X Factor winner Leona Lewis dazzled British audiences with her stunning voice and now she is about to try her luck in the US - and make Simon Cowell a bit of money in the process.

The singer, 21, is hoping to kickstart her career there by performing as a guest entertainer on American Idol.

Lewis took the X Factor crown in November with the song A Moment Like This.

Her year ended on a bigger high when the single shot to the Christmas No.1.

X Factor judge Cowell has since compared the Londoner to Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston and Christina Aguilera. Cowell wants to showcase his prodigy in America, where he is a superstar and judge on American Idol.

A hit performance on that show could open doors to the difficult to break, but lucrative, US record market.

Few British acts have made a successful transition - just ask Robbie Williams - but Cowell is betting on Lewis to buck the trend.

The new Idol series returns to FOX next week with a two-part premiere. Last year's season debut was a huge success, with 35million viewers tuning in. This series, 60 male singers and 110 women will be whittled down to the final 24.

Previous American Idol winners have gone on to huge commercial success.

Kelly Clarkson, the winner of season one, won two Grammy Awards last year for her second album, Breakaway.

Season two runner up Clay Aiken and season four winner Carrie Underwood have also achieved massive chart success.