Leona's triumphant homecoming

She is a multi-platinum selling artist and her voice won her the 2006 X Factor, but it has taken Leona Lewis three years to prepare for her first full UK show

Having performed at worldwide events from MTV Asia awards to America's Got Talent and even the Beijing Olympics, Leona's first real gig was a homecoming in the truest sense as she performed before her biggest fans, industry types (including Simon Cowell), press and a host of celebrity peers in her hometown venue, The Hackney Empire.

"The first time I performed here I was 13," said Leona, "so it seemed fitting to return and do my first live show here."

The nine-song set opened with the dark and dramatic Brave, a powerful track from her new album Echo, due for release on November 16, with Leona clad in full-length hooded cape and killer heels.

God knows what the idea was behind the male dancers who interpreted their way through the set. Still, it seemed to work, and paired with the impressive graphics which at one point included a 20ft projection of the star in all her slow-motion, windswept glory, the visual entertainment sufficed, leaving Leona to focus pretty much solely on the singing.

Indeed, the only time she really worked up a sweat was during the crowd-pleasing dance number Outta My Head, when she mimicked Kylie with some voguish moves.

Highlights included the hit Better in Time, the radio-friendly I got you (from the new album) and a rendition of Roberta Flack's The first time ever I saw your face. The latter, more than anything else, was a superb showcase for the vocal talent that won her the X Factor and a real hairs-on-the-back-of-the-neck moment.

After Bleeding Love, the singer took a moment to thank everyone for their support, explaining: "because of the power of that song I've been able to travel and see so many amazing things... thank you, from the bottom of my heart."

The show finished in balladic grandeur with Leona's popular cover of Snow Patrol's Run, and received a standing ovation.

For fans of the singer, this long-awaited show was a real tour de force, and her very personal choice of venue, a famous east-end music hall, leant character and charm to the affair. Leona's nerves showed at times, and there was a sense that she wasn't completely comfortable, but all-in-all the event was a success.

The dark and powerful imagery on that smoke-flooded stage was a reflection of Leona's mystical transition from Pizza-hut pop princess to contemporary diva. And with Echo hitting the shelves and i-tunes in a matter of weeks, this status is only set to grow.

Leona's new album, Echo, is released on November 16. Click here to order your copy