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.

"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," she said in a livestream Q&A.

It has also previously been claimed Leona - 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. "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," a source said.

Also in-keeping with her new, harder image, Leona has reportedly made friends with a biker gang in Los Angeles. "Leona has made friends with a notorious biker group in Los Angeles. Her stunning looks have made her the center of attraction at the biker bar. She hangs out and even drinks beer with them," a source said.

Glassheart is set for release on October 15th.