Susan Boyle broke down in tears shortly after a flawless live performance on American television, raising concerns about her ability to cope with fame. The 48-year-old singer became overwhelmed during a fan lunch at the Rock Centre Cafe in New York's Rockefeller Centre, where she was seen trembling, sucking her thumb, and sobbing.
The emotional moment came just after she received a patchwork quilt knitted by fans from 28 countries. A spokesman said she was 'overjoyed and extremely touched' by the reception. However, the incident has prompted fresh questions about her wellbeing, following a previous stay at The Priory rehabilitation centre after finishing second on Britain's Got Talent in May.
Despite the strain, Boyle quickly recovered and performed a lively dance. She has been promoting her debut album, 'I Dreamed A Dream', which sold 134,000 copies in the UK on its first day of release, making it the fastest-selling album of the year. The album is expected to sell nearly 400,000 copies in its first week.
During an interview on NBC's Today Show, Boyle said fame had made her 'grow up a bit' and 'become more of a lady'. She dedicated the album to her late mother, saying she wanted to 'pay her back by trying to be something'. Boyle returned to her home in Blackburn, Scotland, today.
