Burke: 'I don't want to sing covers'

X Factor winner Alexandra Burke has confirmed that she wants to follow in the footsteps of Leona Lewis by working with top producers in the US.

The 20-year-old singer revealed that she is hoping to spend time creating a quality debut album next year rather than rush-releasing a collection of covers.

Simon Cowell is currently on his Christmas holiday in Barbados but will discuss his plans for Burke in a telephone call with the star within the next few days.

"Simon flew to Barbados the day after X Factor - very nice! So we have not spoken since," Burke told the Sunday Mirror. "But I'm supposed to call him and talk things over.

"I don't just want to sing a load of covers. I would like to do what Leona Lewis did and go over to Los Angeles and work with producers. I've got to persuade Simon that's the best idea."

Burke also confirmed reports that mentor Cheryl Cole has encouraged her to stay away from men while she builds up her career.

She said: "Cheryl has been telling me to stay away from boys. She said, 'Take this chance with both hands while you've got it. Don't have one hand being led astray.'"