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.
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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.