[KKBL]

The London-born singer's contract with Epic Records will see her attempt to repeat the US success of previous talent show winner Leona Lewis, according to The Sun newspaper.

The deal follows a record-breaking start to Burke's singing career. Her version of Leonard Cohen's Hallelujah became the fastest-selling single ever by a female artist and remained at No 1 for three weeks in the UK charts.

The 20-year-old was thrust into the spotlight after holding off rivals JLS and Eoghan Quigg to win the fifth series of the ITV1 show in December.

Her five-album deal with Epic, which is part of Sony, will see her launched in the US by the team that helped make Beyoncé and Rihanna into international stars. X-Factor owner Simon Cowell, who is a household name in the US because of his judging role in American Idol, will also be involved.

Cowell managed Lewis's US launch, helping her become the first British woman in 20 years to top the Billboard chart with her song Bleeding Love.

"Epic think that Alexandra can follow in Leona's footsteps," a music industry source told The Sun.

"The US market loves women with big voices – and Alex certainly has that. If she comes close to Leona's success it will be a job well done."

Burke has been nominated for a best single Brit award for Hallelujah and her first album is expected to be released in November.

$3.5 million?Leona got $10 million!