Leona Lewis crowned first female winner of X-Factor

Leona Lewis has been crowned the first female winner of TV talent show the X Factor, winning a £1m recording contract. The 21-year-old Londoner sang in the Grand Final to win against Ray Quinn, aged just 18.

In the The Grand Final Leona blew everyone away with her stunning vocals performing I Will Always Love You, All By Myself and A Moment Like This, which is her debut single.

Leona thanked fans and voters for "making her dream come true" breaking down in tears as the result was given. Her version of Kelly Clarkson's A Moment Like This is released as a download immediately and available in CD format from Wednesday. The single already has 1 million pre-orders and is hotly tipped to secure the Christmas number one.

Before the result was announced, Take That joined Leona on stage during the final showdown to sing their hit A Million Love Songs, while Ray was joined by Westlife for That's Life.

Simon Cowell won the judges competition, as both Ray and Leona were in his group. He said, "he was the proudest person in the world right now".

Leona was the clear winner from the outset with her vocal the best ever seen in any X Factor or similar UK show. Leona leaves behind her job as a PA/Receptionist to carve out a career in the world of pop. This time, the TV talent show produced a real winner, someone with real incredible talent who could give Christina, Whitney and Mariah a run for their money.

Leona's first audition saw her sing 'Over The Rainbow' by Eva Cassidy. Now she's the winner of the X Factor with her debut single released and a million pound contract and a potential number one for Christmas. For Leona something fantastic was waiting over the rainbow. Congratuations Leona! Meanwhile, Ray has been signed by Simon Cowell and is heading to the States to record a swing album where Frank Sinatra himself recorded.