Leona Lewis Missed U.S. Tour After 'Bleeding Love.' Las Vegas Residency Offers 'Second Chance' (Exclusive)

Leona Lewis is stepping into the American spotlight with her first extensive series of U.S. performances through her Las Vegas residency, A Starry Night, running at the Voltaire theater in the Venetian Resort Las Vegas until January 3.

Since winning the U.K. version of The X Factor in 2006 and topping global charts with her hit "Bleeding Love," much has changed for the British singer-songwriter. Despite early international success and three Grammy nominations shortly after her victory, Lewis never embarked on a full U.S. toursomething she now considers a missed opportunity.

It got very big, very quickly, Lewis recalls. It was a lot. Initially, she had not expected to progress far on the show and continued working as a receptionist after her audition, unsure if she would even advance. But fame came fast, with fans recognizing her on the streets and prompting career-defining decisions.

Following her early success, Lewis found herself in the same spaces as her musical inspirations, such as Cline Dion, whom she admired performing in Las Vegas. I was so blown away, she says. In my head I was like, How amazing would it be to have a show here and share all of your work?

A Starry Night fulfills that dream, blending songs from her 2007 debut album Spirit with selections from 2013's Christmas, with Love, including the U.K. hit "One More Sleep." Lewis is excited to introduce these songs to American audiences in a new setting.

Reflecting on her past career pace, she admits, I didnt really have time to come to America and tour because I was traveling everywhere. Now, married to Dennis Jauch and a mother to their three-year-old daughter Carmel, she describes the residency as a second chance to connect with U.S. fans.

Lewis hopes audiences will leave the show with a better understanding of her as a person, beyond her music. With this show I would love it if I could come off stage and people just know me more as a person, she shares. That would make me really happy.

Author: Riley Thompson