Getting older, you just don't want to sing fluffy.

The artists I look up to are the ones who push their own limits.

I was 21. At the time, I was under the thumb of my label, and I felt like I had to do, say and act out everything they asked me to do. I was trying to please them and the public and finally I had to say, "Enough. I'm going to make a record that makes me happy and addresses all facets of being a woman. I don't care if I sell one or one million records." That's how I came to make Stripped.

Everybody needs that one person that takes you to the right place to see all the positives in your life.

It's impossible to redefine yourself and your life overnight.

It's an amazing thing to say, 'I'm beautiful,' without feeling like you're cocky.

Men aren't as strong and capable as we are. We're machines.