To be given permission to be confused -- and remain confused -- for as long as it takes would have been a huge gift.

There are two things that really move me: music and acting. And I'm not talking about my music or watching myself as an actor, but listening to other people's music and watching other actors. There are so many different songs that have moved me. It all depends upon the mood that I'm in at that moment.

There are artists, true performers that have come before me who have been a big inspiration to me. I hope I do the same for others.

My dad taught us that there's no greater distance than that between first and second place.

Competition is great. And as long as it's friendly and not a malicious thing, then I think it's cool.

Damita Jo. Jo. That's my middle name. It's let in about the different characters that live within me. They say we have 200 characters that we portray with different people.

People tend to put entertainers on pedestals. We're human beings, just like you. You may see us smiling, and whether we have money or not, we still have bills to pay, we still have our stresses. I think a lot of people want to focus on others' shortcomings to make themselves feel better. And it's a very sad thing.