Susan Boyle has eclipsed her idol Madonna as she becomes the first female artist simultaneously to have a number one album in Britain and America in less than one year.

The Scottish singer joins the ranks of The Beatles and The Monkees, the only other two groups to have achieved this success.

“It’s pretty amazing. I’m overwhelmed but delighted… It’s hard to put into words,” Boyle said. “I’ve never felt happier in all my life. This is an amazing result and one I never expected.”

Her album “The Gift” hit number one in Britain on Sunday and topped the charts in America on Wednesday.

Simon Cowell said of the former Britain’s Got Talent contestant: “I’m thrilled for Susan. She has once again defied the odds. She is my superwoman.”

The record contains a cover of Lou Reed’s Perfect Day, who also directed the music video for it.

Despite this success, Boyle allots herself just a £500 pound allowance a week, according to the Daily Mail.

Her first album, “I Dreamed a Dream” became the number one selling album in the world in 2009 and has sold nine million copies.