MTV Europe Music Awards 2008

Leona Lewis

In these frenzied modern times, there are few people who can seemingly slow time and capture a nation’s attention for the duration of a song. But look back to the end of 2006 and Leona Lewis provided those moments every single week. The X Factor’s clear favourite from beginning to end, she transcended the show, receiving rave reviews way beyond the usual confines of the TV talent contest. Blessed with a voice of power and restraint, capable of heart stopping intensity and a playful light touch, the 22-year-old from Hackney, East London was never going to be an ordinary talent show winner. After seven weeks at number 1, her first album, Spirit, has now gone on to exceed monumental sales of over 1.6 million copies and its leading single, ‘Bleeding Love,’ became the biggest selling single of 2007.