For me, I wanted somebody that got me musically, that understood that I'm an artist and this is who I am. I'm not going to be like another artist on your label, probably - hopefully. I found all those things with the Broken Bow group.

The risks are 'How country can you go?' rather than 'How rock can you take it?'

The passion for doing music, the passion that I have for going out and playing it live - my love for country music is back.

Winning the ACM, winning the CMA, my first time on the Opry and having Grammy nominations were all a big deal to me.

I love Halloween, trick or treating and decorating the house. And I love Thanksgiving, because of the football and the fall weather. And of course, I love Christmas - that's my favorite of all!

When you find great songs, and somehow you get a spark in a little way, it can become brand new.

The way that I am now, I don't want to accept mediocrity. I don't want to accept the easy road.