Susan Boyle

Word has spread quickly about Scottish singing sensation Susan Boyle. She appeared on “Britain’s Got Talent” last week, and she hasn’t left the spotlight since. She appeared on CNN’s “American Morning” today, and reported that she was “absolutely gobsmacked” by her sudden fame.

Meaning of “gobsmacked”: very surprised, dumbfounded.

What’s all the fuss?

So why has this “Britain’s Got Talent” performer suddenly skyrocketed to fame? Well, it seems the judges and the audience were gobsmacked as well. They took one look at her and expected the worst.

But the 47-year-old Scottish charity worker surprised everyone with a rendition of “I Dreamed a Dream” from “Les Miserables” that moved people all over the world to tears.

Will fame lead to fortune?

One fan who was moved to tears: “Today Show” host Kathie Lee Gifford. Boyle has also been interviewed on CBS. Word on the street is now Oprah Winfrey is seeking an interview.

So who stands to cash in in Boyle’s success? Certainly Boyle herself could make a pretty penny off of the limelight through cash advances on record deals. If she has ever considered seeking debt relief help, she probably won’t need to worry about that anymore.

Foreshadowing of fate?

“Britain’s Got Talent” winner Paul Potts, who took the title in 2007, went on to have a No. 1 album in 15 countries. If Boyle follows in his footsteps, she’ll be raking in the Benjamins in no time. The 10 finalists for this season’s “Britain’s Got Talent” won’t be announced until the end of May, but I think the entire world will be absolutely gobsmacked if she doesn’t make it.

As with many internet and TV sensations before her, everyone wants a piece of the Susan Boyle action.

Get your Susan Boyle merchandise!

A 10-year old recording of Boyle singing “Cry Me a River” recently surfaced, and people are already hawking it on eBay. The song is from a CD that was recorded for charity in 1999. You can also purchase a pink T-shirt proclaiming “I (heart) Susan Boyle!”

Boyle’s amazing singing voice and her appearance have sparked debate in the United States about whether someone who doesn’t fit entertainment-industry standards of beauty can be turned into a real money-making machine. We will find out soon enough.