Cowell: 'Lewis is a great role model'

Simon Cowell has described Leona Lewis as a "great role model".

The music mogul has managed Lewis's career since she won The X Factor in 2006 and said she is setting a healthy example by remaining grounded.

Lewis became the first British female to top the US singles chart in 21 years when hit 'Bleeding Love' reached number one last week.

It has now been suggested that her £4.5 million, five-album record deal will be increased to £50 million to ensure she stays with Sony BMG, Simon Cowell's Syco Records and Clive Davis's J Records.

Reports also claim that Hollywood movie companies are competing for the rights to use 'Bleeding Love' in their films.

However, Cowell said he still expects the singer to take time out from her schedule to appear on this year's X Factor, telling The Mirror: "I am absolutely delighted for Leona. She has been working her butt off all year, doing all the promotional stuff. I want her back on The X Factor this year, so she'll definitely be coming back to Britain."

He added: "Leona has got her feet firmly on the ground and isn't getting carried away by all of this. She takes nothing for granted. She has an incredible future ahead - but I only want her to do it if she's happy and enjoying herself.

"Leona is a great role model for young people on both sides of the Atlantic. She is a lovely person and there is no chance of her going off the rails."