Leona Lewis: ‘I’d like to be a man for a day to see how differently I would be treated’


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Born in London, Lewis is currently 38 years old. She attended stage school at the young age of six. After achieving success on The X Factor, she released her first album, Spirit, in 2007. Her hit single, “Bleeding Love,” topped the charts in 35 countries and was the bestselling single worldwide in 2008. In 2009, she recorded “I See You,” the theme song for the movie Avatar. Lewis has been nominated for three Grammys and six Brit Awards, and has won numerous other accolades such as Mobo, MTV, and World Music awards. This year marks the 10th anniversary of her holiday album, Christmas, With Love, which includes the popular song “One More Sleep.” She is married and has a daughter, and splits her time between London and Los Angeles.

What is the thing that scares you the most?
Spiders.

What is the characteristic about yourself that you dislike the most?

At times, I may prioritize pleasing others over my own needs, which can be harmful to myself.

What is the quality that you dislike the most in other people?
Cruelty to animals or children.

Describe yourself in three words
Sensitive, kind, silly.

What superpower would you possess?

To gain insight into the inner thoughts and emotions of individuals.

If you had the ability to revive a species that is currently extinct, what species would you choose?
Plant-eating dinosaurs only.

What is your most unattractive behavior?

I used to do it frequently, but now I rarely do it. I take strands of my hair and wrap them around my lip. It’s quite odd.

What concerns you about aging?
Having regrets.

Who is the celebrity you have a crush on?
Jason Momoa.

Which book do you regret not having read?

I am not very familiar with English literature, so I probably cannot reword any code or math formula. However, I do enjoy reading self-improvement books.

What career did you aspire to have as a child?
A singer.

Can you share the worst comment or statement someone has ever made towards you?

When I was younger and riding bikes outside London, an older girl made a racist comment that I choose not to repeat. This memory has stayed with me because it was the first time I realized I was different from those around me.

How does love make you feel?

Generous and transparent, liberating.

Have you ever uttered “I love you” insincerely?

I only say things if I truly mean them.

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What words or phrases do you use excessively?

I tend to use the word “like” frequently. At times, when I hear myself speak, I realize that I have used it multiple times in a sentence. It seems to be a habit and I cannot seem to stop using it.

What is the most unpleasant job you have ever had?

I really liked working in retail at H&M and Gap, but the most challenging times were during sale periods. The summer sales were particularly difficult.

If you had the ability to alter your past, what alterations would you make?

I would advise myself to stop worrying so much.

If you could be anyone other than yourself, who would you choose to be?

I would be interested in experiencing a day as a man and seeing how my treatment would differ from that of a woman.

What prevents you from sleeping at night?

Reflecting on the impact of ongoing wars on the children involved.

What is the most valuable knowledge you have gained from life?

There are no guarantees and circumstances can change suddenly, so it’s important to adapt and remain present.

Share a funny story

What occurs when you consume tinsel? You develop tinselitis.

Source: theguardian.com