Leona Lewis takes dance direction

Leona Lewis is ditching ballads for her new album.

The UK singer - famed for her powerful voice and hits including global smash 'Bleeding Love' - is keen to change her image and has asked the management team at her label, Syco - owned by reality TV mogul Simon Cowell - to write more upbeat tracks, to make her more edgy.

A source told The Sun newspaper: "The Syco team have asked songwriters to hand them dubstep and dance tracks with traditional lyrics for Leona. And they've specifically stated no ballads. It's a big change for her."

Leona has previously hinted at her desire to change musical direction, saying she is keen to work with Black Eyed Peas star will.i.am - who has been behind tracks for Cheryl Cole, Nicki Minaj and Usher - for her third album.

The 'Got You' hitmaker said: "I'd like to work with will.i.am, he's very talented. I'm still in the early stages of my new record, so I'm having fun with the new sounds."

As well as will.i.am, Leona - who shot to fame after wining UK TV talent show 'The X Factor' in 2006 - has also worked on a track with French DJ and producer David Guetta.