Cowell compares Leona to Whitney

Simon Cowell has compared X Factor winner Leona Lewis to Whitney Houston.

Cowell argued that the singer is "one of the most important artists in the world" and that he hasn't had a vocalist like her before on any of his shows.

The reality TV star also revealed that music boss Clive Davis contacted him even before the show had finished, wanting to sign Lewis whether she won the programme or not.

He told The Times: "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."

Talking about the comparisons between the two singers, he added: "The difference is, Leona has her feet on the ground. She hasn't changed. She is very polite and respectful."