Leona Lewis aims to inspire with 'I Am'

LOS ANGELES (AP) — "I Am" is Leona Lewis' first post-Simon Cowell offering, but the aftermath of their professional split resonates throughout her fifth studio album.

Cowell signed the British-born singer to his label, Syco Music, after she won "The X-Factor" in 2006. In 2014, after collaborating on four albums over eight years, Lewis wrote an open letter to fans detailing her decision to leave Syco.

But in a recent interview, the "Bleeding Love" singer insisted there's no bad blood.

Lewis, who's signed with Universal's Island Records, said she's in a better place emotionally and aims to inspire with "I Am."

She sings about the courage to come back after being held down in the song "Thunder" and feeling stronger and freer on her own in the album's title track.