Music mogul
Simon
Cowell is infuriated after learning The X Factor winner Leona Lewis
made a secret album - which is due to be released alongside her official
debut.
Cowell was informed about the record, The Best Kept Secret, only days
after Lewis' single Bleeding Love reached number one in the U.K. charts on
Sunday (28Oct07), and is mounting an attempt to block the 'unofficial' LP
before its release next month (Nov07).
The Best Kept Secret, recorded with rival record label UEG, was made
before Lewis signed a recording contract with Cowell in 2006 - but label
bosses insist they are merely trying to recoup costs by releasing the
album.
A statement released by UEG reads, "The situation has left a very
bitter taste in a lot of people's mouths. A huge amount of time and energy
was put into working with Leona, not to mention £70,000 in production and
studio costs that still remain unpaid.
"We've got 12 tracks and will release them so we can cover the
costs accrued in development."
However, a spokesperson for Lewis says, "These are unfinished
tracks and UEG are clearly attempting to exploit Leona's success. Our team
is looking into this."