Leona Lewis says Cowell is her 'Uncle'

Leona Lewis refers to Simon Cowell as her "Uncle".

The 'Bleeding Love' singer – who was mentored by the music mogul when she appeared on hit British TV talent show 'The X Factor' in 2006 – is extremely close to Simon and US producer Clive Davis and thinks of them as part of her family.

She said: "I wouldn't label them as my godfathers, more like my uncles!" Leona also revealed she relies on her friends and family to keep her grounded and make sure she doesn't go off the rails.

She said: "A performer's privacy is taken away. You can't make your mistakes in private. I have the advantage of a great support structure. I get honest opinions from my family and friends. They aren't always telling me what I want to hear, but the truth helps keep my head straight."

Leona, 23, admits it's flattering to be compared to her idols Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston. She added to Parade magazine: "It's amazing. It's exceedingly gratifying, because they are so great."