I was a shy kid with a broom handle that I pretended was a microphone.

I like hip-hop music, but some of the lyrics make me want to cry.

I think the race situation is getting better as far as people respecting each other goes. I think the race situation with entertainment is not that much better.

When I look into the crowd, I see young and old, black and white - it's amazing that I'm able to connect with so many different kinds of people.

I was very shy. I'm still shy.

I truly respect the people who are working. If they want an autograph from Patti LaBelle, they are going to get it. I have never separated myself from them. I never think you are better than the next one.

I keep showing decade after decade that I am a real performer.