Loser? Susan Boyle's laughing all the way to bank

Published on Sunday 31 May 2009 22:13

SCOTS singer Susan Boyle is still set to earn a fortune after her overnight success on Britain's Got Talent – despite failing to win the reality TV contest.

Experts are predicting the 48-year-old church volunteer has the potential to become a major recording artist within months thanks to the huge response to her appearances on the show.

More than 19 million viewers tuned in to watch the West Lothian spinster – hot favourite with bookmakers to triumph – fall at the final hurdle to dance troupe Diversity.

But Boyle is still widely expected to be handed a lucrative record deal with BGT mogul Simon Cowell's entertainment empire – and has already been tipped for West End musicals.

Her mentor for several years, voice coach Fred O'Neil, urged Boyle to take up as many offers as she could to capitalise on her worldwide fame.

PR guru Max Clifford said that Boyle, who had made a number of unsuccessful attempts to get on TV shows before getting her big break with BGT, had the potential to be as successful as previous winners, such as Paul Potts, who landed a 1 million deal with Cowell's Syco Music label.

Boyle's first TV appearance has been downloaded almost 200 million times. She has become a huge star in the United States after being praised by chat show host Oprah Winfrey and actress Demi Moore.

Although she has missed out on the first prize of 100,000 and a coveted slot at the Royal Variety Performance, Boyle is expected to head off on a BGT tour with the show's stars shortly.

BGT insiders say she is in line to make about 5 million from TV, advertising and record deals.

Mr Clifford added: "Get her into the studio, do an album of beautiful songs that suit her voice, with beautiful production. If she has a massive album, you are talking about millions."

Writing on his blog, BGT judge Piers Morgan said: "To me, she has been the show's greatest discovery. I'm only sorry that the tidal wave of publicity meant so many people got bored or irritated and decided not to vote for her."