Technically I have siblings, but they are quite a bit older than me - I was the accident - so I have the only-child syndrome going on. I'm a little more selfish, a little more independent, a little closed. I do wish I were softer. I wish I were able to form relationships better.

I grew up listening to Queen. They were no stranger to throwing in the unexpected and something a little more dramatic.

God put us here, on this carnival ride. We close our eyes never knowing where it'll take us next.

Once you get into a routine of eating healthy, it hurts twice as much when you fall off the wagon.

I've grown up a lot. I've become more independent. I can talk to my parents more like friends. When I was going to college, I was still only an hour away from them.Now, after Idol and touring all over the place, I feel like I have become a lot more independent.

I've learned it's really important to work hard and keep your family and friends close. You've got to let them know how much you appreciate them for sticking by you.

American Idol transcends age, gender, ethnicity, everything.