My article/interview

Sheridan Leonie has stormed the nation, her number one on both sides of the Atlantic with her single Diva.
So far she's the most successful of our Spanking New For 09 nominees having also written for other massive artists and is also said to win many other awards.
We talked to the 19 year old exclusively, to hear how she found fame at the top!

SERENE: How does it feel to be number one in the UK and the US?
SHERIDAN LEONIE: It feels amazing- it feels even better because we worked really hard. I wrote Diversity exactly a year ago. It was hard work and a lot of people didn’t believe in it at first. I’ll be glad to get back home to London- I’m gonna show everyone in the UK what I’m made of.

Is it important for you to be successful in the US?
As somebody who has been obsessed with Madonna and Cher it definitely is. The US has a very specific way it receives pop music. It means a bit more to be accepted there, because it’s such a big and dominating place, with some of the most successful artists around!

Are you planning on going on tour all over the country?
I’m touring with Pink in November, which I’m really looking forward to. Pink’s so great! It’s crazy that my first tour is in arena's and is so huge. I just want to perform for my fans at the shows and make them happy, doing what I love.

Tell us a bit about your album?
I just feel like this record is really different- you’ve got a mixture of everything from club bangers to more 70s glam to pop/dance music. What I really love about the music is that I’m not the first pop artist to come around, but I put my own twist and interpretation on it! Diversity is not about who you are- it’s about how everybody wants to know who you are!
When was it recorded?
I’ve been writing Diversity for 2 years. I wrote half of the album in one week last January. I think you’ve really got to allow artists creativity to marinate. It took me a while but really delving into myself I finally got it. I couldn’t be more proud of it. It’s not just a record it’s a whole pop art movement, it’s not just about one song.

So what’s your favourite song on the album then?
I love them all! They’re all so different and I’ve enjoyed writing and recording them all! I think it would have to be Superstar though, because it’s really edgy and basically tells the story of how I got where I am today!

If you could choose anyone to record with, who would it be?
Erm.. Theres so many. I’d love to record with Beyonce, she’s really inspirational and her songs are great. Or Justin Timberlake, I’ve always liked his style. I really like Lady Gaga too, she’s amazing.

What’s a typical day for you when you’re not out recording songs or performing?
I’m just you’re typical girl really. I love my all family and friends, so I try and spend as much time with them as I can, they help me stay grounded. I think that’s really important when you’re in an industry like this. I love just hanging out, clubbing, going to the cinema and shopping of course. Nights in with a film and chocolate are always good too.

So you still like your chocolate? How do you manage to keep your figure?
Yeah! I couldn’t last without chocolate, it keeps me sane! I just try and watch what I’m eating and go to the gym as much as I can. The dancing for videos and tours are a big help too!

And is there a man on the scene?
No, at the moment I’m a single lady. Boy’s are always fun and I have a lot of close male friends, but I’m married to my music.

Finally, why should we seek out Sheridan Leonie?
That’s a hard question. I think my music brings back fun and quirkiness into pop. It has a variety from electro-pop to dance/pop and shows originality and creativity!