'America's Got Talent' exclusive: Susan Boyle explains why she's returning for 'Champions'

Despite placing second on "Britain's Got Talent," Susan Boyle still sees herself as a champion.

As the Scottish singer explains in a new clip from the season premiere of NBC's "America's Got Talent: The Champions," premiering Jan. 7 (8 EST/PST), "(I'm) a champion for those who don't have the confidence to do things and don't have a voice; the ones people tend to ignore," Boyle says. "I feel like I'm a champion for them."

Boyle, 57, became a viral sensation in 2009 when she surprised the judges with her operatic take on "I Dreamed a Dream" from "Les Miserables," earning more than 285 million views on YouTube in years since for her audition. Her subsequent albums – 2009's "I Dreamed a Dream" and 2010's "The Gift" – each topped the Billboard 200 album chart, and both received Grammy Awards nominations.

Now, Boyle is returning to compete on the show that made her famous with "The Champions," NBC's spin-off of the global "Got Talent" franchise, where she'll face off against past winners and finalists including ventriloquist Darci Lynne Farmer, singer Jackie Evancho and comedian/magician Piff the Magic Dragon.

"I couldn't possibly walk away from a second chance to prove myself," Boyle says of coming back. "I'm really looking forward to singing – this time, with something to prove."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 'America's Got Talent' exclusive: Susan Boyle explains why she's returning for 'Champions'