Diana Ross is a big inspiration to all of us. We all grew up watching everything about her - her mike placement, her grace, her style and her class.

The incomparable Michael Jackson has made a bigger impact on music than any other artist in the history of music. He was magic. He was what we all strive to be. He will always be the King of Pop! Life is not about how many breaths you take, but about how many moments in life that take your breath away. For anyone who has ever seen, felt or heard his art, we are all honored to have been alive in this generation to experience the magic of Michael Jackson. I love you, Michael.

I wanted to be famous for my music and my talent, and I always wished I could cut it out when I left the stage.

So I'm very happy if my words can ever inspire or empower someone who considers themselves an oppressed minority. We are all the same and we all want the same things: the right to be happy, to be just who we want to be and to love who we want to love.

Why do you have to choose what type of woman you are? Why do you have to label yourself anything?

One of the things that kept me out of trouble was doing something creative - creativity can't be judged.

You're everything I thought you never were and nothing like I thought you could've been.