She's conquered the charts around the world but one challenge remained - putting on her first live show. Where better to do it than back home in Hackney. Did Leona pull it off? You bet she did.

Looking and sounding every inch the global superstar she is, Leona Lewis returned to Hackney for her first ever, full live gig last night.

It’s been a long time coming but it was well worth the wait.

Lewis opened with a stunning performance of the epic Middle-Eastern influenced Brave, taken from her upcoming second album Echo.

The nine-song set-list included tracks from debut album, Spirit, such as Whatever It Takes and Better In Time and the song that propelled Leona to global fame, Bleeding Love.

Other highlights included a stripped back, spine-tingling version of Roberta Flack’s classic The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face and new track I Got You which is guaranteed to become a fan favourite.

Sweet and humble as ever, Leona thanked the Hackney Empire crowd for coming along.

"I first performed here when I was 13.
"So it seemed fitting to come back and do my first live show here," she said.

Camp Lewis have definitely made the right call in allowing the 24-year-old time to build up her confidence and catalogue before embarking on a tour.

Whoever was behind the staging and visual effects for the event must be hired for next year's world tour. An enchanting performance of her new single Happy saw Lewis perform behind a giant hologram projection of herself.

Fans have come to expect nothing less than breathtaking vocals from Leona so it was an extra treat to see her shine when joined by a troupe of male dancers who featured during several performances.

The highlight however was a truly spectacular performance of new Echo track, Outta My Head.
The sleek Max Martin penned and produced track not only showed off her vocals but finally allowed Leona the chance to unleash her own Sasha Fierce. While the choreography was simple it looked effortless and natural. It was impossible not to beam with pride watching her performance.

Closing the hour long performance with her spectacular chart-topping cover of Run, the Hackney lass received a standing ovation from her adoring audience which included mentor and friend Simon Cowell and close friend, ex-Sugababe Keisha Buchanan.

I can safely say I will be waiting excitedly to purchase tickets for what will certainly be a tour to remember.

New single Happy is available to download November 8th and the album, Echo follows on the 16th.