OlderKelly Clarkson vs. Leona Lewis
Have you ever heard of Leona Lewis? Probably not unless you live in England. Leona, 21, was this past season’s winner on X-Factor (England’s version of American Idol) and was the series’ first female winner. Leona apparently covered Idol’s Season One winner Kelly Clarkson’s “A Moment Like This” back in December and I just discovered it now.
Leona’s cover of “A Moment Like This” broke a world record by being downloaded 50,000 times within 30 minutes of being available online. Pretty impressive, eh? She’s also rumored to meet with Clive Davis, founder of Arista Records, to secure a record contract. Leona’s headed for the big leagues!
Check out Leona performing her cover of “A Moment Like This” below and compare it to Kelly’s original rendition of it below that. How do the two measure up?
Leona Lewis - “A Moment Like This” (Dec. 2006)
Kelly Clarkson - “A Moment Like This” (Sept. 2002)
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Leona is 20 times better than Kelly Clarkson. Leona has a pure voice while Kelly simply growls. Leona is the next Whitney, who has already been in touch with her young apprentice to tell her how good she is.
SJ, are you British? Just curious.
They’re both extremely talented. Good luck to Leona. Shes amazing. Strong voice, shes gonna go places!
no comparison.! leona went off pitch more than a couple of times. i wasn’t sure she was gonna make some of those notes..
You don’t need to be British to appreciate Leona’s talents… there’s YouTube to help with that. Leona is absolutely 20 times better than Kelly Clarkson, and I’m from LA. I’ll even echo that Leona has the pipes and the charisma to be the next Whitney — early, pre-Bobby Whitney.
Leona Lewis - Somewhere Over the Rainbow. (Simon does a standing O at the end.)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=QLr1sBQ5gpE
agree with lindsay. kelly is so much smoother and effortless sounding. leona is good, but that song is definitely a kelly song.
Being Canadian, I think I can give a more objective view.
Leona is way better then Kelly. Much much more attractive (can’t really even call Kelly attractive) and way more talented. Not to say in anyway I pref Brits over Americans (because I absolutly love both), but in the case of these two, Leona is far more talented and really beautiful. Maybe put her up against some real American Idol talent like Tamyra Grey, Jennifer Hudson, Clay Aiken or Carrie Underwood and we can have a real competition.
Genevieve, thanks for sharing. She’s definitely got the pipes…
And I think it’s funny how when they flashed the number to call in for Leona, they also flashed a picture of Simon’s grin. Haha.
Leona Rocks!
Well I am Canadian too and have a musical background. I am sure Leona is talented. However, she was off-key a few times. The song was a bit of a struggle for her. I do agree that the song matches Kelly’s voice better.
X-Factor is not “England’s version of American Idol”. In fact, American Idol is the American spin-off of the original, English Pop Idol format, and X-Factor is Cowell’s new singing contest in the UK. It sometimes boggles the mind how sheltered you people seem to be from the the rest of the world.
JR Rider, I am very well aware of “Pop Idol.” Will Young? HELLO!
I think it would have been too complicated to explain the entire history of “Pop Idol” in this entry. But thanks for elaborating in the comments!
no contest— kelly is not only a better singer by a mile she looks comfortable on stage and carries herself like a pro— im not sure how these two got compared– its not really fair– kelly clarkson is so much better–
I agree. Kelly is lightyears ahead of this Leona chick. Leona needs to ramp up her confidence level!
Leona sings it so much better, they both sing in a different key, but i think i like leona’s version better. yes i am in the uk but i do love kelly to even if she sings in the same key all the time!!
i listened to the whole of leona but only half of kelly, that said something to me. kelly’s version is terrible! basing it on the song and how it is sang, not who or where they are
Okay, Leona has a beautiful freakin voice but really is in need of some singing lessons, she sounded tone deaf a couple of times when I was listening to that, it has notes for a reason, it is a song that you are supposed to sing what is written not sing it how you think it sounds more like you. I have no doubt Leona couldn’ve hit all of those notes, but she didn’t even try!! It was fustrating to watch. Kelly also has a beautiful voice but maybe a little less powerful but Kelly knows how to put it out there. She sang, sings much more powerful than Leona. Kelly wins she obviously knows what she is doing she gave it her all and it was great! Leona didn’t give it her all, she shys away too much. I clicked on that you tube clip of her singing “Somewhere over the rainbow” and I turned it off because she was messing up all the notes and it was flat and annoying. Both are beautiful girls with beautiful voices but Kelly wins hands down! Leona needs a teacher, like Kelly maybe? ahaha.
Leona has the most interesting voice: pureness and range. Her rendition, though far from perfect, is very appealing. She needs some lessons, but she is going places. Kelly’s cover was a bit bland, Kelly is always bland, in my opinion.
stupid AI started in england and it was called pop idol.
hey meathead, why don’t you take it elsewhere? where are your british blogs with all of your celebrities? oh that’s right, you don’t have any.
oh goodness i cant stand how OFF leona is…she’s off in other songs too. and she has NO stage presence. kelly owns that song. Leona has POTENTIAL to be better than kelly but right now she is DEFINITELY not!
leona is good. kelly is GREAT. the inflection in her voice. her body movements. she has the most unique voice out there right now on the us charts (well, christina a is great also)
check out Leona’s other performances in the X Factor contest, they are in youtube.
I think Leona is an average singer…And sounded okay…Kelly Clarkson ROCKS! She has better stage presence, she just looks more at east than Leona.
They both have 2 VERY different styles of singing. You really can’t compare them against each other because of that. They are both good in their own way with each randition of the song. Kelly has a wonderful power voice while Leona has a soft beautiful voice. They were both pitchy also. Either way they were both good…..
I just watch both and felt that Leona was off key also. Kelly owns that song. In addition, Kelly DOES have stage presence. Leona seems manly in her features. This song is better suited for Kelly Clarkson. I did hear the other songs from Leona and she just doesn’t really impress me. Of course, that’s just my opinion. Also Kelly has proven time and time again she is the AMERICAN IDOL. Just look at her string of hits.
i still prefer kelly’s singing. Leona kept going off pitch. I don’t know if its just me… but in my opinion, the two of them arent even in the same league. Comparing them like this is just so insane. Breaking that world record was crazy. Shes not THAT good.
leona’s version sounded much much better, kellys was flat.
KELLY WAS A MILLION TIMES BETTER - LEONA BUTCHERED THE SONG. LISTEN TO THEM WITH YOUR EYES CLOSED - IT MAKES A HUGE DIFFERENCE. KELLY ROCKS!!!
I love both but…… LEONA ALL THE WAY! her performences on the X-Factor are great.
Kelly…it seems effortless for her, which is how it is when people are born to sing.
I prefer Kelly. I couldn’t make it through all of Leona’s performance.
I choose Kelly. I think her voice was a bit raw by the end of the show but she still pulled it off. I don’t see what’s the big deal about Leona. She’s pretty in a bland way, and has a pretty but bland voice, and, as others have pointed out, she has pitch problems. Simon is obviously only milking her for the money. Though I have to agree with Cindy that there are much better AI contestants than Kelly Clarkson.
i think kelly was so much better!!!!!!! this song don’t suit leonas voice at all i think
so gooo KELL!
I watched Leona win she is a genuine girl and she’s never been drunk in her whole life (yet anyway). Simon Cowell was mentoring her so he was really glad she won and his head got bigger
Oh you Americans, you simply can’t appreciate REAL talent when you see it. Kelly is not that special and looking at her now, she is really showing her true dog style appearance. Leona has more in front of her and thankfully doesn’t have an awful TV movie in her portfolio.
No matter what some of you silly Americans think, Leona didn’t struggle once. Check out her singing Summertime, and tell me you think she struggled. She never got one bad review each week.
For those still in denial. Youtube Leona and Summertime
They’re both very different singers. I like Kelly better, she sings it the way I like it. However Leona was very good.
I like both singers but it’s hard to compare them directly… Kelly is more rocky, and Leona is much more the ballad queen. Leona does go off-key a couple of times, but cut her a break, the footage is from the show where she’s just been announced as winner - she’s emotional. Also, she is much better at hitting the higher notes, Kelly backs down and takes the song lower each time like she doesn’t have the confidence to go for it… They both rock, but Leona will be the better singer when she gets a little more experience/confidence.
Both of them are good singer but Kelly sings it a lot better than Leona.
Leona was good but her voice is very “been there, done that”. Kelly has a much more dynamic and powerful voice and I love when she growls.
Having never watched either programme and only having seen the clips can I ask, was the Kelly Clarkson performance sung when she had just found out she had won? I mention this as it looks as if Leonna Lewis is pretty emotional which most people would agree does affect your performance. Although they can both sing quite well; they do BOTH tend to sing from the throat rather than the lungs, especially on high notes.
I’m from the Netherlands and I prefer Kelly’s version. I think her voice is simply better and more special.
Do you guys over there in the USA don’t have X factor yet? They just started with the first season over here, it’s awesome. Hope you get it too!
JJ,
I have posted twice on your blog and have not seen either one. Do you have me mixed up with someone else?
I personally prefer Kelly’s version. Leona is cute, but boy is she dull on stage. I’m pretty sure she’ll get better with more experience. What’s with all the “early” Whitney Houston comparisons? Leona would not be able to hold a candle to Whitney, or even Mariah ‘Scarey’.
Leona Sings it way better than Kelly. Kelly’s was kinda flat. Leona has a much softer stronger voice. kelly’s is too husky and deep
This is the won after leona found out she won that is why she is shakey and crying at the end she had just been crying before she sang that
Kelly’s voice was shot in those last two weeks….and that performance was more than incredible. it was effortless…incredible. Kelly wins. always.
After comparing the two I definately think Kelly does it better. On the other hand, after listening to more of Leona’s singing on youtube I think I like Leona a lot better in an all around comparison. You’ve got to hear her sing Some Where Over the Rainbow - beautiful.
I’d just like to clarify that in the Leona was singing just after she found out she won so she was really emotional and tearful watch her video and x factor ain’t the British version of American Idol everyone got bored of that concept years ago. The X factor is a competition between the judges aswell as the contestants
the song was written for kelly, not for leona. Thefore, Kelly will always sing it better! Go kelly!
I think they have two different styles.
but I think kelly sang it better. and stronger. i felt like leona was a feather. kellys is soulful.
JR Rider- so you are saying that every person in England knows exactly what is on American TV and where it derived from? I thought it was nice of Jared to post about Leona. I knew American Idol came from a show in England, but I couldn’t tell you the name of it to save my life.
SJ- Leona definently can sing, but if she wants real fame and fortune she’s gonna have to come over here to silly America to get it.
As far as the girls go, I like both of their voices. Leona doesn’t seem to be as loud and dramatic as Kelly, which I kinda like.
Really there is no comparisson when looking at this single song, Kelly sings it better. Leona is flat during the beginning of the song and also a couple times in the middle. Kelly’s voice us much better supported where as Leona sounded best when there were the background vocals backing her up. Leona is more comparable to a Katharine Mcphee than a Kelly Clarkson or Jennifer Hudson. Leona you might be the X-Factor in England but you would not make it to the final 10 in American Idol.
Leona sucks kelly rocks
Kelly’s so much better and also LOOKS better, muc more natural. Leona Lewis looks a doll…in negative way.
For this particular song Kelly made a much better choice than Leona, she was kinda off pitch, more than once, Kelly wasn’t. But Leona has a very beautiful voice too! And the example of Somewhere over the Rainbow shows that! :)
So…I like them both…
ryt im 4rm england, and watched x factror dis yr. i mus say all u ppl out deyre dat say leona aint got no talent or is not betta dan ur kelly, u need ur waxed, cos i tell u summat leaon is da next whiteny/mariah- partly cos shes wif whiteneys record label! ive ceen her preform n shes outstandin, n if u no nefing bout music u’ll ave the guts 2 say kelly sounded flat, whilst our leona jus hit the notes 2 perfection. if i were u i’d chek out her prefoimnace of “bridge over troubled water ” on youtube, or jus type her name in2 youtube, n u’ll c she much betta dan kelly clarkson. dont get me wrong, i like kelly n all, but she not as talented as leona. even simon sed she will challenge whitney/mariah at da top, n correct me if im wrong, he never said such 2 kelly. cheers 4 dat !!!
I totally agree with Jen. While listening to Leona’s version of the song, I was thinking that Kelly did it better. This song just needs more power and emotions… Leona’s vioce was just too soft to convey the right emotions behind it.
I liked Leona’s versions of “Over the rainbow” and “I will always love you”… She really reminded me of the young Whitney.
They both have talent, but they need different songs to express it. Kelly found herself in rock/pop - Leona is the more soul/pop type.
I have to admit that Kelly looked awesome at that time. She needs to find back to her cool style.
okay this is just wrong. there is no comparison. leona is DEF not pre bobby whitney!! omg, listen to whitney’s songs……….you are totally foolign yourself and i can’t believe you thought that.
leona looks like simon’s gf so i’m pretty sure he loves her flavor. and she was off key a couple of times (LISTEN with your eyes closed, please! stop looking at her pretty face) and she had ’special musical effects’ and a chorus and etc. Kelly pulled it off with her confidence and the strength in her voice. they both sang the songs in their own style but i much prefer kelly’s. this song was made for her.
if you were to ask me who was a better overall singer before they were ‘winners’, my answer would be kelly. i agree that Leona is more like a Katherine mcphee type o’ girl. i doubt she would win in our american idol but she’s pretty? i mean, looks are one of the main driving force in the music industry so she comes out as an okay package.
Gee, Kelly’s fans are so rude! They bash Leona’s looks and say her voice is weak and flat. What a laugh. Leona is humble and beautiful and her voice is pure. Kelly screams, her idea of stage presence is to jump up and down and she’s ugly. Her days are over, step aside for a real superstar.
Im from the Uk and I watched the final. I must admit I do like kelly’s version better she has a strong voice. But in Leonas defence she is a shy person and given time will get better and get more confidence. Let her bring her own material out then judge her on that. Kelly Clarkson has done quite good over here maybe Leona should be given a chance. Nobody said she was the next Mariah or Whitney that is a lot of pressure and maybe something she can aspire to.
I was expecting Leona to blow kelly out of the water because of all this hype surrounding her. I think kelly is a better singer. **** i prefer tamyra gray over both of them anyway
Leona all the way!!!!
I think Leona has a nice quality to her voice, but honestly, it was pitchy. Kelly has more control over her voice and hits those notes time after time. I find it hypocritical that one of Simon never misses an opportunity to point out when an Idol contestant is off-key, yet I never heard him say anything about Leona missing those notes (watch her other performances - she does it there, too and he just praises her). I guess he’s more lenient when he’s the one who “discovered” her…
this is a joke right? There is no comparison. Leona sounded awful in some parts, and her voice was so quiet. Kelly is much more confident and has a much, much better voice. I can’t believe people are even comparing them. They are not even close to on the same level. No one does it like Kelly Clarkson. :-)
both talented…but kelly! leona was shaky but i think she has a tremendous voice.
Kelly was SOOOOO much better. Leona sounded like her voice just wasn’t strong enough for the song.
I think they’re about equal. I like the tone of Leona’s voice much better, but Kelly sang it better as far as staying on key. And, for the record, I’m not bowled over by either of them. I know alot of people think Kelly Clarkson is the next coming of Christ, but I think she has a great voice and not much else. Not alot of charisma there.
hey Siobhan,
yeah, Kelly must be awful. Shes only sold what, millions and millions of records? Wow, shes just too terrible. I can’t even handle it.
You say kelly fans are mean, then you go insult kelly’s looks and says that she screams? Do youself a favor, and look up the work hypocrite in the dictionary.
are you living underground? moron.
Guys, even before Pop Idol and any other Idol show in the UK or America, there was a show called “Operación Triunfo” (”Operation Triumph”) in Spain. That was the show that started it all back in 2001. The winner of that show was Rosa Lopez, who after the show lost a lot of weight and ended up winning another reality show called “¡Mira Quien Baila!” (”Look Who’s Dancing!”), the original version of “Dancing with the Stars”. She is not THAT well known outside of Spain, but the guy that got the second place (think he was the second) is now widely known in the Spanish speaking community. His name is David Bisbal. They both have awesome voices. If you happen to know Spanish, you can do a search for “Operacion Triunfo” or “OT 1″ on YouTube and you’ll find some of the best songs of the season. My all time favorite is second season winner, Ainhoa. That girl has PIPES!!!! This are the Spanish versions websites of both shows:
http://www.portalmix.com/triunfo/
http://www.rtve.es/tve/b/miraquienbaila/
And a link to Ainhoa in her two best presentations: (Quality is not that good, but just listen to her voice!!!)
Sobreviviré: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yQ11oNq9ID8
Caruso: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g_sW8bNe0Fk
I couldn’t understand the first two bars of Leona. Kelly is much better and also sang the orginal which is much harder.
Leona.
Shes got more of everything.
You put the wrong Leona video up you moron. This was 1 minute after she won, she blows kelly off the stage on the first performance.
what’s up JustJared! I love that your website has all the cool pixs… BUT… Perez has been talking about Leona since she was on X-Factor… I love her and she is 100 times better than any of our Idol winners…. sorry but true…
WHAT is up with ya’ll saying that Kelly is better? Whatever… Leona’s voice sounds like a a clear pure mountain stream… flawless… I ain’t dissin Kelly, I think she is great too… BUT Leona is in a league of her own, can’t wait for her album to come out…
Im from the UK, and i followed this show and wanted Leona to win right from the start. People are saying she was off key, ithats cause this was her last performance before the final vote, so shes so nervous. But yeah Leona is so talented, and such an amazing voice. Shes got a big future ahead of her! xo
I love Leona, and I think she has a wonderful voice and will be picking her album up whenever it drops, but Kelly wins this one. I might not like her “rock” sound now, but I gotta say she killed that song. Leona puts a different twist on the song which sounds really great and fresh, but Kelly’s is classic.
well, being english i think i can give an honest opinion (!?!?).
leona is by far the best vocal talent i have heard in the UK for quite some time, and for this particular song - a moment like this - i think leona performs it better than clarkson. i do have to say though that i think clarkson is really, really good, and is certainly a stronger, better overall performer than leona (for now anyway).
i’m still unsure if leona’s career will go the way many people think it will. time will tell i guess
Leona just found out she won, she burst into tears, she never before done a bumb note, search leona on youtube and watch her previous performaces they are flawless, and im a massive kelly clarkson fan! Just didnt think kellys version was very good, much better songs shes sang.
Hate Leona’s version. I’m a Kelly fan.
Leona bites. Kelly rules.
I’m a Brit and I can appreciate good vocals. I love Whitney, Aretha, Shaka, Mariah etc. so its not just because Leona is from my home country and Kelly from the US, but anyone with proper hearing can tell Leona’s rendition is far superior to Kelly’s. Kelly starts within a low range and stays there - a good performance but not great. Leona however is in a different league - its not surprising that Whitney is going to mentor her - Leona will go from strength to strength.
Kelly, way better. :) She has a much stronger voice.
I would have to agree with the people who are saying that ‘A Moment Like This’ is a Kelly song, however, I much prefer Leona’s voice. It’s soft, nice to listen to, not so scream-ish and over the top as Kelly sometimes can be. I love Kelly, but I prefer Leona’s voice. I could totally see her doing the sort of music that Aaliyah did. Her voice would be perfect for that! If any of you would like more information or pictures of Leona, check out this awesome site: http://www.leona-lewis.net/ =)
To all the people that are claiming to that Leone is off pitch let me just mention that the youtube clip on the website is not her best performance simply because this was the song she sang AFTER she was awarded.
Just watch these two clips http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oE1MbmDNUiA (Summertime- Leona Lewis), http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GRqj7v8PF7Q (Over the Rainbow- Leone Lewis)
I am not a big fan of Kelly, though the fact that she was a winner in the States means a lot.
But Leona, I strongly believe, is much more genuine, grounded and humble. And the fact that she is not confident is a good thing, simply because it makes her try even harder, just so that she sounds even better. After all, a voice that remains static and unchanged over time is utterly useless.
Finally, as far as Leona’s looks are concerned, I really do think she’s beautiful. Of course she has her faults, potentially more than the average person, but her genetic combination is such that she has beautiful skin that doesn’t show imperfections because of the depth of her colour. She also has the most amazing eyes that penetrate the mind of anyone who looks at them. My personal favourite clip of hers where she looks simple yet illuminating at the same time is the following: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=50EWmXsKKe4 and more importantly her audition song.
Enjoy her people; ceteris paribus, she’s a gem.
listening to Leona was like listening to Ashlee Simpson. HORRID. She also looks a bit like a drag queen in the face. But all looks aside, Kelly def sang that song better. She has a better voice and stage presence, plus she wasn’t sweating like Whitney. Leona definitely needed to bring a towel onstage with her. There’s a reason why people in America haven’t heard of Leona and why people in England have heard of Kelly Clarkson. That would be because Leona is no comparison.
Kelly is WAY better. I like Leona but her voice didn’t sound all that great.
Oh gosh…there is NO comparison here. Can you imagine that other girl singing “Since U Been Gone” She wouldn’t be able to pull it off. Kelly is MUCH better. And to Cindy who said Kelly wasn’t attractive….You are CRAZY!! Kelly is beautiful and has the personality to back her up….much more than I can say for Leona girl….isn’t her 15 minutes about up?
KELLY ROCKS!!
In just 4 years Kelly is already a worldwide success. I don’t see Leona having the same longevity that Kelly has.
I think the main problem here is the song…………….it really sucks………..I love me some Kelly, and the things she has done since have really rocked………LEONA on the other hand has an incredible voice, power of Whitney combined with the range of Mariah. Somewhere over the Rainbow is amazing…………her version blew Kathy Mc Phee out of the water. Yes, She is shy, and occasionally hits a flat spot, but I think she will have a great career with Simon and Clive backing her………she had better……………I look forward to many more Kelly and Leona songs on my Ipod!
I watched some of Leona’s other performances on youtube and she has a great voice. However, for this particular song, Kelly’s much better, hands down. Kelly has the voice and the presence, the latter which is seriously lacking in Leona’s performance. In addition, she was out of tune in some places.
who the hell is leona?
why even the comaparison ..
of course Kelly Clarkson !
Leona has an awesome voice but she was off key a couple of times….
I also loved Kelly…..
If I had to choose based on these performances….I’d choose…Kelly…
♥Luv Ya
I have listen to both. I have to say that Kelly did a better job. Of course it is her song. They need to sing a song that isn’t written for them and their type of voice. I like to see them do something that gives them both a challenge.
Donna A.
Ok! Just wanna put someone else between Leona and Kelly. There is a girl in Spain who won a show like American Idol. Her name is Lorena and here is the link where she sings “I surrender” in her very first performance on the show. Same Kelly Clarkson’s version. What do you think?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3bAOg3bF0tE
Just a question- don’t you all think Kelly has had lessons? Both in voice and stage since she won AI? Not comparing the two versions, but it just seems to me that one is an “amateur” while the other is “professional”. One is singing “live” the other is in studio with lots of mechanical/takes. I know this sounds like I prefer one version over the other, but what I am actually trying to do is ask who has the potential to go farther with the same “help”.
definitely love kelly more. she owned that song. but leona’s good too.
jared, why must you always instigate and cause celebrity feuds??
I personally never even heard of that “Leonnmmm Lew”? somebody before this thread. Kelly has a better voice.
pretty much repeating what some others have said, but - leona was off key several times during the song (made me cringe), so i dunno why simon was so friggin giddy. kelly’s version isn’t great, but at least she was in tune and she’s improved a lot since her AI days.
and yes, someone already said it, but the British version of AI is Pop Idol (the original). i dunno what X-Factor is, but if it’s a spin-off of Idol, it’s of the original British Pop Idol, not our copycat AI. (yeah i’m american, but i know when to give credit where it’s due!)
I think Kelly has a MUCH better voice. Kelly hit those notes, and I had no doubt that she would, but I honestly didn’t think Leona was going to get up there. She’s good, but her and Kelly are uncomparable. Kelly has a strong, high quality voice. Leona has an okay voice, but it’s definitley not the most spectacular thing I’ve ever heard. I wouldn’t download it.
First of all - the video quality for both is not great. So both sound out of key.
Second - That song was written with a very straight forward melody. In Kelly’s defense, she had to learn that song in a week and make it her own. Plus, as I remember it, she was sick at some point during the season (correct me if I’m wrong). She’s a powerful singer.
Third - This is the first time I’ve heard Leona and I can tell she is a fabulous singer. Is she better than Kelly? I can’t say. They’re both so talented. But as for the song performance, Leona probably sounded like she was off pitch to a lot of you because she changed the key of the song, then would switch to a differnt key. I believe she did this to make the song easier to sing for herself. She kept changing the pitches of different words. At times, the song is almost unrecognizable. Leona did have way more time to prepare herself for this performance because everyone knows this song. So that was an advantage over Kelly for those of you who think Leona did better. Leona sings the song with a gentler tone. But does it make her better than Kelly’s version? My vote is no. Changing the key of the song may have made it easier for her to sing, but it doesn’t make it better. In fact, the key changes and pitch changes were distracting.
I played both versions (without watching the videos) I just LISTENED to the music. Without question Kelly Clarkson’s version was better. I’m not waving banners for anyone US or UK, and Kelly’s version was hardly perfect, (a few too many ‘cutsie’ warbles here and there), but she was on key, hit the right notes at the right time, and sold the song.
Leona has a lovely breathy voice with a natural multi- layering to it, but she was frequently off key, and would often ’slide’ into the right note. Seriously, play both without any other distractions and just listen to the music alone.
Both are very talented and I don’t like everything Clarkson does, and some of her signature styles are not to my liking, but singing This Song, I humbly believe she is better. I am looking forward to hearing more from Leona though. I agree that lessons could potentially put her into the Whitney Houston range.
Kelly has the confindence & better talent than Leona. L does have potential but it’ll be a while before she reaches Kelly’s caliber.
Leona FAR…….FAR…FAR WAY BETTER than Kelly. I get ghost bumps hearing Leona while Kelly just normal!!!
I’ll like Kelly I have her albums but when Leona sings I get goosbumps
Kelly wins hands down the video says it all
Kelly is hot as a pop star! Leona is a budding talent.. i can only c her getting better. This is the video that will give you goosebumps.. Remember summer time?? She sang the best version. LEONA U GO GIRL! N IM FROM SINGAPORE. lol! http://youtube.com/watch?v=CdH6RssEUtA
Singapore’s IDOL best performance. Watch it guys! It will give u gooooooooosebumps!! Im serious! http://youtube.com/watch?v=qc9KNaSTv6o
LEONA IS WAY BETTER THAN KELLY!!! u lot are obssessed wiv appearances………GET OVA IT!!!!! not everybody can be size ZERO!!! leaona all the way!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
WOW! Leona is simply amazing. A powerhouse. She blew Kelly away. Even though I like Kelly better, I think Leona will be huge! Power to both ladies!
Whilte Leona has a better range than Kelly and she has a nice tone, she doesn’t have the control Kelly has. I’m not a fan of Kelly’s but if forced to listen to one of them, I’d pick Kelly. Kelly kept in key through her whole perdormance; I lost track of how many times Leona was sharp. She also tends to sing through her nose. These are all things that she can correct with training, but right now she just a really really good amateur.
I cant believe anyone thinks Kelly Clarksons version is better! I really like her and was interested to hear her version of Moment Like This after seeing Leona in the UK but she couldnt even come close to Leona and I found it a bit embarassing to listen to to be honest. And I dont even like Leona that much!
thats kind of obvious… is it not? Kelly has a far superior voice as compared to this deaf tone Leona chick. She completely butchered that song. The Brits must be out of their minds “downloaded 50,000 times within 30 minutes,”…. ur kidding right?
I think kelly did it better!
Leona is obviously the better singer. She is beautiful and will go far in the music business. The rabid Kelly fans here are known to bash every artist who is a threat to their precious (over-rated) idol.
Kelly Clarkson all the way. Leona was terrible.
Leona sounds weak.
LEONA does not STRUGGLE at singing that song..she sings it about 1 million times better than Kelly does live sorry..here’s another comparison where Leona wipes the floor with her singing live:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i3OXfkkhuXQ
youtube compresses the sound of its uploaded videos. If you heard Leona live or on TV like we do over here…you would think you were in the presence of Whitney and Mariah’s love child.
I saw her perform at the Hackney Empire live. She beats Kelly BIG time..just wait till America hears her on their TVs or sees her perform libe. She’s very recently caused a HUGE..HUGE buzz at a VIP showcase in the US, Beverly Hilton Hotel, in which hundreds of music critics and Music executives were present..America is about to be blown away.
I adore Leona. You cannot compare these two singers. Firstly everyone gets very defensive over there favourite.
If you criticise one or the other it gets peoples backs up.
Kelly Clarkson is an international star and good luck to her. I hope myself Leona gets to be as big as Kelly.
Leona is the best singer i have ever seen come from a UK talent show.
I’ve been a Kelly Clarkson fan since she sang “Natural Woman” live on Idol in the summer of 2002, but I’m also a HUGE Leona Lewis fan. The two seem to share fans, and I think it’s primarily because they are both such amazing vocalists. I really can’t compare, because they are so different. Kelly is the queen of versatility. I’ve heard her do Rock, Pop, Country, R&B, Jazz, Opera, and Gospel… she’s just unMATCHED for her ability to own every genre. Then, Leona is like someone put Mariah, Whitney, Christina, and Celine together into one person. There is a touch of each of those artists in this young green eyed Brit. Both Kelly and Leona are just amazing and I love them both. :)
how can you even compare kelly and leona kelly is clearly the best she has 2 grammys to prove it and is an international superstar n leonas voice doesnt come close to kellys, kellys voice is simply amazing!
I too really like Leona, but Kelly Clarkson has a better feel for the song than Leona does. Kelly has that spine chilling ending ending with her softer side. Kelly’s voice is absolutely awsome. Kelly is so good that I often try to find girls who can sing better than her and I cant. Leona would have been the one but this song is definitely for Kelly’s voice.
Leona is much, much better!
And I am Spanish, so this is a pretty objective opinion!
The Spanish version of the X Factor, “El Factor X” has just started, but I am sure we will not have such talented people…
Best!
Miguel
Who the hell is this Leona chick, let’s not forget, this is KELLY CLARKSON’S song, she made it into the world class hit that it was. Not some whitney houston wannabe, no offense. Oh and ya i think Kelly Clarksons 2 grammys and quadruple platinum albums speak volumes on her talent. Lemme know where Leona is in a year and then lets compare. sound good?
125..when Leona performs on AI 6 semi finals people are going to laugh at your stupid IGNORANT comment..MORON, prepare to eat your own words ..ohh its going to make you red in the face you ******* stupid ignorant fools. “she’s not from my country so she MUST suck waaaaah”…look before you leap when it comes to Leona Lewis. Dont underestimate her just cuz you haven’t heard of her…YET.. that is.
Also you can be vocally better than someone and not have grammies under your belt. idiots
Paris Hilton has sold more records than Leona at the moment…does that make her a better singer?? hell no.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wvY3UIpQBlk
The X-factor tour performances have to be the best though…
Leona totally now owwns this song *so kiss it*
Leona Lewis, is the one who achieved TWO world records with this song. That is fastest selling download ever! AND FASTEST SELLING FEMALE ARTIST OF ALL TIME
SO THERE YA GO, LEONA LEWIS OFFICIALLY OWNS KELLY CLARKSON WITH THIS SONG AND ITS ONLY A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE SHE OUTSELLS KELLY BY MILES.
KELLY CLARKSON IS ZILLIONS OF TIMES BETTER THAN LEONA. She has a natural voice, unlike leona’s voice. Leona was off key many times. It sounded to me like some1 was dying rather than singing in Leona’s performance. And kelly’s a moment like this suites kelly way better. Leona is such a wannabe poser. YOU ROCK KELLY!!!!
Kelly is way prettier than leona too.
HA! A bit more than a month and nobody talks back! That’s right. You don’t mess with me or Kelly. And by the way, A Moment Like This was made #1 (jumped from #52 to #1 which is still an unbroken record) when Kelly released it as a single. Kelly ROCKS 4 ever!!!!
HA! LOL!
Kelly and only kelly knows how to sing dat song!!!!
F**K OFF Capriciousdiva your talking a load of poo.
Talk about the song not soeones tendencies to drink or not
I live in England.
Just to correct something… American Idol is the American version of the originally British “Pop Idol.” We don’t get Pop Idol anymore; instead there’s a completely different contest called X-Factor which has a lot of drastic differences with Pop Idol.
Leona wasn’t the first winner. There have been a few before.
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leona wins hands down i love kelly clarkson but she is not in the same league as leona
as i said i like clarkson but leona has so much more range and power to her voice no comparison i didnt see clarkson get a standin O from simon who also said leona was the best person he has ever seen in reality tv show uk or us case closed
Kelli shouts. Leona sings.
okay, i listened to both versions at the same time, i think fits Kelly’s voice better. Leona is a wonderful singer but it just doesn’t fit her as well as it does with Kelly. I thought for Kelly that she had more soul in it. With Leona’s i thought she was just singing it with a vocal range from really low to really high and that was it. there was nothing for her. no soul feeling.
Leona all the way! She’s a much much better singer than Kelly Clarkson, and is much more beautiful! :D
Kelly sounds more sexy, but leona is more sofisticated and serene. Both have amazing voices, but have completely different styles and is unfair to say who`s best.
wooooooooooooooooooooo kelly clarkson!!!!!!! is the best!! :P
The song suited Kelly more than Leona. Plus, Kelly is so much more natural and attractive. PEACE. Kelly Clarkson forever!!!
Kelly is a good wee singer as is Leona, however, what seperates the 2, is that Leona’s voice is strong enough to take the high notes without ever having to comprimise because her voice won’t hold out! Equally so, in the softer parts of the song, Leona has a much more ambient almost folksy quality to her voice, whereas Kelly is rougher sounding! Lets face it Leona’s stunning
Firstly, this is leonas weakest performance, she is emotional, and it is a crap song. Even though this is her weakest performance she is still better than kelly!!!!!!!!!!!!! listen to leonas other songs then judge!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! leona is amazing!!!!!!! youll see
Omgsh, Seriously, Atm I Think People Are Deciding Who Is Better Depending Where They Live
Americans - Kelly Clarkson
British - Leona Lewis
I Personally Never Knew That Kelly Clarkson Sang This Song, And As I Heard Leona’s Version First I Prefer Hers, But Its Prob The Other Way Round For Americans, Maybe One Time You Could Just Judge People For Their Talent Instead Of Where They Come From !!!
kelly is better… yea leona can sing but she be off pitch alot. she has alot of learning and growing to do.. NO!!! SHES NOT THE NEXT WHITNEY!! SHE’S JUST SIMPLY LEONA!!!!
Im from England. lol. Leona was awsome on x factor never in her weeks of being their did she get a bad comment. Shes got like an amazing voice where it comes naturally its so unbelievable. Then when i watched her perfomance of bleeding love her single she hit them notes and hard.
Everyone calls her the next whitney or mariah carey.
Shes great. her version of A Moment like this was waaaaaaaaaaaayyyyyyyyyyyyyy better that kelly clarksons.
Leona , of course.
They are both very talented.
see the thing is kelly clarkson didnt make mistakes, leona did a few times. If you saw kelly clarksons performances you can tell shes comfortable and she could even sing with a sore throat. Most of the ppl who dislike kelly clarkson prob voted for justin. DONT LIE!
Kelly’s version is horrible! Leona’s is much better!
Kelly is the BEST !
This song is certainly better suited for Kelly, but Leona has a great quality as well. I think she’ll have an easier time finding her place in the music world, while Kelly seems to still be struggling to find her niche. At least, IMO the music on Leona’s new album seem better matched than the stuff Kelly’s team produced.
You know, it’s not fair to compare Kelly’s original on stage during the competition to Leona’s cover AFTER SHE WON… i can’t see the video of leona’s but if it’s her live- then it’s after she won and pressure was off, or it mighta been in the studio- in which case they can fix stuff.
so it’s really not fair to compare the 2… but if we were to, i’d vote kelly. her voice is just amazing. leona is a mariah carey ripoff. the end.
kelly is the best. she has sold 20 million copies. her voice is so awesome. watch her performing ave maria for the pope and you’ll take your lesson
kkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeelllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy. leona can sing but really it deosn’t fit her voice.kelly has the voice the looks and the GRAMMY’S@!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Kelly is 10000000000000000 times better than Lewis…because she has the most beautiful voice in the world…Leona is a very young singer to be compared to Whitney Houston…her voice is not stronger like Whitney’s voice.
Kelly is the real win in this competion…REMEMBER THAT KELLY WON 2 GRAMMY AWARDS. This is very talentKelly Italy loves you<3.
Kelly Clarkson is left begging for mercy in the presence of Leona Lewis. Kelly’s voice is pathetic at the side of Leona’s. Leona easily defeats Kelly. END OF!
Leona is a million times better. And just to clarify, American Idol is just copy of Pop Idol, just the same as how America’s Got Talent is a copy of Britain’s Got Talent. Maybe your too dumb to think of your own shows. Probably American Factor next. Britain rules the waves.
I think leona is still just a bit nervous on stage, whilst kelly owns it, I’m big fans of both! They both have their good points just in different areas to eachother
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