Susan Boyle, posing at her home in Blackburn, Scotland, where she lives alone with her cat Pebbles, was up against nine other performers on Britain's Got Talent. (Associated Press)

Susan Boyle, the Scottish church volunteer who became a singing and internet sensation, reprised the first song she sang for Britain's Got Talent in the show's final round on Saturday but lost the crown to dance troupe Diversity.

Boyle, 48, sang I Dreamed A Dream from the musical Les Miserables, and received a standing ovation from the audience and judges. It was the song she chose for her initial audition in April.

As the hosts named the top three of the 10 final acts, Boyle paced around the stage 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."

She then curtsied several times to the audience, gave them her signature shimmy, and strolled offstage.

Her second-place finish came as a shock to those who have been following her story.

Boyle had been the odds-on favourite of the bookmakers and thousands of fans from around the world. But the increasing scrutiny got the better of her recently.

Earlier this week, she hit the headlines after getting into a shouting match with two reporters who were harassing her. It was revealed soon after that Boyle was on the edge of leaving before the finals and was on the verge of breaking down. She was moved to a safe house.

Flowing gown

Dressed in a flowing bronze gown on Saturday, Boyle seemed to have put that behind her. Her performance was note perfect.

"I want to thank people at home, the people in the audience, everybody," she said afterwards.

And she said it had been "well worth" the pressure of the last week.

"I'm among friends, am I not?" she asked rhetorically.

The judges lauded Boyle's performance.

"That to me, has been the greatest performance I have seen in this competition. You should win it," said Piers Morgan.

And Simon Cowell revealed he was impressed with her: "Win or lose you have the guts to come back here tonight, face your critics and you beat them. Whatever happens, you can walk away from this with your head held high."

Despite losing the talent contest, Boyle is widely expected to land a lucrative recording contract as a result of her global fame and impressive voice.

Diversity will also receive a £100,000 pound ($176,000 Cdn) prize and the chance to perform before Queen Elizabeth II at the Royal Variety Show.

Boyle had became a huge global hit after she surprised the show's judges and viewers with her soaring voice.

Video of the frumpy-looking singer, who lives in a small town with her cat, became a hit on YouTube, viewed more than 220 million times.

Besides Boyle and Diversity, the other competitors were:

• Aidan Davis, 11, dancer.
• Father-and-son comedy dance duo Stavros Flatley.
• Ten-member dance troupe Flawless.
• Grandfather and granddaughter singing act 2 Grand
• Welsh singer Shaheen Jafargholi, 12.
• Saxophonist Julian Smith.
• Singer Shaun Smith.
• Singer Hollie Steel, 10.

With files from The Associated Press