You can't just sit there and wait for people to give you that golden dream. You've got to get out there and make it happen for yourself.

Either black people end up being the best in sports, or else it's show business. You know, we all got rhythm.

All my gowns have trains on them. I make a train that goes on forever. I love long trains and then I stand there and twirl around and wrap myself up in it.

It takes a long time to get to be a diva. I mean, you gotta work at it.

I'm crazy about Diane Von Furstenberg. It's a relationship that's very different; I don't see Diane a lot. So when I saw the article in New York magazine she looked so beautiful and it was talking about her work, too. She set up the interview and it was happening. That's different than someone writing a book about you who you've never met.

I think that if my voice for some reason changes - because your voice does change - then it's time for me not to sing.

I'm not really a songwriter - I'm an interpreter. So in a sense I am an actress first and foremost. I act out the songs, and I lead with my heart.