I want to do all types of music, music for all people. I want my music to be encouraging, to help people.

I seemed so different from other kids; I grew up in church and felt a connection with God, and a lot of kids my age really didn't understand that.

I've been wanting to sing for a long time. I've been singing all my life, and I've tried different record companies, but it seemed like - it was such a struggle and so hard to get out there. So, I said, 'I'm gonna go on American Idol and see how far it takes me.'

I think my purpose was just to get out and sing. I love to sing. I wasn't even in it for the - you know, the prize. I was, like, 'Hey, man, I'm going to sing.

I'm very soulful. I grew up singing in church. When I sing a song, I like to feel what I'm singing.

I guarantee that if you talk to some of the young ladies that are out on the street selling their bodies -if you sit them down and really talk to them - they'll tell you that they've been abused, physically and mentally. They go through this stage where they don't care, because you don't feel like you're worth anything.

I been through some things but I worked hard to get to where I'm at.