Susan Boyle's first album has become the best-selling album debut by a female artist in the history of the US Billboard chart.

'I Dreamed A Dream' sold more than 700,000 copies in its first seven days, also making it the fastest selling album of 2009.

It beat Rihanna's new album 'Rated R', which charted at number four, to the topspot.

Lady GaGa's re-released album, 'The Fame Monster', which includes eight new tracks, was a new entry at number five.

The 47-year-old now holds the top spot on both sides of the Atlantic after debuting at number one in the UK on Sunday.

The Britain's Got Talent star's album sold 410,000 copies, becoming the fast-selling debut album in UK chart history.

Boyle shot to fame earlier this year when footage of her as a contestant on the TV talent show spread across the Internet.

(by Jason Gregory)