Everybody’s Talking About…

Leona Lewis

It’s been one hell of a year for singing sensation, Leona Lewis. At the end of 2006, Leona wowed audiences with her amazing vocal range and show-stopping performances on The X Factor. It was clear from the start that Leona would be much more than a reality TV contestant and after winning the show, the nation was eager to see what she would do next. And she didn’t disappoint. Two No.1 singles and a record-breaking debut album later and it’s clear that Leona has demonstrated her potential as a world-class superstar.

The 22-year old singer from Hackney, East London ended last year on a high with her debut single “A Moment Like This” at Christmas No.1 and newly-found status as the fastest selling debut female artist of all time. Having catapulted to stardom, Leona disappeared from the limelight early this year and set to work on her debut album, “Spirit.”

It was important to Leona to take her time with the album as she explains, “I know some people were asking, ‘where has she gone?’ But I wanted everyone who has supported and worked with me to have an album they’re proud of, one that is credible and one with songs that people can connect to.”

And with producing talent like Steve Mac, Dallas Austin, Soulshock and Karlin, Walter Afanasieff and Jam and Lewis working on the album, it’s been well worth the wait. Among the artist these producers have worked with are Micheal Jackson, Destiny’s Child, The Fugees, Usher, Mariah Carey and Amy Winehouse. Former X Factor mentor Simon Cowell and American producer legend, Clive Davis are heading up the team, giving Leona the best possible start to her blossoming career. Clive Davis founded Arista Records and famously discovered Whitney Houston.

So, what can we expect from the album? “The album is classic songs with a contemporary edge. There’s a few ballads and there’s some uptempo stuff too. I’ve been experimenting, we used up and coming producers like Fernando who have added some really cool electronic 80s sounds.” However, the best instrument is, of course, Leona’s intense and beautifully controlled voice, “For me, songs need to work acoustically. I like songs that work even when they’re broken down.”

Leona’s second single, “Bleeding Love” was released 22nd October and is still dominating the charts. “Bleeding Love” sold 66,000 copies on its first day of release and has the biggest first week sales of 2007 so far. “Bleeding Love” is a ballad people can relate to, “It’s a love song, but it can be sung to a boyfriend, a friend, it’s about always being there for someone.”

Leona is extremely proud of the phenomenal success of her singles and album “Spirit”, “I’m working hard to make sure that I’m around for a long time to come.” And we’re sure you will Leona!

 

Dear Diary…

A Year in the Life of Leona Lewis

It’s been a busy year for Leona, winning awards, smashing world records, storming the UK charts and rubbing shoulders with celebrities. So what exactly has she been up to?

December 06

Wins The X Factor, is the first female to do so and is the first ever female from an ethnic background to win a reality TV show.

“A Moment Like This” is released breaking a world record after it was downloaded 50,000 times in 30 minutes. The single was Christmas No.1, outselling the rest of the Top 40's sales combined.

“A Moment Like This” became the biggest downloaded song of 2006.

Feb 07

Signs a £5 million US record deal with Clive Davis and will release 5 albums worldwide through Davis’ label, J Records.

Performs at the Hilton in Beverly Hills for some of America’s top music industry executives.

March

Sings in front of Prince Charles at the UK finals of The Prince’s Trust RBS Celebrate Success Awards.

April

XCEL profiles Leona and gives away free tickets to two lucky readers to see her in The X Factor Tour.

May

Wins the prestigious Ivor Novello Award for Best Selling British Single.

June

Performs for Simon Cowell at his very own “This is Your Life”. 

Sep

Sings at her album launch party in the Mandarin Hotel in Knightsbridge.

Oct

Appears in Harper’s Bazaar UK, modelling dresses from Roberto Cavalli, Dolce and Gabbana, and Vivienne Westwood.

Performs Bleeding Love on first live X Factor show of the year.

Bleeding Love is released and goes straight to No.1.

Performs on BBC Radio 1’s Live Lounge with versions of Bleeding Love and a cover of Snow Patrol’s single “Run”.

Nov

Appears alongside Celine Dion and J-Lo on ITV’s “Saturday Night Divas”.

Cosmo’s Ultimate Woman of the Year Awards declares Leona “Newcomer of the Year”.

Illuminates Oxford Street by switching on the Christmas Lights.

“Spirit” is released selling a massive 375,000 copies in seven days making it the fastest selling UK debut album of all time.

Dec

Still dominating the UK singles and albums chart with a possibility of being Christmas No.1 second year running. 

5 Fast Facts

1. Leona lives in flat in Hackney with boyfriend Lou Al-Chamaa who she’s been with since she was 17.

2. Leona can also act, dance and play the piano and guitar.

3. Leona has a pet Rottweiler called Rome.

4. Leona had been a vegetarian since she was 12.

5. Leona would like to promote a line of non-leather bags and shoes that are affordable.