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.

As a singer and songwriter, I have great admiration for many of the budding stars who come to try their hand at performing and can relate to the hopes and aspirations of all the contestants, no matter how good or bad.

What no woman or man needs is anyone telling them they are 'too fat' or 'too skinny.' That just adds to the many stereotypes out there about a person's weight.

Even one kid going hungry in America is one too many. How can we stand by when the reality is that there are more than 12 million underfed children in the U.S.? We can make a difference.

Reba McEntire came through town when I lived in Texas. She had this amazing theatrical show with, like, 13 different wardrobe changes. I was eight and I was like, Wow, I wanna do that!

I think I'm realizing I've always been able to move people, just getting people to talk.

I believe above the storm, the smallest prayer will still be heard. I believe that someone in that great somewhere hears every word.