Leona Is Top US Album

Leona Lewis has become the first British artist to debut at Number One in the US album chart.

The 23-year-old former receptionist from Hackney made history today with her first album Spirit.

Her record-breaking success comes almost three weeks after the X Factor winner became the first British female solo artist in 21 years to top the US singles chart.

X Factor judge Simon Cowell, who has masterminded the singer's career since she won the TV talent show in 2006, said: "What Leona has achieved is simply incredible."

"This is the hardest market to crack and for her debut album to go in at Number One is unbelievable."

Lewis, who is set to perform to 30 million people, her biggest audience yet, when she sings live on TV show American Idol later this month, has sold 204,841 copies of Spirit this week in the US.

Her nearest rival in the Billboard Top 200, the album Troubadour by George Strait, has sold 59,000 copies.

Leona was signed to SyCo Music, Cowell's division of Sony BMG, after winning the X Factor.