I don't flaunt my money. I like to stay at nice hotels but I'm not a flashy chick. I haven't got much jewellery or anything.

I remember thinking, "My little sister is going to be something super special," because you always seemed to know what you wanted. And I'm just curious, where did that come from?

In my videos, I always want to be a powerful woman. That's my mission.

I know I'm stronger in the songs than I really am. Sometimes I need to hear it myself. We all need to hear those empowering songs to remind us.

Make sure you have your own life before becoming someone's wife ~spoken to Oprah in an interview

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.

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