I wouldn't go so far as to say I am a feminist, that can come off as a negative connotation. But I am a strong female.

I'm a private person, and I don't want people knowing what kind of underwear I like. It's creepy!

My cell phone is my best friend. It's my lifeline to the outside world.

I was terrified of graduating college and not knowing what I was going to do. I saw the auditions for Idol and thought, Why not? I always liked to sing. You know when they asked, "Are you the next American Idol?" I said yes, but I didn't mean it.

The only other time I've been away from home was when I went to college. And that was just an hour away, so I could always go home if I needed to.

My mom had a job, and she also took care of us, and she also took care of Dad - I always saw her pulling triple duty, doing more than I ever felt like she needed to. I made a promise to myself that it would be more of a team effort in my family someday. And because of that, I became more independent.

I've been surfing once in my entire life and I wasn't terrible at it, but my love for music is like the Hamilton family loves water. I understand it - but I'll stick to music.