Leona Lewis Departs Syco; Signs With Island Records

Published: Tuesday 3rd Jun 2014 by Sam
leona-lewis-island-records

In a move few saw coming, Leona Lewis has waved goodbye to Sony’s Syco Music – her label home since winning The X Factor in 2007.

More than just an internal shift, the songbird has departed the Sony Music umbrella altogether and taken flight to rival label Universal, where she has inked a lucrative deal with Island Records.

Full story below…

After racking up sales of 20 million with Syco, Lewis’ tenure with the label hit a wall when her third album – 2012’s ‘Glassheart’ – under-performed and was limited to a Europe-only release.

The singer’s fortunes bettered last year, however, when Holiday single ‘One More Sleep’ hit #3 and parent album ‘Christmas With Love’ was certified Gold.

It appears, though, that Leona has the bigger success on the mind and has paired with Island to do so.

Speaking on the signing, Lewis said:

“After seven incredible years at Sony I feel honoured to be given the opportunity to sign to perhaps the most iconic label of all, Island Records.

To me Island has always been a label where artists can really flourish and are encouraged to express themselves. Island stands for quality music and signing with such a legendary label is really like a dream come true for me.  I can’t wait to start making music with my new team.“

Darcus Beese, President of Island, added:

“We are absolutely delighted to welcome Leona into the Island family. I’ve watched and admired Miss Lewis from afar, witnessed her grow into one of this country’s most formidable female artists. Witnessed a girl from Hackney making and breaking records, topping the UK and US charts, earning numerous Brit and Grammy nominations, while remaining true to herself and her principles. All the while maintaining a genuine down to earth appeal. Soon as the ink dries, it’s on to the most exciting part of all, getting into the studio and making the record we know Leona has in her.” {Source}

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Incredibly interesting development.

Before the One Direction’s of the world, Leona was essentially the definitive poster-child for both Syco and the success that appearing on The X Factor could bring.

Now away from the Simon Cowell scaffolding, it’ll be intriguing to see which route her music and commercial success take. Island UK count the likes of Jessie J on their roster, as well as Nicki Minaj, which at the very least reads well on paper. Here’s hoping the signing translates into the comeback she’s so capable of.

Your thoughts?

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  1. maurice June 3, 2014

    ah so she goes to the label responsible for mariah’s flop?
    *sigh this girl stays on the struggle

    • DJCLIPVIDZ June 3, 2014

      lol

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  2. Stephy June 3, 2014

    I remember when she first came out and people said she was the new & improved Mariah Carey! Lol. I remember back in 07/08 cussing people out on MySpcace about her. Lol. Goodtimes.. I miss Myspace!
    .
    Anyways, Leona Lewis is a great singer but dont nobody care… In this, Beyonce/Rihanna world…

    • maurice June 3, 2014

      so u been stanning your fave since 08 on the internet?
      you need to get a life fa-real tho!

      • LovebirdTGJ June 3, 2014

        SCREAMS!!!

      • Stephy June 3, 2014

        Actually, I been stanning for Mariah since 2001! Since I was 8 years old.
        .
        Doesn’t mean I don’t have a life… So, Shhh

    • Proctor June 3, 2014

      * side eye *
      You were 8 years old in 2001?

      • Stephy June 3, 2014

        Yea, im 20 going on 21 this year…

  3. Jay Scorpio Navy General June 3, 2014

    Love me some Leona but damn the struggle is getting real for this girl! I thought she was working with the legendary Clive Davis???

    She really can be the modern day version of Mariah if she stays true to her vocal talent and not let her management have her jumping on the bubble pop bandwagon

    I wish her the best with Island Records.

  4. truth June 3, 2014

    So

  5. LovebirdTGJ June 3, 2014

    Congratulations Leona, hopefully they’ll give you the push you truly deserve.

    I cannot wait for the slayage
    http://youtu.be/adUOt7EwshY

  6. LovebirdTGJ June 3, 2014

    I enjoyed Spirit, enjoyed her Christmas album and LOVED Glassheart. Cannot wait for those breathe taking vocals Mzz Leona.

    http://youtu.be/gD_86i0K–o

    • SLAYRIAH CAREY (TOUR DE FORCE) June 3, 2014

      She is Mariah Carey wanna be #2.

  7. FutureCIARA June 3, 2014

    Who?

    • We love Nicki Minaj June 3, 2014

      Oh yeah I forgot you dont know about real singers Miss Error

      • FutureCIARA June 3, 2014

        Who is she again?

      • I’m your mom June 3, 2014

        I’m the singer who’s 1st single sold more then all of ur flop albums put together.

  8. yasssssssssss B**** June 3, 2014

    her voice is not the same i remember seeing her on x factor and i was like gurl !!!!!!! i hope she can get it together vocally

  9. BooBooKittyFuck June 3, 2014

    She won the X Factor in 2006 NOT 2007. Who writes this trash? Is Sam still misinforming people with his budget blog!

  10. Proud-ARianator June 3, 2014

    F*** this horse faced british h** cant wait for mariahs first week sales so i can drag the s*** outta her

    • We love Nicki Minaj June 3, 2014

      Well… at lease she dont need sh*t loads of plastic surgery to look like your fav has had to change he appearance. she is sill a beautiful mixed raced woman who dont need to lighten her skin or try and act black she is what she is can mrs Cannon say the same..?

      • Proud-Arianator June 3, 2014

        Looooooool u mean mooriah that fat cow loooool that fat whale is a has been watch out coz Queen Ariana is coming for her dirty wig loooooooooooool

  11. Molly June 3, 2014

    Who is she again?

  12. Mark111 June 3, 2014

    So they’re trying to get a new Mariah. Not gonna work, just saying. She fell in the hoke that Mariah almost fell in, stuck as a ballad singer. Mc was smart enough to fused hip hop with her pop music. Nacho Grande better learn from Lionel. But Grande isn’t a strong ballad singer tho.

  13. RihIcon June 3, 2014

    She really should be a lot more famous than she is

  14. Dev June 3, 2014

    Okay Leona, maybe this time

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