I'm quite shy, so I hate seeing my private life splashed over the papers.

You can be great only if it is your destiny.

I do not think anyone can ever do anything without the help and will of God.

I started as a lyrical singer. But it was through the pop universe that I reached international fame.

More people are listening to opera, and I'm happy - everybody must be given that opportunity.

When you sing opera you are very far from the people, you are onstage, and between you and the people there is the orchestra. So you have to launch your emotions very, very far. When you sing pop, you are singing very close - the microphone is very close to your mouth. You can whisper your emotions into the microphone.

I don't have an extraordinary degree of self-confidence, but I know the gift I have been given from God and I try to share it with as many people as possible. Having a great voice is not a merit. I don't think it is a merit.