I was always too mature for my age - and not very happy. I had no young friends. I wish I could go back to those days. If I could only live it all again, how I would play and enjoy other girls. What a fool I was.

Some say I have a beautiful voice, some say I have not. It is a matter of opinion. All I can say, those who don't like it shouldn't come to hear me.

You are born an artist or you are not. And you stay an artist, dear, even if your voice is less of a fireworks. The artist is always there.

ART is domination. It's making people think that for that precise moment in time there is only one way, one voice. Yours.

If I have stepped on some people at times because I am at the top, it couldn't be helped. What should I do if someone gets hurt... retire?

When my enemies stop hissing, I shall know I'm slipping.

[During fee negotiations for singing in Vienna:] I'm not interested in money, but it must be more than anyone else gets.