Simon Cowell, known best for his harsh criticism of wannabe singers on shows such as X-Factor and American Idol has signed a ten year old girl as the music mogul is bowled over by her performance after just three minutes.

Ten years old Heather Russell came to the attention of Simon Cowell after he saw her music clips on YouTube.

Heather may well have a very bright future in front of her if the rise of Justin Bieber is anything to go buy, the teen sensation was also picked from obscurity after a YouTube performance which won him legions of fans before he was even signed to a record label.

It is reported that it took only three minutes for Simon Cowell to offer Heather Russell a record contract.

Max Clifford, speaking on behalf of Cowell said: “She flew in about a year ago and she, her mum and dad visited Cowell in his dressing room at “Britain´s Got Talent”. She sang to him and after just three minutes he signed her on the spot.”

Heather came to the attention of the world after she wrote her first song called “Every Step of The Way” which her mother then posted on the video sharing site.

It wasn't long before it became an internet sensation with Heather being hailed as having a voice like Mariah Carey.

Already the song has received more than 100,000 hits with the young singer citing her influences as Alicia Keys and Justin Timberlake.

Heather's mother said: “We're more than excited, but Heather deserves it. She is the hardest working ten year old I know. She is committed and real.”