Leila Lusess

**Labels** | Cat Town Music

**Leila Sabina Lusess** (born 17 March 1991) is a Rentuscan singer, songwriter, and model.

Lusess first came to prominence after placing third on *Natalia Model Search 2013*. Following the show, she was signed to Cat Town Music as a recording artist. Her debut single, "Venta", was released in January 2014 and peaked at number-one. Her debut studio album, *Contro*, was released in May 2014.

## Life and career

### Early life

Lusess was born on 17 March 1991 in L'Alessia, the second largest city of Rentusca. Her father, Marco, was a real estate agent, while her mother, Martina, worked at a department store. The family was middle class, and Lusess has an older brother.

Lusess attended primary school in L'Alessia, where she enjoyed music, art, and writing. She graduated from primary school in 2005, and began attending secondary school. In secondary school, Lusess studied music theory, English, vocal performance, sculpture, and creative writing. She passed all of her Maturo Exams and graduated from secondary school in 2009. She opted not to attend university, and moved to Cavarda to become a singer.

### 2011–2013: Breakthrough, modeling, and *Natalia Model Search 2013*

After moving to Cavarda, Lusess struggled in finding work as a singer and began modeling to support herself. She was signed to a small agency and begin working as a model full-time in 2011. When her label was contacted by *Natalia Model Search* producers to submit possible models to be contestants on *Natalia Model Search 2013*, Lusess was recommended and auditioned for the show. She was accepted and became one of the top 24 finalists.

While on the show, Lusess performed fairly consistently. She placed in the bottom twice, during weeks five and seven, but was saved both times. She advanced to the finale, where she placed third. After the show, she reportedly received an offer from the Ubenmoor office of Natalia Model Management, but declined to focus on her music career and to return home to Rentusca.

### 2013–2015: Music career and *Contro*

Shortly after returning to Rentusca, it was revealed that Lusess had signed a record deal with Rentuscan label Cat Town Music. She soon began work on her debut studio album. In a November 2013 interview, Lusess revealed that she'd written and recorded a number of pop songs in the Rentuscan language, and is in the phase of deciding what will be featured on the album.

In January 2014, Lusess released her debut single "Venta". The song was mainstream pop in style, with prominent influence from Rentuscan folk music, which is common in Rentuscan pop music. The song became a huge hit in Rentusca, reaching number-one on the Rentuscan singles chart and holding the position for five weeks. Her debut studio album, *Contro*, was released in May 2014. It was certified platinum in Rentusca.

### 2015–present: Second studio album

In December 2014, Lusess revealed that she'd be beginning work on her follow-up album very shortly. In summer 2015, her management confirmed that work had begun, and Lusess later revealed in autumn 2016 that the album's lead single would be released in 2017.

## Personal life

Lusess resides in Cavarda. She has frequently been complimented for her looks, and has been ranked on the "Sexiest Women in Rentusca" lists by *Lemperia Magazine* in 2013 and 2015, while also topping the list in 2014.

## Discography

### Studio albums

List of studio albums, with selected chart positions, sales figures and certifications
* Format: Digital download, CD, LP

### Singles

List of singles as lead artist, with selected chart positions and certifications, showing year released and album name
 "Risolvero"
 "Eden"