I'm not a judgmental person, so I can't comment on someone else's background.

My mom brought me up to believe that my talent is a gift and a blessing.

When my parents fought, I'd run up to my room, put on The Sound of Music, open the window and sing out. My voice was my escape. I saw it as a way out.

Blues and soul and jazz music has so much pain, so much beauty of raw emotion and passion.

I have always been one to encourage perseverance.

I think that whatever size or shape body you have, it's important to embrace it and get down!

When I'm traveling on tour, one of my favorite things to do is to throw a baseball cap on and go to a Target. The company has always been good to me. They've got such a great creative team.