Leona Lewis to miss Brit Award ceremony

British pop star Leona Lewis has decided not to attend the annual British Phonographic Industry Awards better known as the Brits, as she was not nominated in any of the major categories despite having several hits in her kitty. Lewis turned down the invite as a mark of protest, mirror.co.uk. reported.

Lewis who broke into the international music scene when she won the talent hunt "X Factor" in 2007 is not in contention for any awards at the ceremony, but her song 'Better in Time' has been shortlisted for the Best British Single because unlike the other categories, a public vote will decide the winner.

A source close to the singer told the website,"Leona is making a stand and is not going. Her view is,'What's the point of getting dressed up, if the chances of being recognised on her own soil are slim to none?"

Lewis' mentor from 'X Factor' Simon Cowell said that her not receiving any nominations just proves the class biases of the recording industry.

Simon said, "I don't like The Brits. Leona at The Brits tells you everything about the record business. You should recognise and celebrate success, not sneer at it, wherever the artist comes from."

Lewis hails from Hackney, East London which is the second poorest area in the country.