Leona Lewis

In just under a year since winning England s X Factor talent show, British pop star Leona Lewis established herself as an international superstar. Her debut album Spirit, released in England in November 2007, set world records for sales.

Twenty-something Leona even cracked the tough U.S. market when her single Bleeding Love became the number-one song in America in spring 2008. When Spirit topped the U.S. album chart at the same time, Leona became the first British female solo artist to ever have both a song and an album at the top of the U.S. charts.

This former receptionist and waitress from London has taken her music across the globe, appeared on magazine covers, and performed at the Beijing Olympics. Still, she is determined to remember where she came from and to help others along the way.