Connie's in line for millions

The six-year-old gap-toothed Walsall schoolgirl was the bookies' favourite but was pipped at the post by mobile phone salesman turned opera singer Paul Potts.

A recording contract with Simon Cowell may still be on the cards for the little girl from Streetly, who has won the hearts of the nation.

The music mogul, who championed the youngster throughout the show, once declared that he hated children but said Connie had finally "melted his heart" and that a deal with Sony BMG is there if she wants it.

Millions of viewers watched the final of the ratings winner last night as the tiny singer again stole the hearts of judges with her rendition of Somewhere Over The Rainbow, the song she sang at her grandmother Violet's funeral.

And when she was asked why she wanted to win the show she cheekily said: "It would be the goodest thing ever. If I met the Queen I would do a big smile."

Her performance once again reduced judge Amanda Holden to tears and she told the audience that Connie had warned her before the show that she would make her cry.

Cowell told her: "Not only are you a great singer, you've got guts. You're brilliant." But it was not enough for little Connie to win the public vote – and Potts walked away with the £100,000 prize money and the chance to perform in front of the Queen.

Other hopefuls in the final included a breakdancing group, a ventriloquist and a pair of barmen who juggled bottles and glasses. Last night Connie's mother Sharon Talbot, 38, said the family were all still in shock. "We are all absolutely stunned. The whole thing has been mind blowing for myself and the family, but a fantastic experience for us all.

"Since the show started our lives have been a whirlwind. When people say Connie could be the next Charlotte Church it is just so unbelievable. But ever since she has been able to talk she has been singing and it what she loves to do more than anything.

"There has been talk of recording contracts but we will have to have a think about the future and a proper discussion with Connie about what she wants."

Despite her perfect voice, which has won the hearts of the nation and given her worldwide acclaim on Youtube, Connie has never had a single singing lesson and has previously only ever sung along to a karaoke machine.

Her stunning voice emerged in tragic circumstances, when she used to sing to her dying grandmother in a hospice.

Connie's rendition of Somewhere Over The Rainbow from the Wizard of Oz was the only thing that would cheer up Violet, who died of breast cancer, aged 72, two years ago.

Connie auditioned for Britain's Got Talent in Birmingham. The judges instantly realised her star quality and put her through to the next round, with Holden breaking down in tears and Cowell telling her "You were amazing – pitch perfect".

Little Connie cites Joss Stone and Leona Lewis as her heroes, and in the past has begged her mother to let her go on X-Factor.