Leona’s amazing number 1 spot on the American charts has surprised even mentor Simon Cowell, who admits he planned the 2006 X-Factor champ would rule the pop world, but didn’t expect it to happen so quickly.

“To say this happened quickly is the understatement of the year,” he said.

“We were getting calls saying: ‘This record is on fire,’ and: ‘It’s going to chart high.”

Cowell, 46, added: “Then we got one saying: ‘It’s gone in at No 1.’ Nobody expected that.

“The amazing thing is I would say that 98% of people in America still don’t know who Leona Lewis is!”

Modest Leona, from north London, said: “I do have those pinch-yourself moments.

“For me, getting to No 1 in America is so amazing. I’m really proud and it’s such an achievement.

“I’m also really thankful and feel really lucky.”

Source: Daily Star