My path is exactly where I want it to be. I'm doing my thing. I'm getting better with every album.

I think the attraction to country music is the fans, the lure of the hardcore fan base.

My path is exactly where I want it to be. I'm doing my thing. I'm getting better with every album.

I would like to be a heart surgeon or brain surgeon... something with that knowledge and the ability to save a life would be pretty cool. I wasn't that good in science class, though.

You know, if Kelly Clarkson wants to do country albums because that’s what inspires her, then let her do it. Look at Kanye West or Ludacris ... they aren’t rappin’ and cussin’ like they were on their first few albums, so what does that make them? It’s all in the eye of the beholder and the listener. We all use our outlet to grow ourself.

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 thought being on stage was an amazing feeling, but there is nothing that can top watching my wife bring our son into this world.