Your self-worth is determined by you. You don't have to depend on someone to tell you who you are.

And my husband and I have been together for 10 years, so I guess people felt a part of it and it makes me feel really good

I wrote "Bootylicious" because, at the time, I’d gained some weight and the pressure that people put you under, the pressure to be thin, is unbelievable. I was just 18 and you shouldn’t be thinking about that. You should be thinking about building up your character and having fun and the song was just telling everyone just forget what people are saying. You’re bootylicious. That’s all. It’s a celebration of curves and a celebration of women’s bodies.

I have nine Grammy Awards. I wouldn't have that if I couldn't sing.

Me, myself and I. That's all I got in the end.

My biggest thing is to teach not to focus on the aesthetic. It's really about who you are, and the human being, that makes you beautiful.

I'm just free. And I can express my sensuality. I can express my pain, vulnerability, my strength. All of those things. Because I had a sheltered upbringing doesn't mean I haven't been a woman. I'm a woman that has had life experiences.