Lily Allen has said Susan Boyle, who on Sunday qualified for the final of Britain's Got Talent, is overrated.

The Smile singer also accused judge Simon Cowell of being “not cool” after a 10-year-old contestant was reduced to tears on the ITV show.

Natalie Okri, from London, was denied a place in the final by Simon in favour of the dance act, Diversity.

In a message on the micro-blogging website, Twitter, Lily said: “Can I just say, I think Britain's Got Talent is verging on child cruelty.

“That poor little Natalie girl. Also Susan Boyle is so overrated.”

The signer added: “My god daughter aged 4 was in a hysterical fit of tears. Not cool Cowell.”


Susan Boyle on Britain's Got Talent semi final.

Susan Boyle, 47, who shot to fame last month, was voted through to the final by public vote following her performance of Memory from the musical Cats.

Along with Diversity, Susan will be joined in the final by another dance act, Flawless, and singer Gareth Oliver after they triumphed in last night's second semi-final.

Three more semi-finals will take place this week, before the final of the talent show is broadcast on ITV1 this Saturday.

See Susan celebrating getting through to the BGT final below