Worked as a receptionist and as a waitress for Pizza Hut.

Owns a Rottweiler named Rome.

Is a vegetarian.

Plays the guitar and piano.

Made music history when her debut single was downloaded 50,000 times in just 30 minutes.

Born to Aural Josiah Lewis, a Guyanese Afro-Carribean youth worker, and his wife Marie Lewis, a social worker. Her parents shared the same surname before marrying.

Auditioned for "The X Factor" (2004) in London, where she sang "Somewhere Over the Rainbow". All the judges were impressed and put her through.

Lives in Hackney with her longtime companion Lou Al-Chamaa, an electrician.

First female and first mixed-race winner of "The X Factor" (2004).

Her debut single "A Moment like This" became the 2006 UK Christmas number-one single (December 2006).

Has two brothers, Bradley and Kyle.

Was a classmate of Katie Melua at the BRIT School.

Won "The X Factor" (2004) in 2006. The runner-up was Ray Quinn.