Labrinth: Cowell 'excited' about getting me on X Factor

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Image caption, Labrinth told Newsbeat that Ne-Yo was keen to collaborate with him

Labrinth has told Newsbeat he thinks Simon Cowell is "excited" about the possibility of getting him on the US X Factor.

The singer, who co-wrote Pass Out with Tinie Tempah, said Cowell had praised his music.

"Simon said, 'Lab you're even bigger than I thought you were! You're a better artist than I thought you were'," he revealed.

Labrinth is working on his debut album, with a single out "very soon".

The 22-year-old, who is signed to Cowell's Syco label, said the new record would be a "crazy" mix of hip hop, dubstep and R&B.

"I've been a bit of a hermit in my studio, creating some greatness, some wild stuff.

"I'm very, very excited about it - it's going to be great," he added.

"I've been producing the new single which is coming out soon, it's called Earthquake."

He also revealed that Ne-Yo was the latest star to ask for a collaboration, after Nicki Minaj and Beyonce had been in touch this year.

"Ne-Yo tried to call my phone through one of my friends.

"I'm almost at the end of my album and as soon as I'm at the end of it I know they'll all be rushing through the studio door," he said.