Leona is 'overwhelmed' by Whitney praise

X-Factor winner Leona Lewis was staggered after meeting Whitney Houston at Clive Davis' pre-Grammy Awards party.

Record executive Davis invited Lewis to perform at his star-studded party and the singer, who performed 'Bleeding Love' and 'The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face', caught the attention of her idol Houston.

Lewis said: "I was overwhelmed! I was told afterwards that when I performed she (Whitney) had said to a friend at the record label 'My God, she’s a baby me!' Wow - what a huge compliment!

"It’s been almost surreal and feels just so wonderful that I performed in front of so many people I admire – especially that Whitney even knows who I am and said that about me when I’ve been such a fan all these years!"