It's been quiet in Leona-land...

Up until now!

With new single Happy out on November 9, there's lots of promo to be done! So when we spotted Leona on the cover of Cosmopolitan we had to delve in to see what the gossip is!

First check out how gorgeous she looks!

Here's what she had to say:

On being ‘the nice girl in music:
“I’ve been brought up properly by my parents and I’m respectful to people.  So I think, ‘what, is it bad to be a good person?’ I don’t think so.”
 
On strong women in the industry:
“This industry is so full of men, so I think it’s important for us to stand united and support each other. Let’s not fight – let’s empower each other instead.”
 
Why do think there’s such a forced rivalry between you all?
“I find the Cheryl versus Dannii thing on the X Factor funny. My friends will say, ‘Gosh, Cheryl and Dannii – they must really hate each other.’ And I’m like, ‘How do you know this? It’s not true!”
 
On Alexandra Burke releasing her album around the same time of year.
“Alex is awesome. She did so well. I know exactly what she sent through on the show.  For all the little girls growing up, seeing us and being able to aspire to that… it sounds cheesy but we should all chase our dreams because this was certainly my dream.”
 
On going to Simon Cowell’s pad.
 “His new place is like something out of James Bond – so modern. Seriously, he’s like 007.”
 
How are you finding it in L.A?
“I’ve based myself here for a while as there are so many songwriters and producers here and I wanted to make the best album I could. When I first came here I wasn’t sure if I like it. It’s taken a while because I love being at home with my family and I miss them when they’re not here.”
 
The rumour mill has said you want to be back to be with your boyfriend.
“We skype, we chat, we email. And he comes out when he can. I don’t hate LA. There’s a very beautiful side to it – its scenic and I can go horse riding.”
 
There’s been speculation about you putting on weight:
“We’re all different and we’re all supposed to be different. When you’re famous, you can’t win – you’re either too skinny or not skinny enough.”
 
Do the stories annoy you?
“It upsets me that bitchiness makes the headlines. And when it’s stuff that’s untrue – like the story that my parents were divorcing – that’s when it affects you and makes you angry. It’s hard when nasty things are said.”
 
Your new single is called Happy. What makes you happy?
“There are five girls who are my best friends. I’m the shoulder to cry on, the one they go to for advice. My other friend is the mum of the group so I guess I’m like the little sister – the second in command! I’m obsessed with horses and animals too.”
 
Are you at a stage where you feel totally happy and confident?
“I don’t have everything figured out.  Especially being in LA, you can go to parties and there are a lot of people who aren’t genuine so you have to remember that this isn’t real. Where I come from is real. My family and friends are real. This is amazing and it’s such a great opportunity but, at the end of the day, I have to remember my morals and values. That’s what make me – and keeps me – happy.”
 
Leona’s single Happy is out on 9 Nov, her new album is released on 16 Nov.

Read the rest of the interview in Cosmopolitan - out now!

Aw we love Leona! Will you be going out to buy Cosmo?

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