Leona Lewis has said that she should be able to cover any song she likes after facing criticism of her new version of the Nine Inch Nails song 'Hurt'.

X Factor winner Lewis has covered 'Hurt' for a new EP and performed the song on this years X Factor final. However, some fans of the original have attacked Leona and criticised her for daring to touch a 'classic' track.

Speaking to BBC Newsbeat, Leona said she did not understand the criticism, explaining: "That song in particular really speaks to me. Lyrically it's a song that is very intense and has a painful lyrics.

"It's reflective of a place where I was at. When I recorded it it was healing to get it out."

Adding: "People write music and the music is out there for people to interpret it how they want to. As long as it's coming from a genuine place."

Leona's version of 'Hurt' is currently riding high in the charts and looks certain to reach the top five this coming weekend.