Living life, I mean, my two stepsons, my husband, I think every day - today interaction inspires me - as far as music goes - inspires my art.

I went through that stage every teenager goes through: Who am I? What am I? Where do I fit in? In my case I had to deal with newspapers saying I looked fat or tired or my hair was a mess. People always criticize: they either love you, or they don't. But you have to block that out and concentrate on the work. And I feel I am doing good work, and I'm finally getting to see who I really am.

There's no way to explain, but all the pleasure is worth all the pain.

I was 5 when I won my first song and dance competition, and my parents asked me if that is what I wanted to do, and I said, "Yeah." At 5, how can you know that? On some level, I knew that was my gift.

Janis Joplin is definitely one of my biggest influences. She taught me how to feel music, and I don't think there's anyone like her that could bring such pain and emotion to a song.

People are so quick to judge and make decisions for themselves about situations they know absolutely nothing about.

Keep your sense of self; don't get caught up in what people want you to be.