She rose to overnight fame in 1958 when she was called on to substitute for the legendary
Maria Callas. The glamorous prima donna, singing the lead role in Bellini's "Norma", received a few derogatory whistles amid the applause for the first aria. She did not return for the second act, and locked herself in her dressing room. Two nights later, Cerquetti took her place, to cheers and tumultuous applause. She was only 26 at the time.