Lewis' soulful voice is similar to that of fellow British star Joss Stone, but with the range of Maria Carey. However unlike Carey, Leona Lewis does not try to show off her voice by screeching every few measures.

Spirit by Leona Lewis debuted at the number one spot on the album charts upon its release in the United Kingdom. And it is easy to see why with the simplistic musical creations that back Leona's powerful voice. Lewis says that she cannot sing a song that she cannot feel or believe in; that feeling comes through with every note on Spirit. Not since its original release by Roberta Flack has "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" ever been sung with the power and emotions delivered by Leona Lewis. She delivers all 13 tracks with that same emotion.

When she was very young Leona's parents entered her into a theatre school. Since those early days she has wanted to make an album. Now with the help of music moguls Clive Davis and Simon Cowell that dream is a reality.

Besides judging music star wannabes on "American Idol" Simon Cowell � who is responsible for Il Divo and Paul Potts � is also a judge on a show in the UK called The X Factor . In 2006 Leona Lewis won the contest by a landslide. Simon called Leona the best voice ever.