"Leona Lewis separated herself from the competition in a way big on the third season of the British reality television show The X Factor. Her incredible vocals and dazzling good looks made her the clear-cut choice as the talent competition's winner. The X Factor is very similar to the American reality talent search American Idol and sports well-known Brit Simon Cowell as one of its judges and its executive producer.The London native grew up listening to her father's record collection, one in which singer Whitney Houston was heavily featured. The influence of Houston comes through loud and clear, both literally and figuratively, in Lewis' vocals. Lewis decided to become a singer when she was only six years old. While many children declare they're going to be a famous singer, Lewis had the goods and had written her first song by the time she was 12.Lewis won her first talent show at the age of 13, an accomplishment that only fueled the fire burning inside her to pursue her dreams. She attended and graduated from the well-known and well-respected BRIT School for Performing Arts and Technology. Despite her talent, Lewis found herself working as a receptionist and a waitress when she auditioned for The X Factor.After wowing the judges and running away with the competition, Lewis released her debut album, Spirit, in 2007. Propelled by her cover of American Idol winner Kelly Clarkson's ""A Moment Like This,"" which reached number one on the U.K. charts, the record was a smash success and climbed to the top spot on a multitude of Billboard lists. Her vocal abilities are supremely showcased on Spirit and had proved once again that Cowell is quite the scout when it comes to musical talent. Lewis' star is certainly on the rise and how high it climbs appears to be limitless."
