By Lee A. Daniels

When Scotswoman Susan Boyle walked out on the stage of the British reality talent show, “Britain’s Got Talent,” ten days ago, she seemed a prime candidate for one of those painfully embarrassing dismissals such shows thrive on.

After all, she looked right for the part: a middle-aged woman, seemingly unschooled in the arts of fashion and sophistication. Surely, her singing voice would confirm the quick, world-weary, dismissive assessment that was evident on Simon Cowell’s face – and our own.

Susan Boyle on "Britian's Got Talent"

But Susan Boyle defied our expectations, and exposed our prejudices. The moment she began “I Dreamed A Dream,” from “Les Miserables” – “a big song,” as Cowell interjected when its first notes were sounding – we knew we were hearing a voice full of achievement and promise. We knew we were caught in an extraordinary moment.

As this is being written on the morning of April 20, the YouTube seven-minute video of Boyle’s performance has been viewed more than 33 million times, shattering all previous records. She has become a worldwide sensation, admired for her down-to-earth personality as well as her dreamy voice.

Admired, also, I think, because of what she represents. Susan Boyle is:

Another confirmation of the power of art to transform both the artist and the audience.

Further proof that artistic talent, like all other human qualities, is distributed randomly throughout our species.

Advice that looks, being no indicator of individual character, can be deeply deceiving.

Startling evidence that when the gates of opportunity are opened wider, some one – or some dozens, or hundreds — like Susan Boyle will come walking into the main arenas of the society.

And, finally, a sharp rebuke to those of us who wear cynicism like a heavy cloak. Susan Boyle is a reminder that, no matter our station in life, or our age, or our looks, dreams are still worth dreaming – and pursuing.