Leona Lewis Biography
The X Factors clear favourite from beginning to end, she transcended the show, receiving rave reviews way beyond the usual confines of the TV talent contest.
Blessed with a voice of power and restraint, capable of heart stopping intensity and a playful light touch, the 22 year old from Hackney, East London was never going to be an ordinary talent show winner. Six months ago, her massive Christmas Number 1 A Moment Like This smashed the world record for downloads by selling 50,000 in the first half an hour. The single sold 600,000 copies in its first week, making Leona the fastest selling debut female artist of all time.
But the world has seen no more rush releases since then, no gimmicky TV tie-in. Leona has been away earning her superstar status.
Who else has been recording her debut album in London, Atlanta, Miami and Los Angeles with the cream of international producing talent?
The unassuming manner that millions of fans immediately fell for makes Leonas mentions of some of the worlds coolest music minds sound like a roll call of old mates.
We started in London with Steve Mac, she says of the British pop supremo who has had everyone from Kelly Clarkson to Mariah Carey in his care, Then Dallas Austin in Atlanta, Soulshock and Carlin, Jam and Lewis in Los Angeles. Walter Afanasieff too and also Salaam Remi in Miami. I love his studio, unlike most its on the roof of his house next to the pool. I got quite burned from sunbathing between takes.
Those producers boast credits for work with the likes Aretha Franklin, Michael and Janet Jackson, TLC, Destinys Child, Fugees, Usher, Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston and Amy Winehouse. Leona visited Diane Warren, the queen of American songwriters to work on further material.
With Simon Cowell and the legendary Clive Davis executively producing, she has been afforded the luxury of time and control over her destiny.
Ive been treated as my own person, insists Leona, Ive not been given a formula to follow. I had the time to find my feet Ive learned a lot and Simon and Clive really listen to me.
Its rare that anyone is given the opportunity to develop these days, let alone anyone from a talent show contest. I got lucky, Im well aware of that.
Seemingly down to earth and disarmingly shy when not exercising her startling voice, Leona has stepped forward as an artist. With that support has come a new confidence in the passion she has pursued all her life.
Simon always said to follow my instincts and be true to myself. Clive said exactly the same thing. I wanted to sing great songs and we have loads that I feel a connection with.
The album is classic songs with a contemporary edge. Theres a few ballads and theres some uptempo stuff too. Ive been experimenting, we used up and coming producers like Fernando who have added some really cool electronic 80s sounds. But its important to me that theyre all proper songs. Theyre not just beat driven or following the latest sound.
For me, songs need to work acoustically. I used to go out and gig acoustically, I like songs that work even when theyre broken down.
Catch Leona Lewis for a chat these days and it is clear that she now has a debut album filled with exactly what she wanted. Recent collaborations have added Ne-Yo and Billy Steinberg (Like A Virgin, Eternal Flame anyone?) to her list of dazzling musical partners.
I did my last recording the other weekend in New York, she beams, her voice quivering with a mixture of pride and excitement, Weve got so many songs, the hardest part is deciding what exactly goes on this album. Thats between Clive, Simon and I. The album has become all about the songs, the time Ive had has been fundamental to making a great album. Theres a definite sound there and at the same time the songs are the sort you can get your airbrush out for and belt out in front of the bathroom mirror.
In between the hard musical work, Leona Lewis, that supposed shy, retiring flower, has taken to pop star extras with aplomb. A new shoot featuring Leona looking stylish and stunning on a Californian beach has effortlessly captured this new spirit.
Oh, thats fun, she giggles, I get to be a princess and play around with great clothes. Im really looking forward to doing the video, then were shooting the album artwork. I want another beach and great frocks!
It seems that her impressive musical confidence is spilling into the other areas of her life. But let's just assume that once Leona realised that she had a radio-melting lead single like Bleeding Love ready to unleash, it must have been easy for everything else to fall into place.
Think back to when 1980s Prince was morphing pop music into another dimension, then add a cooler Mariah Carey on vocals and you might have some idea of what the world is waiting for.
Thats written with Ryan Tedder from One Republic, she explains, ever eager to trace the roots of her music, Theyre a rock band but its got elements of Prince, Ryans worked with Timbaland and he has so many avenues to pursue.
Its a love song, but it can be sung to a boyfriend, a friend, its about always being there for someone.
This album is from an honest, genuine place, she enthuses, I know some people are asking, where has she gone? But I wanted everyone who has supported and worked with me to have an album theyre proud of, one that is credible and one with songs that people can connect to.
Im working hard to make sure that Im around for a long time to come. Its going to surprise people. Ive surprised myself!
Leona Lewis is more than ready to stop the nation in its tracks once again.
