I love a good lyricist - always have. The thing that inspired me most was the different performers, like Tina Turner, James Brown, Michael Jackson, Madonna, even Janet Jackson.

Women should never go without earrings. Passing on them is an opportunity missed.

All of a sudden one day I was like, I'm good at this! Oh, man! People are not giving me jobs because they feel sorry for me! I am an actress. I am a singer. I am a performer. That's what I do! Once I started giving myself a little credit, the whole world opened up.

I remember when I was 33 or 34, it was devastating because I realized I wasn't a kid anymore. The great thing about 40 was that I really felt like I had life experience and knew what I was doing now.

A romantic comedy has to be funny and make you think about life; but the obstacle that has to be overcome is key.

He wouldn't talk to me for two months. I was like, 'What an ass**le.' Actors are used to getting their way and to treating women like objects. "[on Wesley Snipes after she reports he made unreturned passes at her]

I'm passionate, I'm driven at my job and I also am compassionate with people. We all think we can save somebody that we love.