Susan Boyle has become the first female artist to simultaneously have a No 1 album in the United States and UK twice in less than a year. Her album The Gift reached No 1 in the UK on Sunday, and took the top spot across the Atlantic on Wednesday. It comes after her debut album I Dreamed A Dream achieved the same success following its release last year. The only other acts to have achieved this in the history of music were The Monkees in 1967 and the Beatles in 1969, according to her UK company Sony. Susan Boyle said: "I've never felt happier in all my life. This is an amazing result and one I never expected." The Scot was catapulted from obscurity to global stardom after appearing on last year's Britain's Got Talent contest. The singer, from West Lothian, became an international star after her performance of I Dreamed A Dream from the musical Les Miserables stunned the audience and judges on the ITV1 show. Britain's Got Talent judge Simon Cowell said: "I'm thrilled for Susan, she has once again defied the odds. She is my superwoman." In 2009 I Dreamed A Dream became the biggest selling album in the world and fastest selling in the history of the charts - with more than 10 million copies sold - and breaking all pre-order sales records on Amazon. The Gift was released last Monday. Steve Barnett, chairman of Columbia Records, said: "The overwhelming positive response to Susan's new album is a powerful testament to her unique talent. She's able to touch the hearts of her fans around the world who continue to show their loyal support and devotion."
