I went to School of the Arts in Winston-Salem, and we had a bunch of singing classes. My first job in New York was an Off-Broadway musical.

It's shocking when someone who is really bad thinks they're really good. It's heartbreaking, because singing is such a vulnerable thing to do.

Sometimes you just can't hear yourself. Maybe ears are too close to the mouth.

In the South, you don't say exactly what's going on or what's on your mind.

I've been acting since second grade, telling stories, making my parents laugh here and there, so I'm hoping my "thing" is acting. But I also make a really good bread pudding.

Ultimately, I don't think you can teach a tone-deaf person how to sing. Some talents you're just born with, unfortunately.

I always like to be a step ahead of the audience by surprising them and the best way to do that is to not hold back.