Music News

Leona Lewis needs a 'sexier' image for US success?

Apr 22, 2008, 10:50 GMT

British singer Leona Lewis performs at the fourth night of the 58th Italian Song Festival in Sanremo, Italy, 29 February 2008. The festival is a popular Italian song contest running since 1951 and held annually in the city of Sanremo. This year\'s edition is scheduled for 25 February to 05 March. EPA/CLAUDIO ONORATI

Leona Lewis has been told to shape up if she wants lasting success in the US.

The 'Bleeding Love' singer, who recently topped The Billboard album and singles charts, reportedly needs a "sexier" image so her team have hired Mariah Carey's personal trainer.

A source told Britain's The Sun newspaper: "Leona has done brilliantly in the US. But some of her team think she needs to be a bit sexier if she wants to have the longevity of female artists like Mariah Carey, Janet Jackson or Madonna. Her looks needs to be more polished.

"They think that having Leona work with Mariah's trainer Patricia Gay would be a treat for her because she adores Mariah."

Leona, 23, will reportedly fly to the Caribbean for "intensive sessions" with Patricia to help get her into shape.

Mariah recently revealed she regularly flies Patricia - who helped Mariah shed around 30lbs - from St. Barts to her New York apartment for their training.

The 'Touch My Body' star has insisted she can't see any similarities between Leona's music and her own and claims there will never be a "new" Mariah.

She said: "Honestly, there has been so many, 'This is the new her,' and I'm like, 'OK, show me the new her. And I'm not particularly talking about this girl Leona, because I only heard her once and I didn't really hear a true similarity, particularly in the style of music."

(C) BANG Media International