So I’m in Japan at the moment to do some interviews and shows. The first thing I did was become a Goodwill Ambassador for UK-Japan 2008. On my first trip here a few months ago I knew I felt a strong connection and had such a fab time so I was honoured when they asked me to be an Ambassador!

There was a ceremony and I was given a certificate to make it official. I think the UK and Japan have so much talent and this is a great way to support each other in music, design and so many other creative industries.



The past few days I’ve been doing some radio and mag interviews and I’ve been quite unwell with tonsillitis which is a bit rubbish, but they bring little gifts and flowers here its so kind and made me feel better

.Everybody here is so respectful and nice I really enjoy my time in Japan.



I was walking around Tokyo the other day and saw the cutest little puppy that kept looking at me and wanting to play. I wanted to take him with me so much that Lou had to drag me away! I also went shopping in Harajuku and got a nice lace top and shirt, the fashion is brill there!



I’m doing my first performance at MTV Asia awards soon and I’m really excited but quite nervous as well! I’m going to Malaysia for the show, I’ve never been there and I feel so lucky to be traveling to so many places all for my music.



Well I best be off now I’m in my hotel watching the most awesome thunder and lightning storm over Tokyo. Its a beautiful city and I still have lots more to explore!



Thank you always so much for your support



With Love


Leona


I’ve had the most memorable few days this past week. First I was invited to attend a dinner with Nelson Mandela, where there would be an auction for his incredible charity.

Elton John gave a stunning performance and we heard moving speeches from Forest Whitaker (who I luv), Gordon Brown and Bill Clinton! It was lovely to see Oprah and Gale there too. They where heading to Africa for work with Oprah’s school for women out there, I admire her so much.

I took my aunty with me, who adores Mr. Mandela and she managed to get everyone’s autograph and photo even though we weren’t supposed too - lol!

The next day all the performers for the 90th Birthday celebration had a group photo with Mandela. I got to sit right beside the great man, wow what an honour, I couldn’t quite believe it!

The following day was the big event and I couldn’t even sleep I was so excited, honoured, nervous everything at the same time!

Backstage everyone was really buzzing, it was a great atmosphere. When I went out on stage the audience went back as far as I could see and everyone was so happy and singing along, it was one of my favourite performances. I had so much fun. To perform for such an amazing mans birthday and 46664 his remarkable charity is one of the highlights of my career and I hope there will be many more great causes that I can be a part of.

Here are some pictures I had taken over the surreal few days, including one when I met the inspirational Mr. Mandela…

I hope you will get involved and help this charity, and thank you all so much for your wonderful support, I couldn’t do this without you.

With love always,
Leona
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Sorry I haven’t written for a while - have been busy catching up on sleep and washing since being back in the UK!

Since I got back to the UK I’ve also been doing some photo shoots and visiting Europe - Germany and France to name a few! It’s been great being home and getting to Europe again, I’ve really enjoyed performing over there and meeting everyone!

Just before I left the US I did a couple of live radio shows in Philadelphia and Boston - I performed with my band which is always so exciting. I’ve attached a photo of a group of fans who came to see me in Philly and have been so supportive out in the US! Thanks guys!

Not long now until the Nelson Mandela concert in London which I’m so happy to be performing at, its in aid of such a great cause (www.46664.com) please support and of course Nelson Mandela’s 90th birthday!

Luv
Leona
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The last two weeks have been a whirlwind.  I’ve been lucky enough to visit two countries I’ve never been to before and never imagined that I would!

I headed to Australia straight from LA - it was so beautiful flying in and looking out of the plane window, what a stunning country.

I spent about a week there, and it was really incredible. I went to the MTV Awards and presented an award with Brian McFadden - he was good fun. I also performed a live event for fans and media, sang on the live final of ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ (the dancers are so talented!) and also Sunrise (an early morning TV show)! It was super-busy but I got to perform for a lot of people and take my music to the world, which has always been my biggest dream!

I also got to do a bit of sightseeing - I saw the famous bats in the Botanical Gardens (there are literally hundreds and they are SO big!), I did a ferry trip across from Circular Quay harbour (where the Opera House and Harbour Bridge are!) and went for a walk and dinner at Bondi. Lou was with me so it was nice to experience it together.

I can’t wait to go back to Australia and spend more time there.  I only experienced Sydney on this visit but I hear the rest of the country is simply incredible!

I then flew onto Tokyo in Japan, which is where I’m currently writing!

I absolutely love it here- the people are so gracious and lovely.  I’ve so enjoyed looking around and the shopping (especially in Shibuya & Harajuku!)

I’ve been fortunate enough to perform on some music shows here, Music Fair, Music Station and a breakfast TV called Mezamasshi, they were all incredible fun.  I had a translator who came to all the shows with me called Hitomi, she was amazing and even taught me some Japanese words - Arigato!!!

I did a showcase in Tokyo where I performed four tracks - the night before there was an earthquake so we were all woken up by it at like 2am!  We are staying in the tallest building in Tokyo and you could really feel it swaying!  The following day there was another tremor while I was performing!  Yikes!!!

I’ve had the most amazing experiences in these countries and I’m so excited about coming back and visiting more in the future, the support I have received is so overwhelming and I am so grateful and thankful to everyone who has made this trip so enjoyable.

So I now head back to LA to shoot my video for ‘Forgive Me’ - I’m not going to tell you the idea behind it, as I want it to be surprise, I’m super excited!

Luv

Leona

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I’ve just got back from a great holiday where I got to swim with wild dolphins

Just wanted to update you all as I’ve just had the most exciting experience!

I performed on American Idol!! Wow! What a night ! Was crazy singing in front of the judges again. My family flew over for the show so it was so lovely to have them here with me to share the moment.

I got to catch up with Simon during rehearsals, its always good to see him. Andrew Lloyd Webber was the mentor on the show and I got catch up with him again which is always an honour.

I’m now on the way to Australia and I’m super excited ! I’ve never been there before so I can’t wait to spend time and go exploring ! I’m going to be presenting an award at the MTV awards which will be fun!

Anyway see you all soon.

Luv Leona
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luv

Leona
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Before I left NYC on my last day there I got to appear on the Tyra Banks show - which you guys will get to see on April 17th. It was so much fun to do and I enjoyed myself loads. I have watched Tyra for years on so many of her shows, so it was unreal to finally meet her and be able to perform on her show. My friends also came over to see me from the UK so they sat in the audience - was so nice to have their support there and to be able to share this experience.

I also performed on Ellen and Jimmy Kimmel last week which was great - at Kimmel I got to meet loads of fans on outside the studio which was such a highlight for me - thanks all of you for taking the time to say hi.

I had a night off in LA so I went to see the Lakers / Clippers game. I’ve never been to a basketball match before so it was a real experience. I loved the game and the cheerleaders and the whole vibe - it was such a fun night I definitely want to go again. I got pretty into it and bought some memorabilia!

I have a bit of time off for a few days now but got the most amazing news yesterday - I get to perform on American Idol on April 23rd! I am so excited (and nervous!) as it’ll be strange performing in front of judges again but I love the show and can’t wait to get up there and sing! Hopefully you guys will all tune in!

Luv
Leona
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So yet another crazily busy week for me here in NYC.

I’ve been meeting tons of press and radio people and having so much fun getting to know everyone that has taken an interest in my music.

I’ve also been spending a lot of time shopping (!!!!) well it would be rude to come to NYC and not !!! I’ve brought lots of pressies for friends back home which I can’t wait to give out.
Performing on Good Morning America was incredible and I enjoyed every second on it - everyone there was so friendly. I got to perform with my band again which is always amazing for me - they are super talented! The show got me a birthday cake and pink flowers (my favourite colour!) was so sweet.

This week I turned 23 !!!! My friends and family came out to spend time with me which has been so lovely. We had a fun birthday meal and I also went to see the Little Mermaid on Broadway, it was such an amazing show. The little boy who played flounder was incredible! I sat front row and was mesmerized beginning to end !

I also must say a huge thankyou to Diane Von Furstenburg and her team for letting me go and look round the showroom and giving me some lovely clothes!!! Thankyou!!!

So I’m getting ready to perform on Regis & Kelly tomorrow and then I’m heading back to LA to perform on Ellen and Jimmy Kimmel.  I love NYC lots but i cant wait to get back to the sunny weather there!!!

Have attached a photo of me in the MTV TRL photobooth (I visited them on Monday) - I took some great pictures in there!

Catch up next week guys!

Leona
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I’m going to Japan soon and I had some interviews with some TV shows from there whilst in LA.  I really enjoyed meeting them and cant wait to go there. They brought me some beautiful gifts for my birthday, some traditional Japanese candles and scarves. I then had to leave LA and head to Boston where I went to visit the Open House Party radio show with John Garabeedian, it was so much fun and he is so supportive, THANK U JOHN!!!

The album is coming out soon and I still cant believe I’m getting the chance to share my music with so many people, thank you everybody for your love and support! Better go as I am in New York at the moment I just visited Z-100 who got me a lovely cake (have attached a photo!) and I’m now off to Sirrus satellite radio!

PS I also went to see the Movie ‘Shutter’ this week, it was quite scary and I jumped out of my chair a few times!

Lots of luv, Leona-x-

Well I really don’t know what to say, I’m so overwhelmed right now!

I’m getting to share my music with people around the world and its beyond my wildest dreams. From the bottom of my heart thank u all so much, its because of you that I am able to do this.

I called my family to share the news and my mum started crying it was so sweet. They’re coming to visit me in new york and were all going to celebrate because its also my birthday when I’m there!

I’m still in LA at the moment so I’m going to make sure I find time to celebrate here too !!

Once again I can’t thank everyone enough for this incredible support !!

Luv
Leona
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