Washington, Oct 5 : Leona Lewis says that she would not have been a big showbiz celebrity, had her boyfriend Lou Al-Chamaa not convinced her to audition for UK TV talent show `The X Factor'.

The 24-year hit it big in 2006 when she wowed Brit viewers with her voice, and went on to win the finale of the singing competition.

But Lewis credits her long-term boyfriend Lou for encouraging her to try out for the show.

"Lou was the one who suggested it. I dreaded the thought of being rejected by judges and my family had been going through a hard time," Contactmusic quoted her as having told Britain''s Hello! Magazine.

"Then it struck me that perhaps this opportunity had been sent to me and I should grasp it," she added. (ANI)