Singing sensation Leona Lewis is set to re-release her smash hit album 'Spirit' this Christmas here in the UK. The Cassidy-assisted 'Nowhere Left' to go is set to feature on this version of the album - having been (record for, but) left off the US release.

About the mid-tempo track, I'm really liking the fact that Leona isn't being pigeon-holed in the ballad-only category - the song is very 'current'. Saying that, the song, though not bad, doesn't really serve up much of substance; what's more there is a distinct lack of chemistry between Leona and Cassidy on the track (his part feels kinda 'phoned-in'). Decent, I guess.

Hit or Miss?

LISTEN: Nowhere To Go (ft. Cassidy)

Labels: Cassidy, Leona Lewis

The video for Leona's 3rd UK single 'Forgive Me' premiered today. I must say, the clip for this Akon produced track is pleasantly surprising. Sans the gowns and big ballads Leona manages to serve up her best video yet IMO. Bright, colourful and visually engaging, this one is definitely a winner. The International star actually appeared to have been choreographed for the first time too. Good stuff.

What do you think of the video?

Labels: Leona Lewis

Labels: Ashanti, Beyonce, Ciara, Fergie, Keyshia Cole, Leona Lewis, Mariah Carey, Mary J. Blige, Nicole Scherzinger, Rihanna

The all-star voices behind the Stand Up To Cancer campaign song 'Just Stand Up' performed the track at New York's Radio City Music Hall earlier today. Peep these pics of the ladies after rehearsal.

The ladies and driving force behind the project L.A. Reid and 'Just Stand Up's producer Babyface.

Labels: Ashanti, Beyonce, Ciara, Fergie, Keyshia Cole, Leona Lewis, Mariah Carey, Mary J. Blige, Nicole Scherzinger, Rihanna

As previously reported, female music heavy-weights, including Beyonce, Mary J. Blige, Rihanna and Mariah Carey, came together to record 'Just Stand Up', in aid of the 'Stand Up To Cancer' campaign. The track itself, which I must say is pretty good, made its debut today on various US radio stations. You can listen to it below, as well as peep the full list of featured artists:

Hit or Miss?

Labels: Ashanti, Beyonce, Ciara, Fergie, Keyshia Cole, Leona Lewis, Mariah Carey, Mary J. Blige, Rihanna

Female music heavy-weights including Beyonce, Mariah Carey, Rihanna and Mary J. Blige have joined forces for a star-studded single called 'Just Stand Up'," benefiting the Stand Up to Cancer campaign. Check out the report via MTV below:

The unprecedented gathering features vocals from Mariah Carey, Beyoncé, Mary J. Blige, Rihanna, Fergie, Sheryl Crow, Miley Cyrus, Melissa Etheridge, Ashanti, Natasha Bedingfield, Keyshia Cole, Ciara, Leona Lewis, LeAnn Rimes and Carrie Underwood. The tune is being produced by the powerhouse duo of Kenny "Babyface" Edmonds and Antonio "L.A." Reid, who are working together for the first time in nearly 20 years.

The song will be available for purchase exclusively on iTunes on September 2 and will get its TV premiere on September 5 during the live "Just Stand Up" special, which will air simultaneously and commercial-free on CBS, ABC and NBC. According to a press release announcing the project, the song was conceived by Reid, the chairman of the Island Def Jam Music Group, after a meeting with the women behind the Stand Up to Cancer campaign.

It's great to see so many major names come together for a worthy cause.

Your thoughts?

Labels: Ashanti, Beyonce, Ciara, Fergie, Keyshia Cole, Leona Lewis, Mariah Carey, Mary J. Blige, Rihanna

She did great, as usual. Though I must say that 'Better With Time' doesn't really move me - at all. 'Bleeding Love' on the other hand, though played to death, still is enjoyable to see performed live - especially with the different adlibs and runs Leona added to the performance. Good stuff.

What do you think of the performance?

Labels: Leona Lewis

Singing sensation Leona Lewis appears on the July cover for Blender Magazine. Aside from the cover's tag-line ('Look out Mariah, Leona is Pop's Next Megastar'), the magazine features this interesting quote from the UK born star:

"I don't wear little miniskirts and low-cut tops. If you want to show your bits off, it's up to you. When I was 18, I had a few glasses of Alcopop — they're bubblegummy drinks with a bit of alcohol — and it was gross. I've tasted champagne, which is gross. And I tasted wine, which I don't like."

Hmm. Kudos to her for sticking to her guns if this is legit, but I'm wondering if this 'wholesome' image is a label construct. It's funny they mention Mariah on the cover, as, for some reason, I can so see Leona having her 'Mariah circa 1997 ('Butterfly)' break-free moment a few years down the line (sexed up image and the full works). I guess time will tell.

Labels: Leona Lewis

Diddy is currently putting the wheels in motion for the follow-up to his last LP 2006's collabo heavy 'Press Play'. Speaking on who he'd like to work with on the record, the music mogul revealed that he has his sights set on UK singing sensation Leona Lewis:

The rapper explained that, following his pairing with Christina Aguilera on his last album, 2006's 'Press Play', he wants Lewis to feature prominently on his next.

P. Diddy, real name Sean Combs, told the Daily Mirror: "I want that girl on my next album. I'm a huge fan. Not only is she so, so beautiful, she has a great voice. She is extremely talented, and it's great she's from England.

"She has one of the best voices I've heard. I'm already thinking about my next album and definitely want to make it work, so she's on it.

"I had Christina Aguilera on my last album, but it's all about Leona Lewis on my next." {Source}

Hmm. Here's hoping he tends to the Making The Band 4 clan first, all of whom are in dire need to new singles, promotion etc. Then again, this is Diddy...

Your thoughts?

Labels: Diddy, Leona Lewis

She nailed it! With the undeniably huge audience that American Idol commands, this was, perhaps, Leona's biggest showing in the US to date, so it was great to see her do us proud. After this, it wouldn't surprise me if the song ascends to the top of the Hot 100 again. Great performance.

Random: UK'ers, Leona's doing it BIG right now, does anyone remember Leon Jackson LMAO?!

What do you think of the performance?

Labels: Leona Lewis

UK singing sensation Leona Lewis has hit the promo trail hard in the US in support of her 'Spirit' LP, most recently stopping by Jimmy Kimmel Live. I really enjoyed this interview; it's one of only times I've seen Leona let her personality shine through and she came across really well.

Having already broken records around the globe, she seems set to do the same in the US this coming week as 'Spirit' is almost certainly headed for the top spot on the Billboard 200 chart. What's more, 'Bleeding Love' - which already hit #1 in the US three weeks ago - looks set to ascend to the coveted position once again. More power to her!

Any thoughts?

Labels: Leona Lewis

Following the record-breaking success Leona Lewis has enjoyed here in the UK, the singing sensation releases the US version of her debut LP 'Spirit' Stateside today.

Labels: Leona Lewis

With the US release of Leona Lewis' debut LP 'Spirit' just around the corner (due April 8th), a new track from the anticipated set has surfaced. Produced and written by Akon, 'Forgive Me' is a funky Pop/R&B cut that sees the UK sensation embrace a much more edgier sound, as well as subject matter. Though perhaps slightly premature, I'm hoping this is the direction Leona explores more on her sophomore LP.

Hit or Miss?

LISTEN: Forgive Me

Labels: Leona Lewis

'Misses Glass' is one of two new tracks from the revamped US version of Leona's debut album 'Spirit'. The uptempo cut injects a much-needed lease of life into 'Spirit's' ballad-laden form. What's more, with its 'Pop-meets-light R&B' sound, the Mad Scientist produced track should appeal to the mass US audience. 'Spirit' hits stores in the US on April 8th.

Labels: Leona Lewis

It would appear that Leona Lewis is, indeed, set for international stardom. The East Londoner's hit single 'Bleeding Love' toppled Usher's 'Love In The Club' to take the top spot on the US Hot 100 singles chart this week. Lewis has already broken records with the song, having spent seven straight weeks atop of the Official UK Singles Chart last year.

Labels: Leona Lewis

As the US release of Leona Lewis' hugely successful 'Spirit' LP draws nearer (due April 8th), the UK songstress stopped by 'The Tonight Show With Jay Leno' last night to perform current single 'Bleeding Love'. Granted this is probably the 100th time I've seen her perform the song, especially being here in the UK, I still enjoyed it. I really have no choice to, considering she nails it each and every time. Great performance. 'Bleeding Love' sits atop of the iTunes chart, as at writing.

What do you think of the performance?

Labels: Leona Lewis

Great, as usual. 'Bleeding Love' is performing very well on the Billboard Hot 100 and is currently sitting at #21. A revamped version of Leona's debut 'Spirit', featuring new tracks recorded with Akon and Mad Scientist (Beyonce's 'Upgrade U') will be released on April 8th.

What do you think of the performance?

Labels: Leona Lewis

Rihanna & The Klaxons - Umbrella

More performances:

Leona Lewis - Bleeding Love

Mark Ronson (ft. Amy Winehouse) - Valerie

The Brits Award's shunning of urban music has kinda made it a bit of a non-event for me. Still, the performances were entertaining. Rihanna was just ok, I guess. Leona was her usual near flawless self. All eyes were on the recovering Amy Winehouse, who delivered two very interesting performances. I'd be lying if I said her vocals weren't down-right horrid in places on both songs. However, she did a pretty good job overall. Random tidbit: don't you just love her little shimmy dance lol. For real, it's great to see her finally getting herself together.

What do you think of the performances?

Labels: Amy Winehouse, Leona Lewis, Rihanna

UK singing sensation Leona Lewis performed her smash 'Bleeding Love' at Germany's ECHO Awards ceremony last night (February 15th). Not her best performance of the song - a couple of 'iffy' moments made for that - but still great all the same. Meanwhile, it's been confirmed 'Better With Time' is Leona's next single here in the UK.

What do you think of the performance?

Labels: Leona Lewis

Woah! She really took it to CHURCH on that one. She S-A-N-G! Could have done without some of the vocal rifting at the end, but who cares, it's Fantasia. Good stuff.

Leona Lewis - 'Bleeding Love'

Great performance. I felt proud of her; having watched her get her big break on the X-Factor and now performing (and nailing it) in front of her industry contemporaries, it really hit me that she is destined for big things - and deservedly so. She is an amazing talent.

What do you think of the performances?

Labels: Fantasia, Leona Lewis