Britain's Got Talent champion Paul Potts conquers America

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The former Carphone Warehouse manager told NBC's TODAY audience that he cannot believe he was able to overcome his lack of confidence to win the TV talent show.

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Britain's Got Talent champion Paul Potts performs on NBC's TODAY programme

"I just can't believe it. I'm waiting for someone to pinch me and say: 'Get out of bed. You've got to work. You're late again.'"

The 36-year-old told presenter Meredith Vieira that he sought refuge from bullies as a child by singing opera. The other boys at school teased him about his weight, his clothes and called him names.

Paul is pleased with his performance

"My voice has been my best friend. When other things got me down, my voice has always been there."

He said it was his wife, Julie-Ann, who encouraged him to take voice training.

Even then his lack of confidence nearly stopped him in his champion talent show tracks. "I almost never even sent the application off," he admitted.

"I hope people who feel their confidence is down because they have been bullied actually see a source of inspiration and get out there and take a risk."

Paul, who picked up a £100,000 prize and starts recording for Britain's Got Talent judge Simon Cowell's record label next week, admitted his remarkable rags to riches story may even be made into movie.

The American audience was given the chance to judge for themselves when Paul gave his now trademark performance of Nessun Dorma.

NBC's TODAY audience were treated to Paul's now trademark performance of Nessun Dorma