Leona US Number 1

X-Factor winner Leona Lewis has become the first British female artist to top the US charts in over 20 years.

Beating off competition from American Stars Usher and Madonna, the 22 year old was the first female Brit to make it to number once since Kim Wilde in the 1980’s.

Everyone is excited at the prospect, none more than Simon Cowell, the brains behind the beauty.

He was quoted by Now Magazine saying:

"I'm incredibly proud of Leona. What she has achieved in the past year is simply amazing…I am very, very happy for her."

Thorough out her time on the reality TV show, the singing sensation was compared to many huge stars.

James Hurley, MSN’s Music Editor agrees with the connections.

"She is arguably the first British singer able to compete vocally with the great American pop divas like Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, and Celine Dion. Leona always looked capable of global superstardom. This week she took one huge step closer to it."

She is also creating a huge fan base along the way, be it here in the UK, the US or the other 25 countries in which "Bleeding Love" soared to the top of the charts.

Online blogger, Dizzy, has been a supporter from the start.

"I don't care what people might think of that record, or that sort of R&B feel it has, I've said it before and I'll say it again, that girl has talent. Pure unadulterated singing ability. She is the next Whitney and Mariah and she was a receptionist in Hackney with a dream that came true...You have to praise Simon Cowell for creating a revival in the format. Breaking America is one hell of an achievement for the girl and her lungs."

However, others believe that Leona has had a helping hand along the way over the pond…in the form of US TV Queen Opera Winfrey.

Erin explains:

"Not only does this prove that the killer combo of a catchy song, a gorgeous face and the talent to back it up can bring you instant success, but it confirms my long-standing theory that Oprah is a deity. Not surprisingly, the Lewis surge to the top occurred just days after her appearance on Oprah. American Idol judge Simon Cowell introduced Lewis to Oprah and ergo, the world, on March 18th. Nine days later, "Bleeding Love" hits number one."

The future looks bright for the sexy young singer, with debut album ‘Sprit’ tipped for the top spot after it’s release in America on 8th April.

Good Luck Leona.