SEND SUSAN BOYLE HOME

Susan Boyle performed live on NBC's Today Show then took a break in the Rock Centre café at the Rockefeller Centre. While there fans presented Boyle with a quilt which was handstitched by hundreds of fans from countries including the UK, USA, Canada, Mexico, Poland, Japan and Antarctica (really Antarctica?). Quite sweet. But Boyle found the gesture and all the attention overwhelming, because shortly thereafter Boyle started sucking her thumb intensely and then while leaving the table she appeared to burst into tears. Moments later, apparently as she realized her fans were watching, she composed herself and performed a little dance.

A spokesman for the star, 48, from West Lothian, played down the episode, saying: "She was just overjoyed and extremely touched with the reception she has had from everyone in America."

But a source told The Daily Mirror: "Everyone around her is acutely aware how susceptible she is to becoming emotional when under stress. She has just undertaken a tour of America, which would put anyone under enormous pressure.

"It seems to have taken its toll and she was visibly upset. She is being closely monitored and given all the support she needs."

Why is this woman touring? Let her put out albums, and allow her to promote them by doing taped televised interviews and the odd live performance. But that’s it. She obviously lacks the mental capacity for it.