Dick Clark was a really great influence in my career; he helped me a lot with his whole organization, and they were awesome to me at all different points - but one thing that I really disagreed with him on was when he said that what I do, pop music, is a disposable art form.

My music is about a joyful experience. I've learned that if you can affect other people, you should.

Fame doesn't redeem you. It takes a long time to get there, and when you're finally there, you realise you still have authority figures telling you what to do.

I've got a Grammy and Emmy, I'd like to have a Tony.

When you become famous, they don't give you a handbook.

I knew Queen Elizabeth didn't do any laundry! I knew I wasn't going to be doing laundry. I was going to be singing.

I have never been prouder to be a lifelong New Yorker than I am today with the passage of marriage equality.