Country music is different because we [musicians] are all actually happy for each other. We're all friends. It's a little family. So if you don't win [an award], usually one of your friends does. So it's kind of a cool thing. I think it's the only genre of music to have that camaraderie.

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

My mom was always saying: 'Be whatever you want to be, but stick with it. Don't waver. Don't change who you are for anybody.

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.

You leave home, you move on and you do the best you can. I got lost in this whole world and forgot who I am.

If you are a young girl who wants to be a country singer, just don't try to do it too early. Be a high school kid, be a cheerleader, do your thing. And also, just know who you are; know what you want to say and stick with it throughout.

We write so many songs, it is difficult to narrow them down.