'I had to really fight for what I wanted': Leona Lewis shows off her curves in monochrome dress at Entourage premiere as she takes a swipe at Simon Cowell
Simon Cowell may have made Leona Lewis a global star and helped her earn a £13 million fortune, but the singer hasn't pulled any punches about her ex boss' music empire in a new interview.
The X Factor winner has spoken out on her departure last year from Simon's music label Syco in an interview with FAULT Magazine, revealing that the 'pressure' was too much to handle.
Stepping out at the Entourage movie premiere on Tuesday, Leona has hit the spotlight again as she prepares to release her fifth studio album, and her first under her new label.
Back in the spotlight: Leona Lewis hit the Entourage movie premiere on Tuesday night in London as she launches her music comeback
Leona looked gorgeous in a statement dress as she hit the blue carpet in Leicester Square for the Entourage premiere, showing off her curvy figure in the fitted number which she paired with nude heels.
The 30-year-old star has been hitting the party circuit recently, enjoying a trip to the Cannes Film Festival last month, as she gets ready to release her new music.
It's been a rollercoaster year for Leona, who shot to fame when she won the third series of X Factor in 2006.
Wow factor: The 30-year-old looked gorgeous in her fitted monochrome dress with her long locks styled into loose curls
Last June music mogul Simon announced he and his protege had parted company after over eight years following a decision made by Syco Records not to renew her contract.
Leona has now given her side of the story in an interview with FAULT Magazine, explaining it was her decision to part ways with Simon's label.
'I started off at Syco nine years ago when it was a very intimate label, and we did amazing things,' she explained. 'But then the company blew up and became massive. Then there was pressure. I felt I had to fight a lot. Really, really fight for what I wanted.'
Glam: The X Factor winner showed off her curves in the statement number paired with nude heels
'In that process, there are so many people with different opinions, people you need to wait to get answers from, and that weighs on you, especially when you’re just trying to create something that’s totally you and genuine. It’s a much easier process now. But they make amazing records. I just needed to do it in a different way this time.'
After the global success of her second single Bleeding Love, which topped the charts in 30 countries back in 2007, Leona says she felt 'overwhelmed'.
'I didn’t realise how huge everything would be and how demanding it was. It was crazy. Just crazy. I had to be around the world, everywhere, at the same time,' adding that ultimately it was her close relationship with her family that helped her through the early days of fame.
Moving on: In a new interview with Fault Magazine Leona, who looks stunning in the shoot in glam black outfits, opens up on her departure from Simon Cowell's label Syco a year ago
She adds that she tries not to let criticism get to her, and regaining creative control with her next album has helped her gain in confidence.
'I’ve always been a songwriter. It’s as natural as singing to me. My writing is a big part of this album, and on my new label, I was able to do the whole thing on my own. It felt so good,' she explained.
The star is now signed with Island Records, following negotiations with another Sony label after leaving Syco.
In a statement last June about her new deal, Leona gushed: ‘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.
New chapter: Leona poses in a chic cape as she reveals how under pressure she felt when she was signed to Syco
'To me Island has always been a label where artists can really flourish and are encouraged to express themselves,’ she added.
While the singer has received seven Brit nominations, three Grammy nominations, three No.1 UK singles and two No.1 albums, her last studio album 2012's Glassheart reached No.3 in the UK charts, selling 60,000 copies in the UK, compared to 3.1million of her debut album Spirit five years earlier.
Leona's new album I Am will be released on 11 September 2015, in the UK.
Leona's full interview and shoot appears in the new issue of Fault Magazine, on sale now
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