I have a lot of respect for my birth mother I know she must have had a lot of love for me to want to give what she felt was a better chance.

I think beauty comes from within. If you're happy and look at life in the best way you can, even when there are problems, it can make you beautiful on the outside.

The only album that I listen to upon recording a new one is my 'Cry' album, because sonically, I think it's my best album to date. But other than that, I've never listened to my records, ever.

I have had wrinkles on my forehead and my smile line since I was a kid. I see them in my own kids. I know what they're going to look like. So it's kind of like that's my personality. I feel the older you get, too, the more confident you become just in your own skin.

I believe that you need to be the person you are and don't let anyone tell you otherwise. If you want something, go out and get it. Follow your dreams, and never give up!

I have a wonderful family: My parents are churchgoing, salt-of-the-earth Southern people. They gave me a lot of love and are so unaffected by fame.

Success is about evolution. Change is healthy. I like to reinvent myself.