Simon Cowell Credits Leona Lewis With Return to The X Factor  3/23/07

Music impresario Simon Cowell has credited British singer Leona Lewis for convincing him to return as a judge on TV talent show The X Factor.

The acid-tongued star admits his stint presiding over fame hopefuls on the UK series was in jeopardy due to his busy workload - but was reassured the series was a success by eventual winner Lewis, who emerged victorious from the contest in 2006.

He says, "I was not sure I wanted to carry on as a judge on The X Factor.

It's a lot to juggle - the shows, running a record company and a TV company - so I had to think twice about it.

"I think Leona probably changed my mind. She reminded me why we do these shows, to find talent."