In an exclusive interview with iVillage.co.uk, the 2008 X Factor winner Alexandra Burke lifted the lid on her debut album, her family life and what really goes on behind the scenes at the UK's number one talent show

Since Alexandra Burke landed the X Factor crown, life has been hectic. The 21-year-old Londoner has had to adapt to living in the full media glare.

Related Links

iVillage TV - Celebrity Gossip
View in larger screen

But, contrary to some of the more lurid reports, she insists she is loving every minute...

This year's X Factor is up and running now. Can you believe it's almost a year ago that you won the show?

Alexandra Burke: It's crazy how fast this year has gone. I've finished the album, gone on tour and released the first single. It's crazy but it's amazing.

What's life been like since?

Alexandra Burke: It's been absolutely overwhelming and outstanding - it's been a dream come true. I wake up with a big smile on my face every morning. People would kill to be in this position and I feel very grateful to be where I am. It's just like a whirlwind.

Tell us a little bit about your new album

Alexandra Burke: The album is very 'me'. It's very much my personality. It's very deep. When I went into the studio every day I would bring my diary - I have kept a diary since I was nine.

Anything I'd done six months ago or maybe what I'd been through the day before I would read out and we'd write from there. So the songs are very deep and very true to me and what I believe in. I only ever sing songs I believe in.

It's a mix between up-tempo stuff and ballads. Because I'm quite 'in your face' and loud, the up-beat songs are very like that. When I sung the ballads I cried recording them. The ballads are very emotional for me and I'm hoping people can relate to them.

A lot of it is stuff that young people are going through so hopefully they can relate to it. It's a great album, it's got balls man!

ivillage uk

Alex answers back