Leona Lewis, a 23 year old British artist and former receptionist, made history this Wednesday when her first album, 'Spirit', debuted at number one on the U.S. album charts. This is the first British album by a female solo artist in 21 years to debut on the American charts at #1.

Leona Lewis won the British American Idol spin off, 'X-Factor',  in 2006. 'X Factor' is another Simon Cowell production that has been met with large commercial success.

After Lewis' big win on the show she signed on with SyCo Music, a Simon Cowell division of Sony BMG.

The 'Spirit' album has been the fastest selling album on the UK charts. It sold more than 2 million copies within just a few weeks. Some critics believe her voice resembles that of Mariah Carey's, with her sultry tone and wide vocal range.

'Bleeding Love', Leona's hit single, was the biggest selling single in the UK in 2007. It topped the charts and stayed there for 7 weeks and sold more than 1 million copies. Her #1 single has also been a hit in 10 other countries.

Simon Cowell's protege will join him on 'American Idol' this month. She will be performing live in front of her biggest audience yet, right here in America and Cowell expects the crowd to love her.