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

For some reason, my main movie, Lady Sings the Blues, to me really isn't me. I really can let go of Diana Ross when I see the movie. I'm really objective when I'm watching it. I liked that movie so much. That movie was like magic so that when I'm looking at it I'm really not seeing myself, I'm seeing the actress. I'm seeing another person, not the me of me.

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.

It has always been, and still is, my intention to build a playground in Central Park.

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

My travels led me to where I am today. Sometimes these steps have felt painful, difficult, but led me to greater happiness and opportunities.

I don't like to have too many makeup artists around, so I always like to do my own.