Leona Lewis, a fantastically talented singer/songwriter in her twenties from East London, started as a shy girl on Simon Cowell’s X Factor. Now, she’s travelling the world, meeting A-list celebrities and scoring chart hits. She grew up listening to artists like Anita Baker and Eva Cassidy and now has a chance to follow in their footsteps. Her debut album Spirit was recorded and closely looked over by J Records’ head honcho, Clive Davis, who was responsible for bringing us Whitney Houston and Alicia Keys.

Leona Lewis’s debut single Bleeding Love was the UK’s biggest selling single of 2007 and now she has become the third female artist from the UK to ever have a number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

EUT: I remember watching you on the X Factor and actually voting for you. Now you have the number 1 single in the US! How does it feel?
Leona Lewis: It’s really exciting. It’s unbelievable really coming from the UK and coming over here is a big deal, even having music released here and being received so well is amazing.

EUT: How has your team been helping you?
LL: I worked with Simon Cowell during the X Factor and then he introduced me to Clive Davis while I was recording the album and he’s launched people like Whitney Houston and Alicia Keys. He in turn introduced me to song writers that were kind enough to take the chance working with someone like me who is relatively unknown. Everyone from J Records has been really good to me. There’s me but there’s a whole team of people putting hard work and effort into it.

EUT: Does it feel different being in America when you’ve been in the UK your whole life?
LL: There are definitely different aspects but it’s relatively the same like going to the radio stations and doing interviews and things like that. I’m still learning all the time as I go forward.

EUT: Do people react towards you differently there?
LL: Not as many people recognise me so not many people come up to me when I’m walking down the street. I’ve only just been introduced to people out here and they’re still getting to know me.

EUT: You were on Sport Relief not so long ago and filmed an emotional video on your visit to South Africa. What was the experience like?
LL: I learned a lot of things. It really put my life into perspective and showed me that there are so many issues and so many people that need help and can be helped by something as small as donating some money to a charity. It was an amazing and enlightening experience but at the same time it wasn’t nice seeing people in those positions and seeing them suffering. I’m glad I went there and can use what I have to shed light and awareness on it. I respect those people who dedicate their time to these causes.

EUT: I heard a rumour you might need an operation on your throat. Is that true?
LL: No! I heard recently I was supposed to be having an operation as well but that’s not true. The things that have been said in the press are really funny and make me laugh.

EUT: What’s the weirdest thing you’ve seen written about yourself?
LL: Most recently, it would be that Simon Cowell will be buying me a house. I wish! It’s really not true though. I don’t think he would buy me a house.

 

EUT: You’ve met so many amazing people for example, Whitney Houston and Oprah Winfrey who have spoken highly of you. What has that been like?
LL: It’s incredible! I never thought I’d actually get to meet those people. I had the opportunity to be on the Oprah Show which was quite amazing and I’ve been able to go to so many different countries and meet lots of other people as well. The reception has been great so far so I’ve been really lucky.

EUT: You must be having designers jumping over each other to dress you. Are you into fashion?
LL: Yes, to a point. It’s been very nice to wear peoples’ designs and wear these clothes that have been so beautifully made. I like to get dressed up like that sometimes.

EUT: You still seem very down to earth and humble. How do you manage that?
LL: Thank you! I guess it’s that I live my life knowing the fact that possibly things could end tomorrow. Not to be negative, because I really am a positive person, but you hear of people letting it go to their heads and going a bit crazy. I think to myself ‘where would I be if all of this would be gone tomorrow.’ My friends and family mean so much to me and always come first so I’ve always got them to back me up. I wouldn’t want to change.

EUT: So you haven’t gone crazy but you must have bought something expensive since becoming successful.
LL: I’d say it’s still my Mini Cooper which I bought a year ago. That’s probably the most expensive thing I’ve bought so far really.

EUT: What don’t you like about the music industry so far?
LL: Everything has been relatively positive but the only thing I could say would be the paparazzi attention. I don’t like it when they follow me because it can get a bit crazy. They can get really in your face and they can even get aggressive. I’ve been on the road sometimes and they’ve gone through red lights and just been really dangerous.

EUT: Would you like to try your hand at something other than singing?
LL: Singing is obviously my passion but I do have other hopes and ambitions. For example, I’d love to have a range of clothes and accessories. I’m a vegetarian and don’t wear any leather. I am totally against animal cruelty. I’m also a real film buff so I’d love to try my hand at creating a film whether it be writing, producing or directing.

EUT: You could open a vegetarian restaurant.
LL: Yeah, that would be something really great. I have a lot of ideas.

EUT: What do you think of chocolate covered scorpions?
LL: One, who would eat that and two, that’s quite evil.

Source: EveryUrbanThing.com