Leona Lewis performed her hit single 'Run' on the U.S. version of the musical talent show The X Factor last night (December 22, 2011), Lewis, who was the first ever female to be crowned the winner of the UK version of the show, performed the song to the live studio audience, shortly before contestant Melanie Amaro became the first female contestant to win the US series.

The British singer performed to a cheering crowd as the screens behind her showed highlights from the preceding shows in black and white. Lewis' version of the song 'Run' - which was written and originally performed by the Northern Irish band Snow Patrol - earned her a place in the record books in 2008 when it became the fastest selling download-only release, selling 69,244 copies in just two days. The winner of this year's US X Factor, Melanie Amaro, impressed the judges on Wednesday with her version of Beyonce's 'Listen'. Her prize for earning the highest number of viewers' votes is a $5 million recording contract as well as a starring role in a Pepsi ad campaign. She was triumphant over fellow contestant Josh Krajcik, who performed the Etta James song 'At Last'.

Leona Lewis recently released a cover version of 'Hurt' by Nine Inch Nails. The track, also popularised by Johnny Cash's take on it, would be one of three cover versions on her 'Hurt' EP on which she also tackles tracks by Goo Goo Dolls and COUNTING CROWS.