I probably wouldn't be singing if not for Michael Jackson. When I started singing, I didn't like my tone until my mom put me on to Michael Jackson and Stevie Wonder, so listening to the way they used their instrument helped me get more comfortable with my own.

For those people who want to keep following trends, you do that and when the trend goes away so will you.

I'm 100% real, even when what's real is ugly. I don't take any pride in covering up, hiding and lying.

There wasn't a lot of R&B cats doing songs at 120 beats per minute before 'Closer,' which I take full credit and responsibility for. That's all good, but it was an experiment. You experiment with something, if it goes good, cool, but you never forget where you come from and R&B is where I come from.

I feel there is always room for good music. I want to reach people's soul with my lyrics through whatever vessel God chooses.

That is the difference between a good song and a bad song lyrically - if you can listen to it and put yourself in that place, or see that person in that place, normally it is a pretty good song.

If you believe in yourself, it doesn't matter what others might be telling you is impossible. It's all up to you!