I've worked hard and I deserve everything I have. I never thought I'd have so much money. I just wanted to be financially stable and it embarrasses me and I don't feel comfortable talking or thinking about it. I don't know exactly how much I have but I don't buy much.

Playing Etta James in the movie 'Cadillac Records' really changed me. It was a darker character, and I realized that if anything is too comfortable, I want to run from it. It's no fun being safe.

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

Yes, I will probably be that way. I am sure I will. I think that it shouldn't stop you. I think of course my life is going to change, and I definitely will make sacrifices, but you know, I think I will be able to bring hopefully my little rider with me.

I get nervous when I don't get nervous. If I'm nervous I know I'm going to have a good show.

The more you mature, you realize that this imperfections make your more beautiful.

I don't really like to call myself a brand, and I don't like to think of myself as a brand. I'm a singer, a songwriter, a musician and a performer. And an actress, and all the other things that I do. When you add it all together, some might call it a brand, but that's not my focus.