Leona Lewis has become the first British solo artist to debut at number one on America’s Billboard 200 album chart.

The former X-Factor winner’s debut album, ‘Spirit’, sold 205,000 copies in its first week.

The record comprehensively outsold last week’s number one, ‘Troubadour’ by George Strait, which shifted 59,000 copies, according to chart regulator Neilson SoundScan.

The accomplishment makes her the first British solo act to top the chart since Rod Stewart's ‘Still The Same... Great Rock Classics Of Our Time’ in October 2006.

She’s also the first British female solo artist to reach number one since Sade’s ‘The Promise’ in 1986.

It caps a phenomenal rise to fame for the singer, whose debut single, ‘Bleeding Love’, has sold 1.1million copies in America since it was released last December.

‘Spirit’, which also reached number one in the UK, has sold over 2.5million copies worldwide in less than 6 months.

Despite her success, Lewis has still yet to commit to live dates, with a comprehensive tour apparently scheduled for 2009.

(by Jason Gregory)