Leona Lewis gets Bull 'buzz'

Leona Lewis drinks Red Bull to get a "buzz".

The 'Bleeding Love' singer doesn't drink alcohol because she doesn't enjoy the taste and instead chooses to gulp down the strong energy drink when she goes out clubbing with friends.

She told InStyle magazine: "I don't drink. I haven't for years it tastes like hairspray to me - I can have a great time without alcohol. I don't need that to get me up on the dancefloor, I'm there already. I'll sometimes have a little Red Bull. That's my little buzz."

Leon is outspoken about her dislike of booze and has previously branded people who need to get drunk to have a good time "ridiculous".

She said: "I find some people's attitude to drinking ridiculous. I think it's so funny that people think you have to drink in order to have fun. It's such a stupid mindset! A lot of my friends are like, 'I need a drink to get on the dance floor!' I don't need that 'help me to relax' thing. If I'm around my friends then I can really relax and have a good time, that's all I need."

Leona Lewis loves Simon's fiancee

Leona Lewis says Simon Cowell's fiancee is "lovely".

The 'Bleeding Love' singer - who first shot to fame after winning Simon's pop star search show 'The X Factor' in 2006 - says Mezhgan Hussainy is a wonderful person and she is really pleased her mentor is finally tying the knot.

She said: "She has the Leona Lewis seal of approval. She's lovely."

Leona is in a relationship with Lou Al-Chamaa - who she has been dating for five years since before she was famous - and insists she would always choose her man over her career.

She said: "I love music but, of course, I'd choose love over that. For me, love is happiness and inspiration. But I mean the love of my life and the other love of my life go hand in hand."

Leona insists she is really happy with Lou but doesn't like to talk about her love life.

The 25-year-old pop star added: "I always try to maintain my private life. My

Leona Lewis criticises 'stupid' drinkers

Leona Lewis says people who need to be drunk to have fun have a "stupid mindset".

The British pop star doesn't really "like the taste" of alcohol and can have a good time without booze.

She said: "I find some people's attitude to drinking ridiculous. I think it's so funny that people think you have to drink in order to have fun. It's such a stupid mindset! A lot of my friends are like, 'I need a drink to get on the dance floor!' I don't need that 'help me to relax' thing. If I'm around my friends then I can really relax and have a good time, that's all I need. I don't need alcohol."

Leona is very close to her friends and family and admits she misses them when she is on tour, but she is learning to deal with being away from the UK.

The 'I Got You' singer - who won Simon Cowell's pop star search show 'The X Factor' in 2006 - added to Stylist magazine: "I am quite an emotional person and I'm very sensitive to certain issues. But I've gained a lot of independence going out on my own because usually I've got my very protective family and people around me. But I go home whenever I can. Sometimes my parents will come with me but it's about balancing that. I do enjoy it more when I have my family around me though."

As well as missing her friends and family, Leona also hates to be apart from her long-term boyfriend Lou Al-Chamaa.

The 25-year-old star said: "My relationship is very, very precious to me. We're a partnership so we just get on with it, really. We just work it out - you have to just deal with it."

Singer Leona Lewis punched during UK book signing

A young man punched singer Leona Lewis in the head as she signed autographs and posed for photographs at a book signing session in central London on Wednesday, her spokesman said.

Stuart Bell said Lewis, 24, had been meeting members of the public at Waterstone's book store in Piccadilly in central London for about 90 minutes when a man from the line came up and hit her. He was immediately led away by security guards and later arrested by police.

Bell said Lewis, who was launching her new autobiography "Dreams," was shaken up by the incident and went to see a doctor as a precaution.

Lewis shot to fame after winning the "X Factor" reality show in 2006, and her powerful voice has led to comparisons with Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston

London's Metropolitan police said a 29-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of assault and is being held in custody.

Leona Lewis to buy barn

Leona Lewis is set to buy a £1 million country home.

The 'Bleeding Love' singer - who has been living in Los Angeles while she records her new album - is in negotiations to purchase a converted barn in a village in Hertfordshire, east England.

A source told Britain's The Sun newspaper: "Leona can't wait to return to the UK full-time and is keen to buy herself a nice country home rather than purchase anywhere in town.

"She's spotted a converted barn, which she loves. It would be ideal as it's still close enough for her to commute into London for work and to see her family, yet it's private enough for her to have some time to herself.

"She wants to be able to enjoy some time away from the spotlight and do normal things like go to the shops for a pint of milk."

The 24-year-old singer bought a £120,000 flat in Hackney, east London, with her boyfriend Lou Al-Chamaa last year, but hasn't been able to spend any time there in the past few months.

She was reportedly considering moving to the US for good, but changed her mind when homesickness kicked in.

Leona explained: "I've missed 'EastEnders', my family and being able to walk to the shops."

'The X Factor' winner also hinted she is planning to settle down with Lou, despite rumours they are on the verge of splitting.

She said: "Yes, marriage could be on the cards soon, we'll have to wait and see."

Leona's second album is due for release in November.

Michael Jackson fan Leona Lewis

Leona Lewis would "love" to perform alongside Michael Jackson.

The 'Bleeding Love' singer has fuelled reports she will join the pop superstar on stage during his London residency this summer by revealing she is a huge fan.

When asked about the rumours, Leona said with a smile: "I don't know, I'd love to perform with Michael Jackson. So we'll see."

Last month, it was claimed Michael wants Leona to perform his sister Janet's part from their 1995 duet 'Scream' for his 'This It It' shows at London's O2 arena.

A source said: "Michael has a list of singers he feels could do Janet justice - and Leona is top. He hasn't approached her yet but he's a big fan of everything she has achieved.

"She's massive all around the world and he feels this duet would give both their careers an even bigger boost."

Meanwhile, Leona has spoken out about her relationship with Simon Cowell, who was her mentor when she won UK reality TV show 'The X Factor' in 2006.

The 24-year-old star still regularly speaks to the music mogul, but admits he can be difficult to work with.

She said: "I still talk to Simon lots, I am signed to his label and he's still very much involved in the things I do. He's honest, very brutal."

Leona Lewis' silent protection

Leona Lewis refuses to say more than a few words to people because she wants to protect her voice.

The 'X Factor' winner is so terrified of losing her voice she never shouts and keeps small talk to a minimum.

She said: "I get scared of things not panning out the way I want them to. I wonder what I'd do if anything happened to my voice. That's why I look after myself so much. "I'll say, 'I can't talk to you for too long', and 'I can't do this or that because I'm doing a show'. I'll miss nights out because I can't be talking over loud music. I get panicked in case something happens."

But the 24-year-old star is not worried about losing her fame and fortune - she just loves singing, and would be devastated if she couldn't do it anymore.

She said: "Singing is an escape. When I sing, I go somewhere else, out of this world. It's another place where I'm free to do whatever I want. It's like a dream. It's my favourite colour, pastel pink, and there's just me there."

Leona isn't the only singer who goes to extremes to protect her voice - Mariah Carey doesn't say a word for two days before a concert.

The 'Touch My Body' star previously said: "Before a big show I have to do 'vocal rest' where I'm not allowed to speak for two days. It's so boring having to write notes to everyone! I need Stephen Hawking's voice machine for when I'm on vocal rest. "I'd like a machine where I can just think and it comes out in a robot voice - that would be amazing!"

Celebs at the 51st annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles

Leona Lewis arrives at the 51st annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles February 8, 2009.

Leona Lewis arrives at the 51st annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles February 8, 2009.

Stars shine 2009 Grammy Salute to Industry Icons event

British singer Leona Lewis performs at the 2009 Grammy Salute to Industry Icons event, honoring Clive Davis in Beverly Hills, California February 7, 2009.

Lead singer Caleb Followill of Kings of Leon performs at the 2009 Grammy Salute to Industry Icons event, honoring Clive Davis in Beverly Hills, California February 7, 2009.

Stars shine pre-Grammy party

British singer Leona Lewis arrives at the Recording Academy's Clive Davis pre-Grammy party in Beverly Hills, California Feb. 7, 2009.

The Jonas Brothers, Nick, Joe, and Kevin (L-R) arrive at the Recording Academy's Clive Davis pre-Grammy party in Beverly Hills, California Feb. 7, 2009.

PETA perfect Leona Lewis

British singer Leona Lewis poses during the 60th Bambi media awards ceremony in the southwestern German town of Offenburg November 27, 2008. Each year, the German media company 'Hubert Burda Media', honours celebrities from the world of entertainment, literature, sports and politics with the Bambi awards.

Leona Lewis has been named Person of the Year by PETA. The animal rights organisation - People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals - has recognised the vegetarian singer's commitment to animal welfare after she reportedly refused to open department store Harrods' winter sale because the shop sells fur.

PETA's Europe Director Robbie LeBlanc said: "Leona Lewis is admired for her beautiful voice, but it's her kindness to animals that makes her a superstar in our book."

Earlier this year, the campaign group crowned the 'Run' singer - who is working on an accessories line of vegan shoes and bags - Sexiest Vegetarian. Lat year's Person of the Year was Sir Paul McCartney's fashion designer daughter Stella McCartney.

Leona, who hasn't eaten meat since she was 12, has previously said: "I am totally against animal cruelty. I am vegetarian so I don't have clothes, shoes, or bags made from leather or suede or any animal products. I'm on a mission."

Celebrities at Mandela's birthday party in London

Welsh singer Katherine Jenkins arrives for the birthday dinner party of former president of South Africa Nelson Mandela at Hyde Park in London June 25, 2008.

British F1 race car driver Lewis Hamilton and singer Nicole Scherzinger arrive for the birthday dinner party of former president of South Africa Nelson Mandela at Hyde Park in London June 25, 2008.

British singer Leona Lewis arrives for the birthday dinner party of former president of South Africa Nelson Mandela at Hyde Park in London June 25, 2008.

U.S. television presenter Oprah Winfrey arrives for the birthday dinner party of former president of South Africa Nelson Mandela at Hyde Park in London June 25, 2008.

Welsh singer Katherine Jenkins arrives for the birthday dinner party of former president of South Africa Nelson Mandela at Hyde Park in London June 25, 2008.