Susan Boyle Comes in Second in Britain's Got Talent

She dreamed a dream, and it very nearly came true. But Susan Boyle's reality show journey finished Saturday with a second-place finish in the finals of Britain's Got Talent, an ending that didn't fit the fairy tale. Instead of the 48-year-old internet sensation, an exuberant dance troupe called Diversity took the 100,000-pound ($159,000) prize and will perform for Queen Elizabeth II at the Royal Variety Show.

Boyle paced around the stage as the hosts named the top three of the ten final acts, and looked almost relieved when her name was called as the runner-up. She recovered in time to graciously praise the dancers. "The best people won," Boyle said. "They're very entertaining. Lads, I wish you all the best." Boyle then curtsied several times to the audience, gave them her signature shimmy, and strolled offstage.

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But when she stepped into the spotlight Saturday, Boyle seemed more polished -- and animated -- than in previous appearances. She wore a modest, but glamorous, floor-length gown, and chose to go back to the song that rocketed her into the international spotlight: "I Dreamed a Dream," from the musical "Les Miserables."

Her hometown of Blackburn, Scotland -- a small, working class village about 10 miles (16 kilometers) west of Edinburgh -- rallied round her, stringing up posters and signs in her support. Friends and neighbors gathered at a local pub to watch the performance.