Adele

She has been tipped to triumph in this weekend’s X Factor final and has even been described by Simon Cowell as the new Adele.

Now The Mail on Sunday can reveal that the music mogul is planning to sign 20-year-old Grace Davies to his SyCo record label whether or not she wins.

Grace, from Clitheroe, Lancashire, has wowed the judges with her ability to both write and perform songs that have already overtaken stars such as Ed Sheeran and Rita Ora in the iTunes download chart.

The Mail on Sunday can reveal that the music mogul is planning to sign 20-year-old Grace Davies to his SyCo record label whether or not she wins

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She has beaten off thousands of hopefuls to win a place in the final, going up against boy band Rak-Su and crooner Kevin Davy White.

Grace is being mentored by X Factor judge Sharon Osbourne but has forged a close relationship with Cowell, 57.

He was so impressed by her self-penned song Roots at the audition that he called it ‘a number one hit’.

Another of her songs, Too Young, which she performed in a live show, rocketed to number three in the iTunes chart. It’s estimated she has already banked a five-figure sum in royalties.

Cowell has introduced a songwriting element to the X Factor format in an attempt to unearth new stars. He told the MoS: ‘I think it works brilliantly and we have gained a new type of contestant.’

Perhaps it is no surprise that Grace is also a fan of Cowell, saying: ‘He has been so lovely and supportive.’

The first part of the final was on ITV last night. It concludes tonight at 7.15pm.

Grace is being mentored by X Factor judge Sharon Osbourne but has forged a close relationship with Cowell, 57