Leona Lewis Scores Stage Debut

LEONA LEWIS returned to her native Hackney, London on Monday night (02Nov09) to perform her first ever gig.

The singer shot to fame on British TV talent show The X Factor in 2006 and went on to score an international hit with her debut album Spirit.

And despite a string of performances on TV shows, at charity events and awards ceremonies, the star had yet to stage her own concert.

Lewis played her first full-length gig at the Hackney Empire on Monday, just streets away from the neighbourhood where she grew up, and the scene of her first ever stage performance at the age of 13.

But the Bleeding Love hitmaker's novice nerves were uncovered during the performance when it was revealed she had written the set list down on the palm of her hand.

The performance marked Lewis' first return to the stage since she was allegedly attacked by a fan at a book signing in London last month (Oct09).

--IANS-WENN