GLOBETROTTING former X Factor star Ella Henderson praised her boss Simon Cowell for his support throughout the start of her career.
As she launches the second single from her debut album, Ella, 18, of Tetney said the music industry mogul and her have a "relaxed feeling."
After just returning from Australia, where her debut album "Chapter One" has gone platinum. she appeared on BBC Breakfast TV to talk about her relationship with Cowell - just days before X-factor returns to ITV screens on Saturday.
The young star with a Number One single already under her belt, said: "He is really laid back with me. He gives me the odd phone call. He is always there to congratulate me or wish me luck.
"It is a relaxed feeling which is really nice."
Second single "Glow" will be released on September 14.
Ella said thanks to Simon Cowell's management she had remained in control of her career.
She said: "I did not expect what I have got at the moment. I assumed I would be controlled. But I have to be involved."
She added she wanted her music "to come from the heart."
Ella said: "People have had enough of being conned."
She has just returned after touring in Australia, New Zealand and The United States.
She spoke of her early musical influences from her parents and her grandfather.
Ella told how she remembered her grandfather playing vinyl records of Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday, while her mum Michelle inspired her with Motown music.
Ella laughed when she told how her dad Sean, who is also her manager, influenced her with the music of Eighties icons, like Duran Duran.
