X Factor rocker Ben Mills has inked a record deal with Sony BMG.

The as-yet-named album will hit the shelves on March 12 and will feature some new tracks and tunes the gravelly voiced crooner sang on the show.

Ben, who Simon Cowell once described as sounding like a "young Joe Cocker", said after signing on the dotted line, "The X Factor experience has been unbelievable. I'm really enjoying writing and recording this album."

Aside from being able to belt out a big, old rock tune, Ben can also play the piano and the guitar so expect to hear a blast of those skills on the new long-player.

But what will the long-haired rocker make of this news?

Pesky X Factor runner-up, Ray, has also just landed himself a deal - and his album of swing covers will be released on the same day as Ben's.

A source close to Ben said, "Ben didn't realise the plan was to put his album out on the same day as Ray's but he will relish the challenge of another showdown with him."

Question is: will either of them outsell Leona?

'SLJ'