London, Dec 26 (IANS) If 2009 made her a star, Scottish singing sensation says 2010 is the year she came of age.

What could be termed a fairytale rise to fame, in 2010, ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ winner Boyle met the Pope, smashed world records for music sales, performed to millions around the world and even got a cherished diamond bracelet from -music moghul Simon Cowell, reports mirror.co.uk.

‘It’s been an absolutely fantastic 12 months. The year 2009 had been the best of my life and I never thought it possible to top it – but 2010 did just that,’ said the 49-year-old.

‘This past year has been my growing-up time. I know there’s still a long way to go in my journey but I hope to prove to people that dreams don’t have an expiry date,’ she added.

Not bad for a woman who, just 18 months ago, was living in a council house in -Blackburn, West Lothian, with her cat -Pebbles.