Leona Lewis

Leona Lewis

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Biography

Leona Lewis (03.04.85) is a singer and winner of the third series of The X Factor television talent show. Her UK debut single, 'A Moment like This', was released in December 2006, breaking a world record after it was downloaded over 50,000 times within 30 minutes.

Her second single, 'Bleeding Love', was the biggest-selling single of 2007 in the United Kingdom, topped over thirty national singles charts.

Her debut album, Spirit, was released in Europe in November 2007, and became the fastest-selling debut album ever in both the United Kingdom and Ireland.

Released in North America in April 2008, Spirit debuted at number one in the US Billboard 200 chart and made Lewis the first British artist to top the chart with a debut album.

With her album reaching number one in at least three continents and nine countries, Lewis has had the most successful launch of any television talent show contestant ever.

Early life

Lewis wrote her first song at the age of twelve, and won a number of talent competitions. After leaving school, Lewis took a number of jobs to pay to get into a recording studio, including waitressing and several receptionist jobs.

She wrote and recorded a number of songs including a demo album of her own songs called Twilight, but the album was never released.

When her career seemed to be going nowhere, she was considering quitting the music industry until her boyfriend persuaded her to enter The X Factor.

The X Factor: In 2006, Lewis auditioned for the third series of The X Factor, singing 'Over the Rainbow' made famous by the film 'The Wizard of Oz'.

She made it through to the final stages and was announced the winner and received a £1 million recording contract.

Life after The X Factor: One-million copies of the winner's single, a cover of Kelly Clarkson's first single 'A Moment like This', were pre-ordered by stores, although at the time, the winner of the show had not been announced and it was unknown who would be releasing the single. 'A Moment like This' was released on 20 December 2006, and was available as a digital download. It broke a world record after it was downloaded fifty-thousand times in thirty minutes.

On Christmas Eve 2006, 'A Moment like This' was crowned Christmas number-one single, having sold 571,253 copies, beating Take That's single 'Patience', and outselling the rest of the Top 40's sales combined.

The single became the biggest-downloaded song in 2006, beating Gnarls Barkley's 'Crazy'. The single stayed at number one for four weeks and went on to sell in the region of 1,000,000 copies.

In February 2007, Lewis signed a £5 million ($9.7 million) five album contract in the United States with the record label, J Records.

On 16 January 2007, 'A Moment like This' was short listed for the British Single award at the 2007 BRIT Awards. It made it to the second round but was eliminated and did not make it to the final selection. In May, it was awarded the Ivor Novello Award for Best Selling British Single.

2007-present: Spirit Her album 'Spirit' was released on the 12th of November 2007 in the UK, where it entered the UK Albums Chart at number one, also becoming the UK's fastest selling debut album and also the fourth fastest selling album of all time.

'Spirit' was released in the United States on 8 April 2008, and entered the Billboard 200 at number one.

Lewis' second single, 'Bleeding Love', the single sold 66,000 copies on its first day of release and went on to sell 218,805 copies in its first week, giving it the biggest first-week sales of 2007.

On 16 December 2007, 'Bleeding Love' won The Record of the Year 2007 award.

On 14 January 2008, Lewis was nominated for four BRIT Awards, in the categories British Female Solo Artist, British Breakthrough Act, British Album for Spirit, and British Single for 'Bleeding Love'.

Despite being the favourite to win the most awards, she received none.

In February 2008, Lewis broke the major American charts as 'Bleeding Love' peaked at number one becoming the first track by a UK female to hit number one since Kim Wilde in 1987.

More interestingly 'Bleeding Love' is only the second single to ever fall out and return to the number one position on the Hot 100 twice, the first was Le Freak by Chic in 1978 and 1979.

Lewis' third single, a double A-side featuring 'Better in Time' and 'Footprints in the Sand', was released in the UK in March 2008, in aid of the charity Sport Relief, the songs reached a peak of number 2 in the UK singles chart and sold over 70 000 copies.

As a part of Sport Relief, Lewis has set up a website, Yougivemestrength.com, for people to share their inspirational stories.

With a second album slated for release in 2009 and a reported £15 million world tour in 2010, Leona is looking to build on what will have to go down as one of the greatest debuts by a solo artist ever.

Personal life: Lewis has been a vegetarian since she was 12.



Biography by Contactmusic.com

Leona Lewis at the 2016 Glamour Women of The Year Awards - Los Angeles, California, United States - Tuesday 15th November 2016

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Leona Lewis at Farm Sanctuary's 30th Anniversary Gala held at the Beverly Wilshire Four Seasons Hotel, Beverly Hills, California, United States - Saturday 12th November 2016

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Leona Lewis steps out in head to toe gold as she attends a Halloween party with a male companion - Los Angeles, California, United States - Sunday 30th October 2016

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Leona Lewis at the 2016 Vanity Fair International Best Dressed List at Saks Fifth Avenue in New York City, United States - Wednesday 21st September 2016

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Leona Lewis - Leona Lewis attends the annual Animal Sanctuary Fundraising walk at South Weald Country Park in Brentwood, Essex - Brentwood, United Kingdom - Sunday 14th June 2015

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Has Leona Lewis Signed To Def Jam Recordings Ahead Of Comeback Album's Release?


Leona Lewis

Leona Lewis has reportedly signed a record deal with Def Jam Recordings, ahead of the release of her fifth studio album I Am. The former ‘X-Factor’ winner was previously signed to Simon Cowell’s Syco label, but left in June last year, later signing a four album deal with Universal music.

Leona LewisLeona Lewis is preparing to release her fifth studio album.

Lewis is thought to have signed to Def Jam Recordings, which is owned by Universal in the US, after she posted a picture of herself wearing a jacket with the label's logo on Twitter. The photo comes just days after Lewis performed a showcase in London, debuting tracks from the upcoming I Am.

Continue reading: Has Leona Lewis Signed To Def Jam Recordings Ahead Of Comeback Album's Release?

Leona Lewis Writes Open Letter To Fans Discussing Reasons Behind Her Exit From Simon Cowell’s Syco Label


Leona Lewis Simon Cowell

Leona Lewis has posted a handwritten, open letter to her fans on Twitter, discussing her feelings of depression and the reasons behind her departure from Simon Cowell’s record label. Earlier this year it was announced that Lewis had left the Syco label, which she had been with since wining the 'X-Factor' in 2007, and signed a new deal with Universal records.

Leona LewisLeona Lewis split with Cowell's record label earlier this year

Lewis begins the letter by writing, "It has been quite the rollercoaster year. The emotions I have felt have been more powerful, in both a positive and negative way, than any other time... in my life.”

Continue reading: Leona Lewis Writes Open Letter To Fans Discussing Reasons Behind Her Exit From Simon Cowell’s Syco Label

'Walking On Sunshine' Is No 'Mamma Mia', But It's Not Far Off


Leona Lewis

The chances are that if you've been watching any primetime terrestrial television lately, you've probably stared open jawed at the screen as the trailer for Walking on Sunshine unloads a giant stream of FEELGOOD on you. It's the annoying, yellow advert with Leona Lewis in it.

Leona LewisLeona Lewis at the 'Walking on Sunshine' Premiere

The movie, set to popular hit songs of the 1980s, takes place in a coastal village in Italy. It follows Maddie, who is preparing to marry Italian man Raf and has invited her sister Taylor to the wedding. However, unbeknownst to Maddie, Raf is Taylor's ex holiday flame and the love of her life. It's reasonable to predict Walking on Sunshine will pull in the UK crowds this weekend, and the critics suggest it's...actually not that bad.

Continue reading: 'Walking On Sunshine' Is No 'Mamma Mia', But It's Not Far Off

Leona Lewis - One More Sleep Single Review


Leona Lewis has had significant and surprisingly enduring success since her 'X Factor' victory but it was nonetheless brave to make the decision of releasing a Christmas album, especially since her 2012 album 'Glassheart' got a very mixed reception compared to her previous offerings. 'Christmas, with Love' has, alas, failed to make much of an impact in the shadow of such stellar releases as Kelly Clarkson's 'Wrapped In Red' for example, but considering it only featured three original songs, single 'One More Sleep' has turned out quite impressively.

Leona Lewis - One More Sleep Single Review

After kicking off with your standard Christmassy jingle bells, it's immediately clear that 'One More Sleep' is going to feel very Motown. Leona's vocals are on top form (as ever!) and there's a lovely simple but catchy melody to accompany the opening verse. However, with such a building crescendo, you're expecting the world's most infectious chorus - but you don't really get it. It's a good attempt, with a strong hint of the chorus from Thompson Twins' 80's hit single 'Hold Me Now', and excitement being incited from the countdown lyrics of, "5 more nights of sleeping on my own/ 4 more days until you're coming home/ 3 more dreams of you and mistletoe" and it's one of those songs that is so upbeat that you can't stop smiling while you listen. But, ultimately, if we compare it to the classic soundtrack of Christmas, it doesn't make the cut.

Vocal-wise, you're thinking, "Watch out Mariah Carey!" - it has to be said Leona has the voice of an angel. It's just not massively original though and, to many people, it will be fairly forgettable. On the other hand, kudos for releasing a non-cheesy, genuinely enjoyable Christmas song that doesn't threaten to wind you up every time it comes on the radio.

Continue reading: Leona Lewis - One More Sleep Single Review

'The X Factor' Winner Sam Bailey Is This Year's Christmas Number One


Sam Bailey Pharrell Williams Leona Lewis Avicii

X Factor winner Sam Bailey is officially the No. 1 artists this Christmas, as the winner of the singing contest has shot to the top of the UK Singles Chart with her debut single, 'Skyscraper.' The single had been holding strong at the top of the chart for most of the week since it was released after her win on Sunday, 15 December, and it has managed to hold on to claim the No. 1 spot officially.

Sam Bailey
Looks like Sam is happy with the single

As well as being this year's Christmas No. 1, Bailey is also one of the fast-selling artists of the year, as 'Skyscrapers' has sold more than 149,000 so far. She also managed to out-sell her nearest competitor, Pharrell William's 'Happy,' by almost two to one. Not a bad feat for a 36-year-old mum of two making her chart debut.

Continue reading: 'The X Factor' Winner Sam Bailey Is This Year's Christmas Number One

One Direction Are Officially The Richest Youngsters In Britain


One Direction Daniel Radcliffe Robert Pattinson Keira Knightley Emma Watson Adele Rupert Grint Calvin Harris Cheryl Cole Leona Lewis

One Direction really do have everything after all. In a recently compiled list by Heat Magazine, the boy were revealed as the highest earning entertainment stars under-30's in the UK, with a combined worth of almost £60 million. Individually, the boys would be placed just outside the top ten, however when their wealth is combined they come out on top by a narrow margin.

One Direction
Young, successful and very rich

Last years top spot holder, Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe, was ousted by the combined earning power of the mega-successful boy band, who have an estimated worth of over £12 million each. The boys were included to the list as a joint entity because most of their earnings have been made as a group, rather than through independent ventures. Narrowly missing out on reclaiming his top spot for a third time, Radcliffe came in second this year with £56.19 million. Something tells us that the Kill Your Darlings actor isn't losing too much sleep over being ousted from the top spot.

Continue reading: One Direction Are Officially The Richest Youngsters In Britain

Leona Lewis To Make Movie Debut In The 80's Themed Musical, 'Holiday!'


Leona Lewis

British singer, Leona Lewis is set to make her film debut as she stars in an 80's themed musical called 'Holiday!' that features songs from Madonna and Cyndi Lauper.

The film, originally titled 'Walking on Sunshine' will be directed by Max Giwa Dania Pasquini, the successful duo behind the 'Streetdance' franchise. British comedian Katy Brand will also star alongside Lewis.

It is not yet confirmed which character the 28 year old will play but she posted on twitter "Just wrapped for the day! So excited for you guys to see this, such great moments being captured. Lucky to work with amazingly talented ppl" last week (18th Sept).

Continue reading: Leona Lewis To Make Movie Debut In The 80's Themed Musical, 'Holiday!'

Emeli Sande? That’S Dr Emeli Sande To You!


Emeli Sande Rihanna Leona Lewis Cheryl Cole Susan Boyle BAFTA Doctor Who

Emeli Sande has been awarded an honorary Doctor of the University degree by the University of Glasgow. The singer received the prestigious honour for her outstanding contribution to the music industry, reports BBC News.

Sande’s degree will no doubt sit proudly next to her other academic achievement – an intercalculated degree in neuroscience from the same university between 2006 and 2009. Professor John Briggs, Clerk of Senate and Vice-Principal of the University of Glasgow, said: “The University of Glasgow is very pleased to recognise Emeli Sande's huge contribution to music, both in the Uk and around the world, by awarding her an honorary degree.”

It’s been a ridiculously successful year for Sande, who performed at both the opening and closing ceremonies at the London Olympics. She has scored three number one singles from her debut album Our Version of Events, which has sold 1.5 million copies in the Uk alone. It spent 66 consecutive weeks in the Top 10, finally dropping out on May 26, 2013.

Continue reading: Emeli Sande? That’S Dr Emeli Sande To You!

Young, Gifted And In The Black: Adele Tops Young Musicians Rich List


Adele Cheryl Cole Katie Melua Leona Lewis

At 24 years old, Adele could definitely be said to be “doing alright for herself.” With enough awards on the mantelpiece to tumble the sturdiest of fire surrounds, Adele has also been announced as the richest young musician (under 30) in the UK, with an estimated fortune of around £30 million. Whilst you’re no doubt busily pondering what you would do with that much money, if your bank account was £30 million in the black, allow us to share the fortunes of some other UK pop stars.

Cheryl Cole is second, though there’s a significant gap between the two, with a fortune of £14 million, and Leona Lewis. The singer Katie Melua is worth £12 million, apparently, which must mean she’s been really savvy with her investments, surely, because we can’t remember the last time she experienced any serious chart success. Florence Welch seems to be onto a nice little earner, too, with £9 million in the bank. The One Direction lads have a tidy collective fortune of £25 million – that’s around £5 million each. Not bad when you’re still in your teens, eh.

Even Adele would be weeping with joy, however, if she had the fortunes of the UK’s real big guns at her disposal. Sir Paul McCartney and his partner Nancy Shevell have a combined fortune of a staggering £680 million. For the record, we reckon that Paul brought most of that to the relationship with him. Like, £679.9 million of it. 

Continue reading: Young, Gifted And In The Black: Adele Tops Young Musicians Rich List

In Light Of Courtney Love Covering Jay Z's '99 Problems': Five Most Unlikely Cover Versions


Courtney Love Jay Z Rolf Harris Led Zeppelin Manic Street Preachers Rihanna Leona Lewis Nine Inch Nails Sid Vicious Frank Sinatra Take That Nirvana

Courtney Love doesn’t have much of a track record when it comes to cover versions. With her band Hole, she would often play a version of Guns N Roses’ ‘Paradise City’ that she would abandon half way through. Same goes for Depeche Mode’s ‘Hungry Like A Wolf,’ though the band did release a brilliant cover of Velvet Underground’s ‘Pale Blue Eyes,’ it has to be said.

When we heard that Courtney Love covered Jay Z’s ’99 Problems,’ though, we feared for the worst. And, sadly, our fears were confirmed. “This either sucks or it’s genius, I don’t know,” she said as she introduced the song at her impromptu Sundance Film Festival set.

Continue reading: In Light Of Courtney Love Covering Jay Z's '99 Problems': Five Most Unlikely Cover Versions

Leona Lewis

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Leona Lewis

Date of birth

3rd April, 1985

Occupation

Musician

Sex

Female

Height

1.7




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