TETNEY X Factor star Ella Henderson has reportedly been snapped up by Simon Cowell's record label Syco, turning down competing bids from labels including RCA, Epic and Columbia.
It's claimed that the music mogul has promised to make her "the next Adele" and vowed to go all out to help her follow in Leona Lewis' footsteps and crack the American market.
After Ella met with Cowell last Tuesday to discuss the deal, a source close to Cowell told the Daily Mirror: "He was always a big fan of Ella's and watched her from the US, he thought she would win and he'd automatically get her.
"He wouldn't usually sign someone who came sixth, usually he would have forgotten about contestants kicked off so early but he was overwhelmed by Ella's talent.
"He admires her maturity. Simon found Ella really engaging and professional.
"He enjoyed meeting her and as a result of them chatting so much about her career, he didn't get to Cardiff until quite late."
Ella, along with other 2012 finalists, is currently rehearsing for the X Factor live tour which kicks off next week in Manchester, but she recently revealed that she can't wait to start her solo career.
She said: "I've already written stuff but I can't wait to pen new material because I haven't written all through the period of being on the X Factor."
