She is a modern pop icon, yet for Leona Lewis, her route to the top wasn’t perhaps as straightforward as the perfection of reality TV would have you believe.
“I was always hooked on music,” begins Leona Lewis. “I found it therapeutic, but inspiring, and I know lots of kids dream of a career in the industry, but for me it really felt like a calling.” Yet the Bleeding Love, Run and A Moment Like This chart-topper was reluctant about showcasing her talents on what was, at the time, the UK’s biggest talent show.
“I could see the power of Pop Idol, Pop Stars and The X Factor, but I was quite reluctant when it came to applying. I didn’t really believe that was a route that was realistic; I didn’t have the confidence.”
Lewis was at the BRIT School for Performing Arts and Technology, but having already started penning and recording songs, she took the calculated risk of leaving academia to chase her music dream for real. Working two jobs to fund studio time, she recorded an album and was able to perform two tracks from it on Radio 1 in 2004. The positive response gave her the confidence to apply for Simon Cowell’s hit reality show.
“It was a whirlwind and it feels like a lifetime ago, but even now I can’t believe I actually won. It’s insane to think of the thousands of people who queue up to perform in front of the judges.” What followed was global acclaim, two number one albums (Spirit and Echo) and a career in the spotlight from which she would never step down.
“I like to think I’ve evolved as an artist and, of course, as a person. It’s an incredible ride but at some point you need to get off.”
Her wind down has seen the Islington native, now 39, focus on other areas where she can inspire and influence. She works tirelessly for charitable causes across animal cruelty, HIV/AIDS and child safety. “I am honoured to be involved in those projects – they are initiatives that drive real change, and that’s even more special than my music.” Lewis married long-time partner Dennis Jaunch in 2019 – the couple have daughter, Carmel, who is two this year.
“Being a mother has been a shift for me like no other. The things you thought were important become less so, almost overnight!”
Regardless, loyal fans are still anticipating a return to the studio, with an evolving soul sound some distance away from the pop power ballads that made her famous. “At the moment my focus is on being a mum, but I am always writing and putting together music, so the future is exciting.”
