I wanted to be a skinny little ballerina but I was a voluptuous little Italian girl whose dad had meatballs on the table every night.

Knowing that I inspired SAM SMITH is one of the most powerful experiences I've had as an artist. I was Sam. I still am Sam.

I am my own sanctuary and I can be reborn as many times as I choose throughout my life.

just remember: i love you, and love yourselves. 'cause, little monsters, you were born that way baby.

I hope to see women thriving and happy, loving what they're doing, and being in control and powerful of what they create. I guess what I would say is, as much as we all love the fashion and the makeup and the glamour, this isn't a beauty pageant. It's about the heart and the drive and the work. Of course, it's lovely to dress up and compliment one another and feel good - but that shouldn't be the very first thing.

Even if the whole world turns their back on you, you will always have yourself.

I hope that what you take away from my album is not just the music - which I did want to be fun, and I did want it to be about individuality, but please also take away from it that there's no dream that's too big.