Role

:

Performer

Country

:

United Kingdom

Birth

:

April 3, 1985 in Islington, London, England

 

Leona Lewis is a British singer, songwriter, and actress who rose to fame after winning the third season of the British television talent show, The X Factor, in 2006. Born on April 3, 1985, in Islington, London, Lewis grew up in a musical family and started singing at a young age. Her parents were both musicians, and her father was a youth worker who encouraged her to pursue her passion for music. Lewis attended the Sylvia Young Theatre School and the Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts in London, where she honed her singing and acting skills. She also worked as a receptionist and a pizza delivery girl to support herself while pursuing her music career. In 2006, Lewis auditioned for the third season of The X Factor, a popular British television talent show, and impressed the judges with her powerful voice and emotional performances. She made it to the live shows and quickly became a fan favorite, thanks to her soulful renditions of classic songs like "Summertime" and "I Will Always Love You." Lewis went on to win the competition, beating out fellow finalists Ray Quinn and Ben Mills. Her debut single, a cover of Kelly Clarkson's "A Moment Like This," was released in December 2006 and became the fastest-selling single in the UK at the time, selling over 50,000 copies in just 30 minutes. In 2007, Lewis released her debut album, Spirit, which featured a mix of pop, R&B, and soul songs. The album was a commercial success, debuting at number one on the UK Albums Chart and selling over 8 million copies worldwide. It also spawned several hit singles, including "Bleeding Love," which topped the charts in over 30 countries and became one of the best-selling singles of all time. Lewis's success continued with the release of her second album, Echo, in 2009. The album featured collaborations with top producers and songwriters, including Ryan Tedder, Max Martin, and Justin Timberlake. It debuted at number one on the UK Albums Chart and spawned several hit singles, including "Happy" and "I Got You." In 2010, Lewis made her acting debut in the film, Walking on Sunshine, a musical comedy set in the 1980s. She played the lead role of Elena, a young woman who falls in love with a man while on vacation in Italy. The film received mixed reviews but was a box office success, grossing over $10 million worldwide. Lewis continued to release music throughout the 2010s, including the albums Glassheart (2012) and I Am (2015). She also appeared as a judge on the UK version of The X Factor in 2011 and 2012, and as a guest judge on the US version in 2014. In addition to her music and acting career, Lewis is also known for her philanthropic work. She has supported several charities over the years, including the Prince's Trust, World Animal Protection, and the Hopefield Animal Sanctuary. In 2014, she was appointed as a goodwill ambassador for the World Animal Protection organization. Throughout her career, Lewis has received numerous awards and accolades for her music, including three Brit Awards, a MOBO Award, and a Grammy nomination. She has also been recognized for her contributions to the music industry, receiving an honorary degree from the University of West London in 2013. In conclusion, Leona Lewis is a talented and accomplished musician who has made a significant impact on the music industry. Her powerful voice and emotional performances have won her fans around the world, and her philanthropic work has made a positive impact on the lives of many.

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