MUMBAI: The 2006 X Factor famed singer and winner Leona Lewis has left Simon Cowell and Sony's joint venture Syco Entertainment after a 7 year deal. She has now signed a deal with rival label-Universal's Island Records.

Island Records is currently home to artistes like Angel Haze, Florence and the Machine, Priyanka Chopra and Mumford & Sons. It has also been associated with several artistes including Janet Jackson, Bon Jovi and Elton John in the past.

Lewis made a statement about the switch expressing much enthusiasm, "After seven incredible years at Sony I feel honoured to be given the opportunity to sign to perhaps the most iconic label of all, Island Records."

Not long after she tweeted, "So happy to finally be able to share the amazing news that I have joined the @islandrecordsuk family! Excited for this next chapter..."

Island Records President Darcus Beese said, "We are absolutely delighted to welcome Leona Lewis into the family."

Simon Cowell also seems to be supportive of the move and shared through twitter – "Congratulations Leona. We had 7 great years together and now wish you all the best for the future. You put X Factor on the map. X"

Lewis' debut album 'Spirit' claimed the number one spot on the Billboard 200 chart, making her the first British artiste to reach the top spot with a debut album. Her second single 'Bleeding Love' spent four weeks at the top of Billboard's Hot 100 chart in 2008. She released three more albums 'Echo', 'Glassheart' and 'Christmas, with Love' under Syco, and is currently working on her fifth studio album.

She follows the footsteps of Alexandra Burke and Matt Cardle by leaving Cowell, and insists that this is the right step to further boost her career.