People News

Akon to help Alexandra

Mar 17, 2009, 10:15 GMT

The rapper-and-producer - who is currently penning tracks for Michael Jackson - is excited about working with the \'X Factor\' winner and hopes she will be as successful as Leona Lewis, who has taken the US by storm following her win on the British TV talent show in 2006. EPA/MOHAMED OMAR

Akon is to produce Alexandra Burke's first album.

The rapper-and-producer - who is currently penning tracks for Michael Jackson - is excited about working with the 'X Factor' winner and hopes she will be as successful as Leona Lewis, who has taken the US by storm following her win on the British TV talent show in 2006.

He said: "I've had calls to work with Alex and I'm going to do it. I love 'The X Factor' and I love helping to break new artists. To me, it's one of the most enjoyable and important aspects of my job."

The 32-year-old music mogul is so confident about Alexandra's potential he has agreed to work with her before hearing her sing.

He explained to Britain's Daily Star newspaper: "I haven't seen any of Alex's performances on the show but then I hadn't seen any of Leona's before I worked with her. I'm taking people's word on how good Alex is, like I did with Leona.

"It was a really refreshing experience working with Leona - she's so quiet and calm."