Leona Lewis

Known as a singer, songwriter, and recording artist whose music genres include R&B as well as pop, Leona Lewis hails from Islington, London. She became well-known in 2006 after winning the "X Factor" competition. In 2007, Leona Lewis released her debut album "Spirit", which sold over eight million copies around the world. One of the most successful singles on that album, "Bleeding Love", hit the number one slot in over 30 countries worldwide and went on to become the best-selling single in the world in 2008. The song showcased Lewis' vocal talents, and Billboard magazine proclaimed Leona Lewis the "Top New Artist" in 2008. Lewis followed up her success with a second album "Echo" in 2009 and her first tour the following year. She released her third album, "Glassheart", in 2012. Lewis has been nominated for three Grammies and seven Brit Awards and, so far, she has sold more than 20 million albums around the world. Leona Lewis has often been compared to Whitney Houston, who, Lewis admits, has always been one of her idols. Lewis also counts Mariah Carey amongst her inspirations. Besides her involvement in the music industry, Lewis is known for her love of animals. She opposes the use of animal fur and has been known to have turned down a seven-figure deal from Harrods for that reason. Leona Lewis also maintains her own accessory and perfume line and is working with The Body Shop. The singer also maintains an active online presence and has been known to tweet regularly.