Q&A With Leona Lewis
From:
Lauren Barth
36 days 8 hours 42 minutes ago
Leona Lewis is young, fresh, and talented. After winning the third season of the X Factor, the gorgeous and eloquent songstress became an instant success. Her sound is rich and unique, and her lyrics are all heart and soul. We chatted with the star-on-the-rise about creating her new album, working with Simon Cowell, and eating Haagen Das ice cream.
How has your life changed in the last two years?
I think the biggest change is that I’m able to incorporate music into my life everyday – which is quite amazing. But I think it’s that people recognize me now especially in the UK.
What made you decide to audition for the X Factor?
Well I’d always been doing music and I left school at 17 to pursue it. And I started to go into the studio and demo songs and do songs, and someone just suggested it to me. And I had seen bits of it on television. It had been on twice already. And I never actually thought to go on it myself. But someone suggested it to me and after all it’s an opportunity at the end of the day so I just decided to go for it and I did.
And if you hadn’t gone on the show, what do you think you’d be doing now?
I think I’d still be doing music and I’d still be in the studio and still be doing demos and stuff.
What’s it like working so closely with Simon Cowell?
Oh my gosh – it’s great. He’s amazing. And he’s a good guy, and he’s been really involved in introducing me to people for the album and stuff like that – just really kind of opening that door for me that I may not have been able to [do on my own] like meting Clive Davis who’s really amazing.
Is it true that Simon bought you a house as a congratulations present?
Yeah, it’s so funny. Things get made up all the time. That’s one of those things.
What’s your reaction to rumors you hear about yourself?
I just try not to read it really. If anything negative is said, I just do not really listen to it, I guess. My friends and my family make me laugh and make fun of it. I think that’s really what you have to do.
What was it like going on Oprah?
Oh my gosh. It was incredible. I can’t believe I actually got the opportunity to go on Oprah. It’s crazy.
So you’re already #1 in the U.S. How do you keep raising the bar for yourself? What’s your next goal?
Just kind of, you know, I’m just singing and creating music. And to get this opportunity is so excited for me. I’m so grateful. Just releasing more music and getting people to know me still.
Tell me about your album.
[It’s called] Spirit. I kind of describe it as a mixture of classic and contemporary … It’s all very melody driven.
Do you have any favorite songs on the album?
They’re all my favorites. It’s kind of hard to decide. But, I mean, I really like “Here I Am.” That’s a real special song for me.
Are there any artists you’d really like to collaborate with?
Stevie Wonder and Alicia Keys, as well. I think she’s incredible.
Who’s your idol in music? And who’s your idol in life?
My idol in music would be maybe someone like Celine Dion. She’s had a really long career and she’s made some really amazing songs. And she’s such a lovely person as well. Musically and career wise – she’s amazing. I think musically someone like Stevie Wonder. And then [my idol] in life would be my mom because she’s positive and has always supported me.
What advice would you give to an aspiring musician who’s about to throw in the towel?
Oh my gosh. Just stay dedicated. I [was] not on the verge of giving up, but I was, at points, like really down about if it was going to happen and what was going to happen. Stay dedicated, and if you love it and if it’s your passion keep on doing it.
What’s one thing you think people would be surprised to know about you?
I’m a real movie buff. I love my movies. That’s one thing I guess.
What your favorite:
Movie: The Labyrinth
Song: "Anytime You Need a Friend" by Mariah Carey
TV: Prison Break
Guilty Pleasure: I love a bit of ice cream … Haagen Das. Chocolate-chocolate chip.
