Leona in Hello magazine

Singing sensation leona lewis may have dissapeared from view after being crowned the xfactor winner last year, but shes bacl with a bang. After spending nearly 12 months working with some of musics top names, the 22 year old is due to release her album spirit this week and has seen her single bleeding love race to no1 with the highest UK sales of any track this year.

'it was my desicion to take my time to produce an album that i could be proud of-something of substance that really represents me'

With leonas popularity in the UK sky high, america is her next target. Not only has she done a stunning fashion shoot for harpers bazaar magazine- a remarkable feat for an english singer unkown in the states- but simon cowel is also hailing her as the greatest act to come out of his reality shows, with cuts alot of ice in the US.

'americans think simon is amazing' leona says of her mentor, i went to see american idol and the crowd went crazy when simon came on. they love him over there'

The chances are pretty high they will love leona, too, when she launches her single in the US next march. Clive davis, founder or arista records is already a big fan of her talent and signed her to a 5 million pound record deal in febuary.

'singing for him was the most nerve racking thing ive ever done' confesses leona 'hes the most powerfull man in the music industry and i was in his bungalow at the beverly hills hotel feeling terrified. But he told me not to worry and was very reasurring. Hes very wise and working with him has been so much fun. Im so glad with the outcome'

Success isnt something leona takes for granted as it hasnt come without a struggle.

'im not just someone who walked off the streets and happened to win a reality tv show' she says 'ive been to stage schools, where ive learned about the industry and written my own material, so ive done alot of ground work to get this far'

'my mum maria is a social worker and my dad joe is a a youth offenders officer, so they had to sacrifice alot for me, at one point they couldnt manage it and i had to go to an ordinary school, but then i won a scholler ship to the brit school in croydon'

'it was the singers boyfried, electrition lou al-charmaa, 24, who suggested she try the x factor when other avenues had come to nothing. It led to fame and fortune but also a potential pitfall, an album of demos........

 

Despite these earlier endeavers to make it big as a singer, leona wasnt sure whether that was what she actauly wanted to do 'At school i also did dance and acting, and in fact the first singing i did was opera,' she says.

As well as working hard over the last year, leona has met some of her own singing heroes, includding chart toppers rihanna and kayne west, buit she has remained true to her to those from her reality TV past. 'im still friends from people from the xfactor they are the only ones who know what we went though' she explains 'ray quinn came round for dinner the other night, and ive also met american idol winner jorden sparks'

With leona set to become a household name in America next year, you would expect the shy star to be daunted about doing the big television chart shows- this isnt the case. 'its about reaching as many people as possible' she explains 'my asperations are high. Look at jenifer hudson, who won an oscar for dream girls. Ive done drama, so who knows where things might lead'

Despite her plans to conquer america the young singer hasnt been temped to mover over there yet, prefering to stay in her hackney flat with lou. 'it would be hard to move as im so close to my parents, but a beach house in californa-that would be nice.'

Although she is making some serious money, leona isnt splashing out. Shes boughta minni coper, its almost as if she cant get a handle on the amount shes making- although she does enjoy some tappings of celebrity life. I love things by chloe, amanda wakeley and roberto cavalli- his dresses are so sexy' she says 'comming from hackney its hard to believe the prices but ive loved wearing them for video and photo shoots'.

Its prehaps this down to earth and refreshing attitude that has endeared leona to her fans- that and her obvious sense of gratitude of how things have turned out for her. 'id hoped id win the xfacotr but you never know whats gonna happen on these shows ' but i feel ive made something great for me and those who supported me, its amazing that ive been given such a fabulous oppertunity and that people believe in me'.

I dont have a scanner so Sorry about the spelling, just typed it quick and cant be bothered to correct anything. the pics are the same as we have anyway.

Edited November 23, 200717 yr by Ethereal