Leona Lewis: 'Amy Winehouse is an Amazing Artist'

Leona Lewis has praised fellow British singer Amy Winehouse, calling her "an amazing artist."

Speaking to US magazine Parade, the chart-topper -- who shot to fame after winning the British equivalent of American Idol, The X Factor in 2006 -- said that she worries about the image of the troubled singer in the public eye, "A performer's privacy is taken away. The media are always there. You can't make your mistakes in private.

"I have the advantage of a great support structure. I get honest opinions from my family and friends. They aren’t always telling me what I want to hear, but the truth helps keep my head straight."

Asked if it irritates her to be compared to the likes of Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston, Leona said, "It’s amazing.

"It's exceedingly gratifying, because they're so great."

Meanwhile, Leona, 23, has reportedly replaced Rehab singer Amy to record the theme song for the forthcoming Bond movie, Quantum of Solace.

Industry insiders claim Bleeding Love hitmaker Lewis has become the favorite to record the always-coveted title track.

A source said earlier this week, "It looks like Leona has finally won the race.

"She is seen as one of the few candidates who has the right profile both sides of the pond to do it.

"Amy was their original choice but she just can't get her act together and hasn't got the right image."