X Factor - Simon Cowell could take Leona Lewis to the dark side

29 October 2007 - Simon Cowell says he could turn Leona Lewis "bad".

Simon, who is Leona's manager, insists the 22-year-old singer really is as squeaky-clean as her reputation suggests - but joked he could give her some tips if she ever wanted to go over to the dark side.

When asked about Leona's good girl image, he told BANG Showbiz: "She really is that sweet. Leona is too good to ever turn bad. She should hang out with me more!"

The music mogul also compared his 'X Factor' protégé to one of the greatest female singers ever.

Simon said: "Leona is definitely as good as Whitney Houston is now.

"Leona was amazing on 'X Factor', but I was worried her voice wouldn't come over as well on a record. But she sounds even better on her new album."

Leona's new single 'Bleeding Love' has become the fastest selling record in the UK this year.

'Bleeding Love', which was released last Monday(22 Oct 07), is outselling Take That's 'Rule The World' by two-to-one and selling more copies than the entire top 10 combined.

Simon is currently a judge on the X Factor - check out the three bands he is mentoring in the Groups category >

Daniel de Bourg is the second to be voted off X Factor 2007 >

Read the rest of the finalists' profiles >

(C) BANG Media International