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Leona Lewis signs to Universal's Island Records LEAVES SYCO
Barry_Clarke
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Long-term Sony artist Leona Lewis has signed an exclusive recording contract with Universal's Island Records.
Lewis released four studio albums at Sony, clocking up sales of over 20 million globally. Her hit singles include the chart-topping Bleeding Love, which became the best-selling single worldwide in 2008.
When her 2012 studio album Glassheart - released on Syco/Sony - was a commercial disappointment in the UK and failed to be granted a full released in the US, her career appeared to have taken a serious knock.
But Lewis's 2013 Christmas-themed single One More Sleep breathed life back into her prospects, hitting No.3 on the Official UK Chart after being released in late November. The track's heavy airplay rotation helped propel festive album Christmas, With Love - another Syco release - to gold sales status in the UK.
Speaking about her signing to Island - a label of Sony rival Universal - Lewis said: “After seven incredible years at Sony I feel honoured to be given the opportunity to sign to perhaps the most iconic label of all, Island Records.
"To me Island has always been a label where artists can really flourish and are encouraged to express themselves. Island stands for quality music and signing with such a legendary label is really like a dream come true for me. I can’t wait to start making music with my new team.“
Darcus Beese president of Island added: “We are absolutely delighted to welcome Leona into the Island family. I’ve watched and admired Miss Lewis from afar, witnessed her grow into one of this country’s most formidable female artists. Witnessed a girl from Hackney making and breaking records, topping the UK and US charts, earning numerous Brit and Grammy nominations, while remaining true to herself and her principles. All the while maintaining a genuine down to earth appeal. Soon as the ink dries, it’s on to the most exciting part of all, getting into the studio and making the record we know Leona has in her."
Lewis has been nominated for seven BRIT Awards, three Grammy Awards and won an Ivor Novello award.
She was recently confirmed as the most successful British female solo artist in UK chart history, with more Top 5 hits to her name (8) than any other British female.
http://www.musicweek.com/news/read/leona-lewis-signs-to-universal-s-island-records/058623
Simon Confirms Departure
Simon Cowell @SimonCowell · 56s
Congratulations Leona. We had 7 great years together and now wish you all the best for the future. You put X Factor on the map. X
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Comments
Can't quite tell if this is sarcasm! Syco are only interested in whatever X Factor artist is making them the most money at that point in time. I'd imagine any other artist on their rosta plays second fiddle and has their artistic integrity scrutinised in every way.
I wish Leona luck as I really liked Glassheart, it had quite a few great tracks.
I find it laughable that anyone could defend Syco as a label, for the reason you describe. Remember how they treated poor Shayne Ward? Left him on the shelf for years and when they did a less than half-hearted attempt at a comeback, it was awful and nobody cared. That's not how a good label treats their act.
That label pay no attention to her, I'm really happy she's left them. Hopefully her new label will pick her singles wisely! :D
This is sarcasm right? Syco have no interest in Leona anymore now that Wrong Direction are more popular and are doing well. Leona is one of their best acts and they chose to ignore her and allow the Glassheart album and singles to flop due to poor management and single choices.
Dear God, really!? Someone of Leona's talent - I would go as far as to suggest she is THE voice of her generation - and that's the best they can do? I'm actually disgusted.
http://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/celebrity-news/leona-lewis-walking-sunshine-new-3691223#ixzz34bnnhXRo
They have no idea what they are doing.
She confirmed in that interview she has worked with Toby Gad and he is behind songs like Beyonce's 'If I Were A Boy', Fergie's 'Big Girl's Don't Cry', John Legend's 'All Of Me', Nicole Scherzinger's 'Don't Hold Your Breathe and many more. Not that excites me, hopefully Leona is going back to the AC sound of her first two albums.
I woud love her to become a worldwide star again, but honestly I would be happy with her just being a platinum album seller in the UK.
As long as she sells well and is always able to make music and tour I'll be pleased.
I hope the artist she wants to be isn't more rubbish like the glassheart album!