Alexandra Burke's album delayed

Alexandra Burke's debut album will be put off until the autumn, according to reports.

There were rumours that the X Factor winner's first record would be pushed for an early release by Simon Cowell's Syco label and could be on shelves as early as March in time for Mother's Day.

Bosses have now said they will follow the path marked out by superstar Leona Lewis and delay the release until around November in order to give Alexandra the best possible chance of achieving credibility to match her potential chart success, according to The Sun newspaper.

A source told The Sun: "Syco were planning a quick release - possibly as early as March in time for Mother's Day.

"But they have reconsidered and will now go for the autumn - probably November.

"They want to wait to find the right songs and let her polish her skills, like they did with Leona. She can then launch it on a live X Factor show."

The source added that despite X Factor 2007 winner Leon Jackson's album flop after a wait of 10 months, music execs aren't worried that the same will happen to Alexandra.

The source said: "Alex's talent and appeal is closer to Leona's levels, so they can afford to wait to get it right."

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