I'm not ashamed, or embarrassed. I'm happy that I grew up listening to gospel music and came from where I came from. I feel like I have a history and a story. That's what I am and that's what I'll always be from. I was never running away from it.

Not to sound overly cheesy but I really appreciate the freedom we have in America - especially as a female.

I'm kinda saving myself for Miley Cyrus.

If people want a role model, they can have Miley Cyrus.

I was a hop-around. I hung out with the rockabilly crew, the guys who were trying to be rappers, the funny kids.

People tried to do a lot of stuff with me early in my career where they tried to shape me into one thing or another. They couldn't just take the chance and go with my vision - which was just my intuition, really.

I've just always been very aware and careful of everything, so that I can be ready for the perfect opportunities as they come. I don't take anything for granted or wait for anything to come to me.