2 months ago 19th Apr 08:15
They say good things don't happen to nice people, but Leona Lewis has blown that theory apart. Not only did the shy, unassuming singer from Hackney, east London, become the first British female to top the US album chart with her debut LP 'Spirit' this week, she did it without a diva tantrum or controversial news story in sight.
While she may not grab the headlines with her chaotic lifestyle like Britney Spears, or be renowned for her drug taking like Amy Winehouse, Leona has shown that with just raw talent and hard work, success can be achieved.
Following the news of Leona's US success, her manager Simon Cowell said: "What Leona has achieved is simply incredible. This is the hardest market to crack and for her debut album to go in at number one is unbelievable."
J Records founder Clive Davis, who signed Leona to his label after hearing her incredible voice, also gave his congratulations and predicted it is just the start of a glittering future.
He said: "Leona Lewis will not be an overnight sensation. She is the real deal and this is just the beginning of a long and illustrious career."
Before Leona's success, the highest place a British female had achieved in the US album charts was Dido, who reached number four with her record 'Life for Rent' - a position which now seems mediocre compared to Leona's standards.
To make Leona's feat even more remarkable, her single 'Bleeding Love' - which had previously topped the US single charts in March - returned to number one on the Billboard Hot 100.
Following her initial singles chart victory, Cowell spoke of his joy at discovering such an undeniable talent.
He said: "I am incredibly proud of Leona, what she has achieved in the past year is simply amazing. I am very, very happy for her."
The last British female solo artist to achieve the top position was Kim Wilde with her cover of 'You Keep Me Hangin' On' in 1987.
Leona's US success seems a million miles away from where she first started out.
In autumn 2006, Leona, a former waitress, was working as a receptionist with dreams of becoming the next big thing.
So, her boyfriend Lou Al-Chamaa secretly entered her into British talent show 'The X Factor' and, after being persuaded to attend the auditions by friends and family, she blew audiences and judges away with her vocal talent.
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