Leona Lewis is planning to rival Nicki Minaj with her rap skills on her new album.

The Collide singer - famed for her ballads - is putting the finishing touches to third record, Glassheart, and promised fans they will hear a different side to her, and she's even confident enough to take on New York based Nicki.

In a live-streamed Q and A session, Leona said: "On  my new album I will be rapping. I've discovered my voice for rapping.

"I could probably go up against Nicki Minaj now. I'm actually that good, so I'm coming for you Nicki! London style MCing."

It has also previously been claimed Lewis - who won the UK version of The X Factor in 2006 and is signed to Simon Cowell's Syco label - will go in a dubstep direction on Glassheart.

A source said: "The Syco team have asked songwriters to hand them dubstep and dance tracks with traditional lyrics for her.

"And they've specifically stated no ballads. It's a big change for her."

Also in-keeping with her new, harder image, Lewis has reportedly made friends with a biker gang in Los Angeles.

A source explained: "Leona has made friends with a notorious biker group in Los Angeles. Her stunning looks have made her the centre of attraction at the biker bar. She hangs out and even drinks beer with them."

Glassheart is set for release on 15 October.