I didn't start singing with my eyes open until I was 19 - that's how shy I was!

When you're shopping you forget about eating!

If you can’t take responsibility for your own well-being, you will never take control over it.

I was brought up singing gospel, and I really enjoy getting the church up on their feet, their hips swaying, their hands clapping, it's a great feeling to evoke that energy for the Lord.

I'm prouder of my weight loss than my Oscar! I hope it has inspired people.

Embrace it. Especially because of the lives we live, a lot of times other people have to care for [our kids] and you have to have that mommy time, Get your sleep!

My faith in God is everything at this point. Also, my family and friends that I've had around me pretty much my whole life and my boyfriend, we've been together for eight years. I try to keep people around me who've been around me, who've seen me struggle. They know how dedicated I am and how hard I've worked. They know me - not the Jennifer from American Idol and Dreamgirls, but the real Jennifer.