Susan Boyle may not look like a typical reality show contestant, but the unemployed church volunteer is now known around the world for her recent unexpected performance.

The 47-year-old from Scotland appeared April 11 on the first episode of reality show series Britain's Got Talent.

American Idol's Simon Cowell is a judge on the show and when Boyle walked onto the audition stage, he didn't seem to have high expectations.

Sarcastically, he asked where she was from, how old she was and what she dreams of becoming. The crowd laughed after she revealed her age and said her dream was to be a professional singer.

But the laughing quickly turned to cheering when she started singing.  Click here to watch all of Boyle's performance.

Boyle's rendition of I Dreamed a Dream from Les Miserables has made her the front runner to win Britain's Got Talent.

Cowell says he's even lining up a record deal for her.

Before the audition, Boyle said she did most of her singing in her church choir.