dowdy looks and quirky mannerisms — combined with her jaw-dropping singing skill — made her an Internet sensation. Her “Dream” performance has been watched more than 60 million times on YouTube.
After Sunday night’s show, judge Simon Cowell told Boyle he had sorely under-estimated her.
“You know what, I just want to apologize because of the way we treated you before you sang the first time,” he said. “You made me and everyone else look very stupid and I’m very happy for you, very proud for you.
“You are one special lady, I have to say, you really are,” Cowell said.
Boyle wore a simple, beaded purple dress, but her hair was more colored and styled that in her tryout performance.
“Fantastic, absolutely fantastic,” she said after the show, insisting she wasn’t nervous. “What pressure? I’ve really enjoyed myself tonight .ñ.ñ. I’m very happy to be here and thank you all for your support.”
There are four more shows this week to select the top 10 performers for a finale next Saturday night.
The winner will on Britain’s annual Royal Variety Show — attended by members of the royal family — and win a $159,000 prize.
With Post Wire Services