Patti LuPone Salutes Scottish Singing Sensation Susan Boyle

After her unexpected and stunning rendition of “I Dreamed a Dream” from Les Miserables on the British TV show Britain’s Got Talent melted cynics’ hearts the world over, Scotland’s new overnight sensation and international YouTube star Susan Boyle has received her biggest validation yet—the praise and blessing of Tony-winning Broadway diva Patti LuPone, who originally sang the song in the musical’s premiere London production in 1985.

During Boyle’s appearance on CBS’ The Early Show on April 17, LuPone phoned in from Birmingham, Michigan to say she was moved to tears while watching the clip on YouTube with her husband. “Susan, you’ve got pluck, girl!” said LuPone, who explained the challenges of singing the song. “I saw it was pretty powerful on YouTube, so I can imagine what it was like live. Susan has so much courage.”

“How’s that for an endorsement, Susan?” co-anchor Julie Chen asked Boyle, who appeared via video from Blackburn, Scotland. “That’ll do,” answered Boyle, laughing and smiling so much her eyes were closed. “That’s fine.”

Next week The Early Show will start a search to find America’s Susan Boyle. Now there’s a tough act to follow.