Biography
Who is Leona Lewis?
Early life and background
Leona Lewis Louise Lewis was born on April 3, 1985, in Islington, United Kingdom. Her father is of Afro-Guyanese descent, and her mother has Welsh, Irish, and Italian ancestry. She grew up with an older half-brother named Bradley and a younger brother named Kyle.
Recognizing her passion for music, her parents enrolled her at several performing arts schools, including the Sylvia Young Theatre School, the Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts, the Ravenscourt Theatre School, and the BRIT School for Performing Arts and Technology. Leona decided to leave the BRIT School at age 17 to pursue a music career independently, funding studio sessions by working as a receptionist and waitress.
Rise to fame on The X Factor
Leona auditioned for the third series of the television talent competition The X Factor in 2006. Mentored by Simon Cowell, she performed various songs and eventually defeated Ray Quinn in the final to win the competition. Her victory included a recording contract with Syco Music.
Her winner's single was a cover of Kelly Clarkson's song A Moment Like This. The track broke a record by receiving 50,000 digital downloads in under 30 minutes and spent four consecutive weeks at the top of the UK Singles Chart.
Album releases and career highlights
In February 2007, Leona signed an American record deal with J Records. Her debut studio album, Spirit, was released later that year and became a big commercial success, topping charts in multiple countries and achieving multi-platinum certification in the United Kingdom.
The lead single from the album, Bleeding Love, topped the UK Singles Chart for seven weeks and became the best-selling single in Britain for 2007. Over the following years, Leona released several more albums, including Echo, Glassheart, Christmas, with Love, and I Am.
Stage, film, and other projects
Leona expanded her career into acting and theatre over the years. In 2014, she made her film debut in Walking on Sunshine. She later made her Broadway debut in 2016, playing the role of Grizabella in a revival of the musical Cats.
In 2021, Leona joined the judging panel for the television series Queen of the Universe. Aside from her music and acting work, she is a dedicated animal rights supporter and follows a vegan lifestyle.
Birthday and age
Leona Lewis was born on April 3, 1985, which makes Leona 41 years old today. That birthday falls under the Aries sign. Leona shares the date with 38 other famous people.
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