I'm really fortunate because, in my career, I haven't had to deal with anybody trying to make me something I'm not.

I think being a Texan - we sort of have that extra fire in us as a breed. I just felt like from day one I had something to say and I wanted to make sure people heard me, and it's worked.

There's been a shift: Country music is popular music now. Every other genre wants to come over to our land.

The road is hard, and you have to get accustomed to it.

I don't really do acting. I've done a little bit - enough to know I'll stick to what I know. Music is my thing.

At the very beginning of my career I felt very strongly about what type of artist I wanted to be.

I want to look my best, but I'm not a model. I'm not an actress. I'm representing normal girls. It's OK to have a little bit of curve. I'm happy with my body. So many girls come up to me and say, "Thank you for being normal," and I'm proud of that.