'Leona Lewis is one of the most important artists in the World', says Simon Cowell

Acid tongued 'American Idol' judge Simon Cowell has compared British X Factor Winner, Leona Lewis to the likes of Whitney Houston, and branded her one of the most important artists of our generation.

Lewis, who is signed to both Cowell's Syco label on Sony BMG , won the 2006 series of the British talent show, after impressing fans and judges with her powerful voice - she hasn't had a single hit since!
And 48-year-old Simon Cowell said that he knew Lewis was going to be a star before the competition was over - thanks to a tip off by Clive Davis.

Cowell is quoted as saying" "In all The X Factors of the past, I've never had a phone call from Clive Davis prior to the show finishing and saying, 'I will sign this girl whatever happens.' "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".

But Cowell insisted that comparisons to the 'Bod yguard' star end there: "The difference is, Leona has her feet on the ground. She hasn't changed. She is very polite and respectful".