Oprah played a big role in my understanding of what it meant to be female and to really step into your own power. I wouldn't even call her a role model; she was literally a reference point. You have the dictionary, you have the Bible, you have Oprah.

Part of being an artist is that you are always concerned you don't have what it takes. It keeps us honest.

What I've learned from myself is that I don't have to be anybody else. Myself is good enough.

I feel a responsibility to myself and my parents and the people whose love has gotten me this far - people who were in my life before fame. That's where I get my sense of self. It's deadly for anyone to take on that role of a deity; it's not sustainable. I've got tons of flaws. Call my mother - she'll tell you! She keeps it real. Sometimes you don't want to hear the truth; she'll tell it to you out of love.

And my one prayer to God, the miracle worker, was that I would wake up lighter-skinned.

I've always had an involved imagination.

It's in understanding yourself deeply that you can lend yourself to another person's circumstances and another person's experience.