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.

I don't see anything wrong with being comfortable with my own skin.

People expect me to cry, but I always laugh when things go wrong.

In order to effect great change, we need to look at how we can help those in our own communities as well as globally.

I felt caged by my childhood.

I have spoken honestly about being born into a home where there was discord and chaos. I saw my mom have a rough time with my dad being very controlling, which is why I push back whenever I feel like someone is trying to box me in. It makes me run for the hills.

I really love traveling to Japan.