Singer Leona Lewis says music mogul Simon Cowell, who discovered her, was "supportive" of her decision to leave his record label.

The "Bleeding Love" hitmaker was signed to Cowell's SyCo/Sony label after winning "The X Factor" in 2006. And now, she has signed a new deal with Island Records, part of rival music giant Universal. But she said there are no hard feelings between the two, reports femalefirst.co.uk.

"I was offered another deal with Syco but I thought it was time to have a new team with fresh ideas. I have spoken to Simon. He is sad I didn't stay with Sony but he is happy for me and proud," she said.

"He has been so supportive and he will continue to be supportive and I can always call him up for advice. It is like leaving home almost. You have to be like, 'Later, mum and dad'. I am doing my own thing now," she added.