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.

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.

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

I can make the argument that people who don't have the biggest ranges but have very unique voices, even if they may be pitchy at times... with the right record that's really unique and distinct, they can have big hits.

Good new songs are the backbone of the music industry. There isn't an artist out there who could survive without hit songs.

I looked a little pasty. But hey, at least I didn't wet myself!

A great song should make you stop everything that you're doing. You should be so into it that you just can't imagine doing anything else for that moment. You wouldn't even dream of picking up the phone.