Leona Lewis 'staying away' from Brits

Leona Lewis has decided not to attend the Brit Awards this year because she fears going home empty-handed, a report claims.

The X Factor winner has been nominated in just one category this year, with her song 'Better In Time' in the running for Best British Single. The winner will be decided by a public vote.

In 2008, Lewis was nominated in four categories but failed to pick up an award. Simon Cowell later criticised the result, claiming that Brit chiefs were "out of touch" with the public.

A source told the Daily Star Sunday: "The Brits is the biggest night of the UK music calendar, and Leona is arguably our biggest star, but she's giving it a wide berth. Leona was shocked she didn't pick up even one award last time and only last week watched her rivals clean up at the Grammys.

"With her massive sales it's ridiculous, but she's aware there's a lot of snobbery around reality TV winners. Rather than face the humiliation of being snubbed again, Leona's staying away."

The ceremony will be held at London's Earls Court on Wednesday night.