Ella Henderson admits she was nervous when she first met Simon Cowell, who has since signed her to his record label.
Henderson came sixth in the 2012 edition of 'The X Factor' - when Cowell didn't appear among the judging panel - but says his easygoing personality helped to calm her nerves when they met and agreed a recording contract.
The 'Ghost' hitmaker explained to The Independent newspaper: "I don't know what I was expecting but it was such a chilled conversation, and he is just a normal guy.
"It was humbling to sit in a room with him, and talk on the same level. He said he wanted ours to be a long-term deal, and for me to take as long as I liked. He's been so encouraging all the way through."
Ella admits that although her 'X Factor' fame has helped to catapult her into the spotlight, it's not a guarantee of long-term success.
She added: "I don't expect anything from all this, you know. I just see it as a head start. And I'm lucky to have had it. I'm exactly where I want to be now, and I'll work hard to stay here."
'Chapter One', Ella's debut album, is released on September 22.
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