Is This Guy the Next Susan Boyle?

Danyl Johnson becomes newest overnight sensation to spring from the U.K. after auditioning for Simon Cowell's The X Factor

Remember all the talent and promise (the pre-meltdown) Susan Boyle possessed? Well, take that, add sparkling eyes, oozing charisma, natural stage presence and something of an aesthetic upper hand, and you have Britain's newest overnight sensation.

Danyl Johnson exploded into the public consciousness over the weekend, when he was one of the first auditioners to be featured on the new season of The X Factor, Simon Cowell's British answer to American Idol.

The 27-year-old teacher's audition started off pleasing enough, but soon thundered into what had to be the performance of Johnson's life, ending with no less discerning a critic than Cowell himself giving the singer's rendition of "With a Little Help From My Friends" a standing ovation and calling it "single-handedly the best first audition I have ever heard."

"He could be one of the best contestants we've ever had," Cowell said later.

We're inclined to agree. Watch the (unembeddable) video and let us know: Are you hot for teacher?

Poll

X Factor Poll

Is Danyl Johnson the next Susan Boyle?

Yes! He's got the looks, the range and my vote!

Yes! He's got the looks, the range and my vote!

52.7%

No! Not unless you mean he's going to fall short of winning. I've seen better.

No! Not unless you mean he's going to fall short of winning. I've seen better.

16.2%

Maybe. There's only been one audition show, let's not jump the gun.

Maybe. There's only been one audition show, let's not jump the gun.

31.1%

Vote Now