She didn't hide the fact that she was a proffessional singer (in nightclubs etc,) though, did she? She was sending money home to her kids and wanted to earn enough to bring them over here.
If i'm honest, even as a mum, I wasn't moved by the "you're singing for your babies" thing, as it's a choice she's made to leave them behind to come here and build a career in showbiz - it's not one I could even contemplate making, to be honest - I'd sooner take on 3 jobs in my own country, and stay with them.
But I don't think she was conning anyone as far as her singing experience is concerned.
(wonder what next week's tearjerker will be?

)