We give scholarships to high school kids and a new library of books to every preschool child in the county where I was born. I didn't have books at home so I did all my reading at school. I love books and I believe that helping kids to read gives them a great start in life.

I stay close to my roots and my family. I never want to forget any part of it. I'm still just a hillbilly at heart, thus a Backwoods Barbie.

All my momma's people were very musical. My grandpa, who was the Pentecostal minister, he was a great musician. He played the fiddle, he played the piano.

I always just thought if you see somebody without a smile, give'em yours!

I was very honored to get to be part of 'American Idol.'

I've always been fascinated by everything with wings.

I do have a natural sense for business, which I think I get from my Dad.