Reports in the British press today say that singing sensation Susan Boyle became upset and uttered a profanity when a Britain's Got Talent judge praised one of Boyle's rivals in the popular singing competition.

Boyle became an Internet phenomenon earlier this year when YouTube videos of her performance became hugely popular. Boyle is a favourite to win the competition, whose judged include American Idol judge Simon Cowell.

According to reports, Boyle was watching the show with more than 100 other guests at a hotel when judge Piers Morgan told 12-year-old singer Shaheen Jafargholi – who also became popular on YouTube – that the boy had just given 'the best singing performance we have heard in the semi-finals so far.'

The report says Boyle then made a two-fingered gesture at the television and shouted "f--- off!"

But a spokeswoman for Boyle denied that the 48-year-old singer was even in the room at the time. According to the spokeswoman, Boyle had already returned to her room by the time it was Jafargholi's turn.

It wasn't all bad news for Boyle, however, as another big name jumped on her bandwagon.

Kelly Clarkson, the winner of the debut season of American Idol in 2002, says she's a fan of surprise British singing star, adding to a growing number of celebrity admirers that already include Oprah Winfrey and Demi Moore.

"I think it's awesome. I'm bawling whenever I hear her sing," Clarkson told The Associated Press in Hong Kong, saying Boyle's rendition of "I Dreamed a Dream" from the musical Les Misérables sounded beautiful.

Clarkson was in Hong Kong promoting her new album, All I Ever Wanted.

Boyle, who lives alone with her cat, became one of the world's hottest celebrities after surprising judges with her singing. An unemployed church worker from Scotland's West Lothian district, she captured hearts with her back story of "having never been kissed."

In late April, Boyle appeared on the cover of The Sun tabloid sporting freshly dyed and styled brown locks and newly shaped eyebrows.