I caught a lot of flak for being a young mama.

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

I want to still be singing at 70 years old. I want to be open to the dreams I haven't even dreamed up.

I knew exactly what I was doing. You can't accidentally take a whole bottle of pills.

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.'

When I realized I was having trouble reading, I was too embarrassed to ask for help. Some teachers believed in me, but I just wasn't focused on school - I was into the music and trying to please my dad.

When I'm out on the stage, it gives me this rush and anything that's on my mind and everything I'm going through is forgotten about.