In a major announcement for her fans, singer Leona Lewis OBE has confirmed she will release her first studio album in over ten years. The news comes as the celebrated artist, currently performing a festive residency in Las Vegas, has been forced to cancel several shows due to illness.
A Long-Awaited Return to Music
The 40-year-old star, who shot to fame after winning The X Factor in 2006, last released an album, I Am, in September 2015. In an interview with The Sun, Lewis revealed she has been "in and out of the studio for the past couple of years" crafting the new record, which she describes as a "real labour of love."
She plans to share the music with the world next year. In a significant creative shift, Lewis is taking full control of the project, writing, producing, and even playing the instruments herself, having taught herself bass and guitar.
Creative Control and Personal Growth
Lewis explained that taking on every role was "new territory" for her, but it granted her complete creative freedom. "It means that it's very unfiltered. It's very raw," she said. The singer also linked her recent artistic evolution to personal milestones, stating that before the birth of her daughter, she "did not know the depth of love."
Her current work in Las Vegas sees her performing hits from her Christmas album alongside classics like Run and her record-breaking debut A Moment Like This. However, her residency has recently hit an unexpected hurdle.
Show Cancellations Due to Illness
The artist has been left "heartbroken" after having to cancel concerts on Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st December on doctors' orders. In statements to her fans, Lewis explained she had been battling a sore throat and needed time for vocal rest and recovery.
"I'm continuing to rest and follow medical advice so I can fully recover and protect my voice," she said, expressing hope to return to the stage by Christmas Eve. Lewis, who was diagnosed with Hashimoto's disease in 2017, is familiar with managing health challenges alongside her career.
Despite the temporary setback, Lewis's legacy in music remains formidable. She is the first British female solo artist to reach the top five with eight singles, surpassing a record previously held by Olivia Newton-John. Her accolades include:
- Two MOBO Awards
- An MTV Europe Music Award
- Two World Music Awards
- Six BRIT Award nominations
- Three Grammy Award nominations
Beyond her chart success, Lewis sang the Oscar-nominated song I See You for the film Avatar in 2009 and made her Broadway debut in Cats in 2016. Fans now eagerly await both her return to the Vegas stage and the arrival of her long-awaited new album.
