[Lewis.]

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage...orld-tour.html

LEONA LEWIS has only ever played a handful of live shows, but that's all about to change.


She is teaming up with TRAVIS PAYNE, the dance guru behind MICHAEL JACKSON's ill-fated comeback gigs, for a spectacular 14-month world tour.

And her record label have told her: "Money is no object."

Leona has been finalising the details of the elaborate gigs in between recording sessions for her second album in Los Angeles.

Her record label boss SIMON COWELL has taken a special interest in the arrangements for the shows, which will have a Garden Of Eden theme.

I'm told: "Everyone at SyCo is determined to transform Leona into a global touring powerhouse.

She has proved she can sell millions of records, so the next logical step is for her to pack out arenas.

Travis, who choreographed Jacko's This Is It shows, is on board.

And discussions have been held with FRANCO DRAGONE, the creative director of some of CELINE DION's biggest gigs.

"It's a case of hiring the best talent in the business at any cost to make sure the concerts will be one of the talking points of next year."


The shows will be staged from next summer onwards and will be very stylised.

The source added: "The Garden Of Eden theme will allow Leona to showcase two sides to her character: The angelic songbird, and the less well-behaved R&B vixen." But before the jaunt begins, Leona is going to undertake some serious training.

The source said: "Since Leona has played so few full-length concerts she's still quite a raw performer. And if she's going to pack out arenas she needs some polish.


"She's been having lessons with a confidence coach in a bid to improve her stage presence.

"It's a huge step to make from relative novice to playing to arenas of 20,000, so understandably she needs guidance."

I have every confidence my favourite X Factor champ will crack it in time.

The Yanks have got plenty of arena-packing pop stars including BEYONCE and CHRISTINA AGUILERA.

It's about time we Brits had a serious rival to them - and Leona's just the girl.






UMMGUMGUMGUMG Yes Please. :O