Rebecca Ferguson talks ahead of Birmingham Symphony Hall

The X Factor finalist, who lost out to Matt Cardle in the seventh series, has been nominated for a raft of awards and enjoyed four consecutive Top 10 albums.

And while she has yet to top the success of her debut, Heaven – twice-platinum UK hit that sold around 1.5 million copies worldwide – her new release, Superwoman, has kept her in the public eye.

Ferguson has remained grounded by looking after her three children. And on the eve of a new tour, which includes a headline gig at Birmingham's Symphony Hall on Wednesday, she's in a good place.

"Life is good, it is really good actually. I'm happy for once; I've not been that for a long time now but I'm happy. So yes life is really good at this moment in time.

"Things are great and in fact the album is all done. I'm at the exciting part now. It really is nerve-wracking."

Though Superwoman is Ferguson's fourth record, she thinks of it as being the follow-up to her 2011 debut.

"For me it is a follow-up to my first album Heaven; it is an extension of that but I would like to think that I have progressed a lot more since then. This album is very personal to me. I have tried to write about the ups and downs of relationships, together with what has been happening in my life.

"While the majority of the songs on the tour will be from the first and second albums, there will be a few songs from Lady Sings The Blues and I will be introducing a few songs from the new album.

"Writing songs does come very easy. I find writing easier than singing if I am honest. I just wanted it to be perfect so I have spent time on it. However, I am so nervous now because I just hope that people like it."

Ferguson shot to fame when she starred on X Factor. And she's grateful that Simon Cowell gave her the opportunities to forge a career in music.

"The one thing that I will say about Simon is that he is exactly the same as he is on the show.

"He was great with me and he really did give me an enormous amount of support so I really can't knock him. He was always there for me and without his support I most definitely wouldn't be where I am today. I have nothing bad to say about Simon, I am really grateful for what he has done for me."

Her X Factor success propelled her into a different world and she has relished new opportunities.

She says: "There are two things that spring to mind, singing with Lionel Richie is one and touring America is the other.

"Lionel is a really nice person and for me to be able to sing with him was amazing, it really was."

By Andy Richardson