Simon Cowell Buys $5M House For Leona Lewis

Simon Cowell is buying Leona Lewis a $5 million Beverly Hills mansion. The frugal "American Idol" judge is said to be so proud of "The X Factor" winner that he is willing to shell out that much cash for her to help her on her American invasion.

The English singer, who recently broke records when she became the third female U.K. artist to reach #1 in the U.S. with a debut single, is getting a little help from the music mogul because Cowell thinks she needs a base in America to continue her winning streak.

A source tells Sunday People newspaper, "Simon thinks she is absolutely amazing so he wanted to treat her. He's so pleased with how hard she works and what a massive success she's become."

"Even though Simon is very rich, he's careful with money and doesn't like to waste it. Leona's a homely girl and isn't at all flash so Simon got the idea to buy her something practical she would use."

"He sees a bright future for her. He thinks she can become a global star like Shirley Bassey or Whitney Houston."

Meanhile, Lewis is living her "wildest dream" when she learned of her American success.

She says, "Being number one is America is beyond my wildest dreams. I called my family to tell them and my mom burst into tears."