LOS ANGELES, CA  [Tuesday Jan.2.2007]  /WMQT.com/ -- American Idol's Simon Cowell has made a pretty hefty declaration regarding "X Factor" winner Leona Lewis.

Cowell has compared the budding singer to veteran artists like Whitney Houston, Christina Aguilera and Mariah Carey.

He told Extra, "Keep an eye out for Leona Lewis. To say I'm proud is an understatement because I can't think of anyone who is naturally as good as this girl who we've ever found. And not just for a talent competition but ever. Forget the talent shows."

"I'm talking about the charts in the last 20 years. No one has come even close to this girl."

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