For me, I consider she is even better than Paul. So touching just from her voice and from her heart, especially the first time I listen, I wasn't watching how she looks like yet.
So true that it is a real wake up call for anyone who look down upon others by their appearance.
She's really good no doubt.
An artist's life is hard to walk, everything is about chance and the good thing about these shows is it gives that chance to different people. She mentioned she has started training to be a professional singer since she was 12, so this is definitely not overnight success -- its a result of hard work .
There are probably tons of awesome opera singers that is parallel to her skills, but I think the main reason that she is such a big hit over night is that she ignited hope in everyone. There is a Susan Boyle inside everyone's hearts; everyone gets judged by the cover everyday and everyone is looking for that chance to get out of this shell. She is well-received for the same reason as the movie "Slumdog Millionaire" ---- that 人生必要傳奇一次. Susan's success brought hope that everyone can still shine...