People hear the soul, black influence in my voice. I grew up listening to CKLW and all the black stations like WLBS.

If you're sure of who you are it doesn't really matter what people call you, does it?

I was never appalled by myself. I felt a little bit uneasy about certain things. But honestly I've learned to love myself and to see that in the midst of all my ambition and desire to succeed and my search for approval, I do give things to people. I bring some sort of happiness to their lives. So I'm not so hard on myself anymore.

For me, it's all about being in a tiny room with little windows. It's almost like you have to be in a prison.

It is difficult to believe in a religion that places such a high premium on chastity and virginity.

I wanted to be famous, I wanted everybody to love me. I wanted to be a star. I worked really hard, and my dream came true.

All the criticism is ultimately a blessing in disguise. Because now people know about Malawi [due to the child adoption]. And now people know about the orphans there. And hopefully it's gonna turn around. And a positive is gonna come out of the negative.