The life and loves of Leona

In her first interview since basing herself in America to record her new album, Leona Lewis talks about long-distance love, fame and friendship

Photo: Lorenzo Agius

Reproduced from October 09 issue of Cosmopolitan magazine. This month's issue on sale now.

You're labelled as the 'nice' girl in music - does that bother you?

Leona Lewis: People are always saying, 'She's really sweet' - and it's like, I've been brought up properly by my parents and I'm respectful to people. So I think, 'What, is it bad to be a good person?' I don't think so.

But do you worry that people will take advantage of that and think, 'I can just say anything to her'?

Leona Lewis: I'm quite quiet and it takes me a while to come out of myself and be comfortable. But just because I'm polite and nice doesn't mean I can be pushed over. I know my own mind and I know what I will and won't do. I just go about it in a different way. I'm not confrontational, but I will speak my mind.

We love your inner strength - and we're loving that there are so many strong women in music right now...

Leona Lewis: Me too. This industry is so full of men, especially behind the scenes, so I think it's important for us to stand united and support each other. Let's not fight - let's empower each other instead.