You always have to work to become a better singer, songwriter and performer.

When you get performance slots for award shows - that's a big deal for me.

Just really, really believe in what you're trying to do. Don't let people alter that. Let people advise you and lead you down paths to make smart business decisions. But trust your instinct and trust that overwhelming drive that made you put all your dreams and everything on the line.

I'm a really, really optimistic and really, really positive person. My main thing is, 'Enjoy life. Celebrate life.'

Even with all the negativeness of the whole social media thing, I still think it's leaps and bounds more positive.

I've been so blessed to have my career gradually get bigger and bigger, so I've been able to absorb stuff and take stuff gradually.

You always have to work to become a better singer, songwriter and performer.