Leona Lewis performed and wowed audiences with a homecoming gig at Hackney just days before The X Factor final.

The stunning 21-year-old star played to a packed house at the Hackney Empire in Mare Street on Monday night.

And in an exclusive interview with the Gazette before going on stage, she said she was “overwhelmed” by the crowd’s reaction.

“It was amazing and unbelievable,” she said. “It’s definitely important to come back here because I grew up in Hackney. I live here and my friends and family are here.”

“It’s nice to be a role model to young girls and to show that wherever you go and whatever you do, you can do it if you work hard.”

Leona trained at the performing arts academy, Italia Conti, in Goswell Road, Islington. She then worked as PA at Metropolitan Mortgages in Median Road, Lower Clapton, before trying her luck on the talent show.

She has reached the final of the talent show competition with a series of top-class performances.
hackneygazette

1. Proud to be A Hackney Girl
   Leona is proud to a a hackney girl, leona has spoken to the...
   
2. Leona was ‘ready to drop music dream’
   Leona Lewis was on the verge of abandoning her dreams of making it...
   
3. Leona rehearsing for Hackney gig
   Leona posted the following picture and message on her official blog. The picture...
   
4. Simon says Leona is “A Good Role Model”
   As we know, Simon Cowell only has nice things to say about Leona...
   
5. Pictures: Hackney Empire Gig
   Here are x80 pictures from Leona’s exclusive gig at the Hackney Empire last...
   

One Response to “Leona Performs at Hackney”

1. Lynnette says:

   December 17, 2006 at 6:05 am

   I’ve emailed Simon Thomsett from my personal box: I’ve a new power ballad for Leona – LEONA (or team) please get in touch