It marked a successful return to the public eye for Lewis, who was punched in the face by an emotionally distraught man at a London book signing last month.

She has performed live in the past, but limited herself to singing just a few songs as she developed the material needed for a full-length show.

Lewis told the packed house on Monday night at the Hackney Empire, near where she grew up, that it was "fitting" for her to be making her full-length live debut in her hometown.

She had first performed on that stage at 13.

Local fans gave her show rave reviews.

A 21-year-old said she thought Lewis was "excellent" and demonstrated "raw talent from Hackney."

Lewis performed her signature hit Bleeding Love, a chart-topper in Britain and the United States.

She also showcased numbers from her upcoming second album Echo, which features R&B song Whatever It Takes, ballads such as the new single Happy and even a thumping dance tune called Outta My Head.

She also performed two powerful cover versions - the classic ballad The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face and Snow Patrol's song Run, which ended the concert with silver confetti falling down on the stage.

Standing on stage behind a large screen showing her face in a black lace mask, Lewis first appeared in a large black cloak, which she threw off to reveal a Vivienne Westwood-designed stage costume, a lilac top and black puffball skirt, cinched at the waist with a black shiny corset-like belt.

She was joined on stage by Japanese-styled male dancers for some of the more upbeat performances.

The singer became a national figure in 2006 after winning British talent show X Factor.

She picked up three Grammy nominations for Bleeding Love, which went to No 1 in more than 35 countries in 2007. ASSOCIATED PRESS