Simon Cowell has branded The X Factor winner Leona Lewis one of the most important artists of our generation - likening her to veteran singer Whitney Houston.

Lewis, who is signed to both Cowell's Syco label on SonyBMG and American music mogul Clive Davis' J Records, was crowned winner of the 2006 series of the British talent show, after impressing them with her powerful voice.

And Cowell, 48, knew Lewis was going to be a star before the competition was over - thanks to a tip off by Davis.

He says, "In all The X Factors of the past, I've never had a phone call from Clive Davis prior to the show finishing and saying, 'I will sign this girl whatever happens.'

"For Sony BMG, she is one of the most important artists in the world. She has a proper commitment from Clive Davis. We treat her exactly as we would have treated Whitney Houston when she first started recording."

But Cowell insists comparisons to Houston end there.

He adds, "The difference is, Leona has her feet on the ground. She hasn't changed. She is very polite and respectful."

 

 

 

 

 

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