Independence was a big, big thing for me. I saw my voice as a way out - 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.

My elementary school days were miserable. After Star Search, the jealousy got really bad that our neighbors slashed our tires.

I talk openly about my past and what I've gone through - abuse being something that was very real in my household, and a lot of chaos growing up as a child. I think that I naturally just gravitated towards music that I could really feel on a deep level - and that meant sadness. I was able to connect with that at a really young age.

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

Whatever I do, it's my business. It's not my job to parent America.

I have certain physical features that I favor over others. We all have our areas.

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