Date: 28 March 2008
Originally published in: Welwyn & Hatfield Times (UK)
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Pop sensation Leona Lewis has broken Kim Wilde’s long-running record as the last British woman to top the American charts.
The Codicote singer led the Hot 100 21 years ago with her cover of The Supremes hit You Keep Me Hangin’ On.
Until Thursday no British woman had since achieved the same feat, but singer-turned-gardener Kim thinks it will not take another 21 years.
Speaking to the WHT, Kim said: “Leona’s a fantastic talent. It’s fantastic news and I’m so thrilled for her.
“It’s a surprise that it’s taken this long but with artists like Estelle, Duffy and Amy Winehouse, I don’t think it’s going to be another 21 years before another British singer does it.”
Kim added that her memories of that special day more than two decades ago have stayed with her. She said: “I was in my studio in Knebworth when I got the phone call from America all those years ago. Because of the time difference the call came in the late afternoon to confirm I was definitely number one.
“In the same studio in Knebworth I had the original poster of the Hot 100 Billboard chart up for many years.”
Leona, who shot to fame on ITV1 show X Factor, wowed UK and US audiences with her single Bleeding Love.
It stayed at the top of the UK chart for seven weeks and in the top three for a further four.
