New Music Alert: X Factor Champ Alexandra's Album Due In March

According to UK retailers HMV and Play.com, the newly-crown X Factor winner Alexandra Burke will see her album released as soon as March of next year.

The set release date is a departure from the nearly year-long sabbatical from public view that previous winners Leona Lewis and Leon Jackson have taken.

It may seem odd, but there are many possible reasons for the choice. For one, Leon Jackson's period from winning to release may have damaged his selling potential; his album peaked at a paltry #4 position. Syco (the record label that Alexandra is signed to) probably wants to capitalize on the popularity she has now instead of waiting.

Then, there are the "Leona" factors, so to speak. No contestant until Alexandra has had the potential global success that Leon has had over the last two years. It is possible that pushing up the release date in the UK makes it easier for Alex to attack the global markets, especially the notoriously difficult US market. By Christmas '09, the single releases would be more evened out around the world, preventing leaks from other countries and maximizing sales.

Then there is the other Leona factor. The megastar announced her second album release for November 2009, the same month that past winners' albums have been released. Since Leona is the biggest act Simon has ever had on his label, Alex's earlier release date could be seen as a way to avoid a massive chart battle that would most likely see Leona win.

Either way, it works out well for everybody that Alexandra Burke's album will be coming earlier than expected. She is ready to make a massive pop album, and we are ready to hear it.