We’ve watched Leona Lewis since she hit the big time in that TV talent competition. It doesn’t seem fair to even mention the name, because Leona has easily (and quickly) transcended her reality TV beginnings.

So let’s stop talking about that and focus on her new single, Better In Time.

In a way, this is the kind of single I’d have expected Leona to lead with instead of Bleeding Love. Better In Time is very much the power ballad that someone being groomed for divahood might release.

I’d also noticed, like Hazel on the BBC Chartblog that Leona resists the opportunities to throw in some Mariah-style warblings. Well, the time for that nonsense has past, and by showing control and emotion in her voice, Leona cements her reputation as a great singer without being ridiculous. (Apparently, the other song on this release Footprints In The Sand has all the warbling. Oops)

The video was shot at London’s Hampton Court Palace by Sophie Muller and features Leona getting prepped for a photo shoot. She looks ravishing (internal dialog: I’d ravish her…). Although she seems to be trapped in a large black net for part of the video…