Piers Morgan on Susan Boyle: 'She can do whatever she wants now'

Piers Morgan was at the judging table when Britain's Got Talent's Susan Boyle wowed the audience -- and subsequently the world, via YouTube -- with her stirring, unexpected rendition of 'I Dreamed a Dream' from Les Miserables. The spectacle was moving enough to send the usually acerbic into a nearly speechless state. In an interview with EW.com, Morgan explains what happened that day of the show, how he'd feel if Boyle got a much-blogged-about makeover, and what fortune her future might hold.

Can you walk me through that day Susan Boyle performed?
It was one of the most unexpected things I’ve ever seen in my life. Before she came on, we had a whole day of very bad auditions -- eight hours of pretty grim acts doing pretty talentless things -- and we’d all had just about enough. Then on comes this woman and she’s going to sing like Elaine Page, and we’re all like, “Oh no, you’re not.”

How were you prepped about her beforehand?
Contrary to popular myth, we don’t get any warning at all about what the acts will be like. The reason for that is, if you knew, you wouldn’t have any spontaneity to your reaction. We are literally in the same position as the viewer, we have no idea who is coming on or what their talent is going to be.

So you thought she was just going to be another mediocre performer?
Yeah, we thought she was just going to be a bit of a joke and we’d all have a good laugh and we’d all go back to bed and think, “What a terrible day that was!” When she began to interact with us, she was making silly jokes and pulling funny faces and we’re like, “Oh dear, this is really going to be the end.”

How do you think she can parlay into mainstream, regardless of how well she does on Britain’s Got Talent? What kind of star can she be?
I honestly believe she can do whatever she wants now. I think that she’s going to be the star of a Broadway musical, a West End show, a movie, perhaps. When you have a voice like that and you have the worldwide attention that she’s had, the sky is the limit. In the end, her ambition, her own dream, was to be a professional singer. Well, she’s certainly going to be that because, if I’m not mistaken, Mr. Cowell will already be plotting a global album deal and probably a world tour. So Susan Boyle is going to live her dream.

You seemed much more excited than Simon about Susan, but you think he is that into her?
I spoke to Simon last night and he likes to keep a cool head on these kinds of things, but he said he’s never seen anything like this in his entire career. Ever. When you think about the career he’s had, that’s a pretty big statement. I think Simon’s keen that we don’t jeopardize the integrity of our competition because at the moment, she’s only passed an audition. She still has to take part in a live semi-final and a live final and, you know, anything could happen -- her voice might crack, she might forget her lines. I think there’s going to be huge pressure on her because everyone is expecting her to win. I happen to know from having done the auditions, there are some other great acts to come on Britain’s Got Talent.

Is there an act in this summer’s upcoming America’s Got Talent (premiering June 23) that could cause such a sensation?
I think there’s a possibility with two or three of them, yes. We’re only halfway through the audition stage, but I’ve already seen two or three acts which I think are sensational.

Would you be disappointed if next time Susan comes out to perform, she’s had a makeover?
I wouldn’t be disappointed; it’s entirely up to Susan what she does. But I think what part of her charm is the way she looks. She doesn’t look like the average size-zero pop star. She’s a 48-year-old woman, she’s comfortable in her own skin, she’s never been kissed, and she’s a very special lady. I think part of her appeal and charm is the way she is, so I hope she doesn’t change too much. If she comes out with a new haircut, fine; if she comes out with Simon Cowell teeth, I’ve got a problem with it."