Coming up with something new and original is so exciting.

I wanted to look different because I felt different

The biggest risk I've ever taken is going on American Idol and trying to be myself. I wasn't going to try too hard to conform, and I knew that it could possibly not work out.

I'm proud of my sexuality. I embrace it. It's just another part of me.

I knew that it was my only shot to be taken seriously in the recording industry, because it's fast and broad.

All these songs honestly explore the ups and downs of my reality.

Los Angeles can be a really sad city.