WATCH: Leona Lewis looks back on the audition that changed her life

In life, we all have dreams — but turning them into reality takes courage, hard work, and persistence.

Singer Leona Lewis’s path to stardom is a perfect example. Before she became a household name, Leona was just a young woman with a dream, hustling through odd jobs to make ends meet while chasing her passion for music.

How it all began

Leona’s journey began at a young age, developing her talent and eventually leaving the BRIT School at 17 to pursue her music career independently. She worked tirelessly, funding demo recordings on her own and facing the harsh realities of the industry. Success didn’t come easy — but her determination never wavered.

Her big break arrived in 2006 when she auditioned for the third season of The X Factor and won the competition. Winning the competition not only launched her career but also led to the release of her debut single, A Moment Like This. From there, Leona went on to release a string of hits including Bleeding Love, Better in Time, Happy, and Forgive Me, cementing her place as one of the UK’s most celebrated singers.

Today, Leona is not only a global star but also a devoted wife and mother. She married professional dancer and choreographer Dennis Jauch in July 2019, and the couple welcomed their daughter, Carmel Allegra Jauch, in July 2022. From a 21-year-old chasing her dreams to a successful artist and family woman, Leona’s journey is a beautiful reminder of what can happen when you trust your passion and follow your heart.

Started from the bottom now she’s here

Recently, Leona Lewis took to her Instagram to take a trip down memory lane, revisiting her very first The X Factor audition at just 21 years old. She looked back on how following your dreams — and truly believing in them — can take you further than you ever imagined.

Sharing her story with her followers, she wrote:

“In your twenties you will have a dream… it’s so important you chase it. It knows where it’s taking you. I have loved seeing this trend and all the beautiful stories people are sharing… it made me stop and think about my journey and how so much changed when I was 21 and I walked into that audition room with a dream that felt so far away for a young girl from hackney, yet I followed it anyway. Always trust that pull. It’s wiser than your doubt, and you never know what might be waiting on the other side. x,” wrote Leona.

Now, let’s see the audition that turned a dream into reality for Leona Lewis:

HAVE YOU CHECKED THIS ONE OUT?: Maskandi King Khuzani breaks the internet with his new album ‘Inhlanhla Izanebhadi’