Watching New Celebs

In truth, Leona Lewis, one of Simon Cowell’s newest discovery via the British talent search The X Factor, did not impress me back then. I was actually rooting for the two other guys she was up against in the contest — Ben (3rd placer) and Ray (2nd placer). Not even this rendition of “I Will Always Love You” (more commonly sang on talent shows so contestants could prove how good they are) made me root for her:

When Leona’s performances were up, guess where I’d be? Out of the room or doing something else. I just wasn’t a fan.

But I did not find it surprising that she’d win the contest in 2006. Between the second placer and her, there was more chance she’d make the kind of records the general public would buy. The second placer, Ray, was into standards with a Michael Buble/Harry Connick flavor and therefore had a little market as not everyone are into those. Leona, on the other hand, had the makings of a pop star.

A couple of years later, I hear her song on the radio. And surprisingly, I did love it. The song “Bleeding Love” become the best seller in the UK in 2007 and is currently gaining number one spots in many other countries, including the biggest and most profitable market of all, the United States. As of April 2008, the song is a certified gold and platinum record in the UK and USA.

With “Bleeding Love” Leona becomes:

• the first X Factor winner to achieve two number one hits. Her coronation song from the X Factor also reached number one.
• the third UK female artist to ever hold a number one song in the Hot 100 charts with her first single
• the first British female artist to have a number one song in the US in 20 years

Leona Lewis, Bleeding Love

Robert Downey Jr. is this week’s Man of the Hour. His summer action flick, Iron man, holds one of the biggest record for an opening weekend of all time. The critics love it and the critics love him. And it wasn’t so much the case in previous years.

Although I believe Robert Downey Jr. to be one brilliant actor, he once did lose his shine (and a career) when he was heavily into substance abuse. Robert has been in and out of rehab and jail from 1996 to 2001, claiming that his addiction has started even before he hit puberty.

But that is hopefully all in the past now. After 2001 and staying pretty much sober and drug free, Robert tries to revive his career via Elton John’s music video — “I Want To Love”.

Eventually he released his own album, The Futurist and then starred in critically acclaimed movies like Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang and Goodnight and Goodluck. Robert was well on the right track. He also found new love in producer Susan Levin, while working in Gothika. They were married in 2005. I saw them appearing on Oprah in those days and they were a picture of a very happy and very romantic couple.

But his biggest break to date is this movie Iron Man, which frankly, I didn’t think was gonna be a huge hit. I had a difficult time reconciling his persona as a superhero character. I haven’t seen the movie yet but everyone I know who’ve seen it say it’s one helluva ride and that Robert proves once again — he is a great actor. As it is this week’s most celebrated event in Hollywood, I’m looking forward to watching.

Robert Downey Jr is back in a big way now. I do hope he stays awhile and becomes the bigger star he is destined.

Robert Downey Jr, Ironman