As if a hit album and worldwide adoration weren't enough - Susan Boyle has achieved her dream of singing with her musical idol.
The Scottish singer, 48, looked overcome with joy as she teamed up with Elaine Paige to sing the latter's hit duet I Know Him So Well.
The pairing was kept secret from Miss Boyle until shortly before the performance, which was for a TV special that charts her rise to fame this year.
She dreamed a dream: Susan Boyle with her idol Elaine Paige in the ITV special I Dreamed A Dream: The Susan Boyle Story
Afterwards, the Britain's Got Talent winner said: 'I never thought I would see myself standing on the same stage with such an icon from West End theatre, let alone singing with her as an equal.'
How far she's come: Susan Boyle in April, left, at her Britain's Got Talent audition, and yesterday, right, looking polished on her TV special
Emotional: With the programme host Piers Morgan and the cast of Les Mis
The TV special, called I Dreamed A Dream: The Susan Boyle Story, is likely to cement the album in the No.1 slot for the Christmas chart.
It will be broadcast on Sunday night after The X Factor final.
source: dailymail.co.uk
She dreamed a dream: Susan Boyle with her idol Elaine Paige in the ITV special I Dreamed A Dream: The Susan Boyle Story 
