The Truth About Leona Lewis' Modeling Career
Leona Lewis is not shy about her role on the stage whether she is singing, acting, or modeling, and her career as a model did not come easily. In June 2021, she called out designer Michael Costello in her Instagram story for his bad behavior in 2014 when his team refused to alter a dress to fit her, as noted by People. "This came as a total surprise because weeks prior I was told that they would make the dress work for me," Lewis wrote. "At the next fitting, the night before the show, with no explanation at all, Michael refused to turn up. He no longer wanted to dress me and he abandoned his commitments to me and the show which made me well aware that I wasn't the body type required."
Reflecting back on her career so far, she told the Daily Mail in 2020 that she doesn't let outside pressure get to her. "Whether its lots of opinions on what I was doing, lots of judgment on things that I was doing, especially in the age that we live in where there are so many comments and there are so many opinions on what you're doing," Lewis said. She has since forgiven Costello for this actions, according to the Los Angeles Times, and posted on her Instagram story later, "Michael, [Thank you] for your apology, I wish you healing and that you feel better. For now today is a new day, spread love."
But what is the truth about Lewis' modeling career after such a devastating blow? We have all the answers you're looking for.
Broadway led to Leona Lewis' modeling career
The millionaire and three-time Grammy nominee didn't let Michael Costello's behavior stop her from pursuing her modeling aspirations. Three years later, in 2017, Leona Lewis signed with Wilhelmina Models (per W Magazine) which represents talent like Machine Gun Kelly and Karolina Kurkova, according to the agency's website. She told W Magazine that starring as Grizabella in the revival of "CATS" in 2016 opened up new opportunities for her to express her creative talents, ultimately setting her off into the world of modeling. Her love of music and fashion was also kismet in her mind. "I love the synergy between music and fashion" she told W.
In a similar way, Lewis' path into modeling was all love too. According to W, Lewis and Wilhelmina chief executive Bill Wackermann "hit it off right away" and the two "had this instant connection." Wackermann told the magazine via email that "once [he] met her in person, [he] could understand why people love her so."
Leona Lewis is an artist and activist, as well as a model
Between her various roles as an artist and model, Leona Lewis is also a dedicated environmentalist. She told the Daily Mail that she became a vegetarian at the age of 12 and would go around her house switching lights off. Additionally, she has been vegan for almost 10 years. Lewis also owns a 53-acre animal rescue/sanctuary as well as a sustainability-focused coffee shop in Los Angeles called Coffee and Plants. The shop recycles everything, plants a tree for every 100 cups of coffee sold, and donates the proceeds of select products to Hopefield Animal Sanctuary (per their website).
Lewis was also recently announced as a judge for the Paramount+ drag singing competition series, "Queen of the Universe," alongside stars like Vanessa Williams and Trixie Mattel (per TV Insider). She is also releasing a brand new Christmas album this holiday season with "Christmas, With Love Always," set to drop on November 19, 2021. The album features a collaboration with Ne-Yo entitled "Kiss Me It's Christmas" (per ET Canada). According to the Daily Mail, she appeared as a guest on "This Morning" and said she wanted her new album to represent a variety of emotions the holidays can bring, even breakups.
"Christmas means a lot to different people – some people are so happy and joyful. I always love reconnecting with my family at Christmas time, but for some people there's break ups, there's people you've lost," she said.
It's clear the Lewis is a gorgeous model, singer, and actress, but is far more than meets the eye.