I don't like to gamble, but if there's one thing I'm willing to bet on, it's myself.

You can't put your finger on who I am. I can't put my finger on who I am.

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 love my job, but it’s more than that: I need it.

We all have our imperfections. But I'm human, and you know, it's important to concentrate on other qualities besides outer beauty.

My focus is my art, and that's what I love to do. I have to be really passionate in order to do something. I've turned down many things that I just didn't believe in.

If I hadn't gone through some of the painful experiences in my life, I would not be me.