The debut album "I Dreamed a Dream" by Britain's Got Talent sensation Susan Boyle opens at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 albums chart.

The Youtube singing sensation sold 701,000 copies in its first week according to Nielsen SoundScan. Susan’s debut album did not only topped the chart but it also registered the best sales week for an album in the U.S. for 2009 breaking Eminem‘s previous record of 608,000.

Furthermore, the arrival of “I Dreamed a Dream” also marks the best opening week for a female artist’s debut album since SoundScan began tracking sales in 1991. Boyle bested Ashanti for the title, as the latter’s self-titled debut album began with 503,000 in 2002.

On the other hand, American Idol season 8 runner-up Adam Lambert could only manage the no. 3 position as his album entitled “For Your Entertainment” has sold 198,000 on its first week. Andrea Bocelli‘s “My Christmas” performed better with 218,000. However, Lambert bested last year’s runner-up David Archuleta whose debut album sold 183,000 on its first week.

Here are the front-runners on Billboard 200 this week:

1. Susan Boyle “I Dreamed a Dream” – 701,000
2. Andrea Bocelli “My Christmas” – 218,000
3. Adam Lambert “For Your Entertainment” – 198,000
4. Rihanna “Rated R” – 181,000
5. Lady Gaga “The Fame Monster” – 174,000
6. Lady Gaga “The Fame” – 151,000
7. Miley Cyrus “The Time Of Our Lives” – 150,000
8. Taylor Swift “Fearless” 125,000
9. Carrie Underwood “Play On” – 124,000 (Up 44% from last week, woohoo!)
10. Norah Jones “The Fall” – 110,000