I felt ashamed about everything. Me dropping out of high school, me not, you know, just not being beautiful enough. I just didn't feel like I was smart enough or beautiful enough, you know, for years.

No one intimidates me because I'm not trying to do what you do, because I can't do what you do. I can only do what Mary J. Blige can do, so that relaxes me right there, and it gets me out of the competition and that whole thing.

God comes first - if I don't love him, I can't love anybody, and if I can't love me I can't love nobody.

Working in the studio is a more personal experience whereas on stage in front of a billion people, its more exciting performing live.

I like French fries; I like mashed. I love potatoes.

I know who I am. I am not perfect. I'm not the most beautiful woman in the world. But I'm one of them.

Believe in yourself when nobody else does.