I can sing in front of people. I can go on a TV show, live, and not feel like I'm going to throw up.

I felt like I got more comfortable on "Idol" when I just started being myself and not trying to be what I thought I had to be.

I don't go to record stores to look at my albums, but it's always a thrill to see them.

You need to understand that a skilled professional songwriter can accelerate your success as an already talented musician. These people are writing every single day, so their craft is really sharp, and it's the best songwriters who consistently get on the radio.

When I look at myself, I'd like not to have hair on the top of the ceiling.

I'm a native New Yorker, so I'm edgier; I kind of tell it like it is.

I have breakups that I can credit to every song. In my twenties, I picked people who would create that dysfunction and drama, so I could draw upon it.