When I'm picking songs for an album I always want a song that I can relate to and that I have experienced. There's nothing worse than watching an artist try and sell a song that isn't believable coming from them.

You need to be happy with who you are and, whoever that is, let your little light shine.

I just blow-dry my hair and put on mascara and lip gloss, and I'm ready to go. I really don't get long nails. They're so Edward Scissorhands.

My experiences remind me that it's those black clouds that make the blue skies even more beautiful.

I'm cute - and God I hate that. Because that's not cool. I'm like your niece, and nobody wants to date their niece. It's the chubby cheeks. The whole reason people voted for me on American Idol is because I'm an everyday, normal girl.

You should know that I lead, not follow

By keeping her heart protected, she'll never ever feel rejected.