Blender’s Heat-Seeking, Sweat-Dripping, Pool-Hopping Summer Music Blowout

Leona Lewis
Mandals are A-OK with this Oprah-endorsed Brit power-balladeer.

We’re at a barbecue and somebody puts you new CD on the stereo. What happens?
People start dancing. And crying tears of joy into their daiquiris.

What’s the most painful place you’ve ever been sunburned?
My chest. I was in the Caribbean, playing football with my brothers on the beach, and the next thing you know I’ve gone in the sea, not reapplied sunscreen and burnt up. I could have been mistaken for a tomato—not very attractive. My dad’s black, so I was like, I’m cool. Obviously no one is safe!

Ever been rescued by a lifeguard?
Yes! I was 7, doing swimming lessons and I was struggling in the deep end, and they had to reach a pole out to me. I was like, Omigosh omigosh! I probably could have touched the ground, but I was a drama queen.

We’re at the ice-cream truck—what are you licking?
I’ve got a Feast: It’s chocolate-covered ice cream, but if you bite inside the ice cream there’s a chocolate bar. I never bite, though. I lick.

Mandals: Yes or no?
I like a guy in a sandal, as long as it’s not with socks. That communicates someone who is very confused.

We’re going to a nude beach—are you coming with us?
Nope. Too shy—and I wouldn’t want to get photographed.

What’s the hottest place you’ve ever been?
The Sahara. I was there on holiday—you couldn’t breathe. And every time you opened your mouth it got full of sand.

What sport would you like to see added to the summer Olympics?
The three-legged race. That requires a lot of coordination. I always used to do the race at school—so I’ve fallen on my face many times. That’s what it’s all about: seeing people fall.

Ever gotten lucky in a Jacuzzi?
No. That sounds gross. And uncomfortable.

Leona Lewis’s album Spirit is out now.