My songwriting and overall approach to music go beyond just good singing and strong musicality - I want people, now more so than ever, to feel something and be moved somehow by the content I create.

As long as children are still getting kicked out of their homes by parents, getting bullied, commuting suicide, et cetera. it's definitely still worth talking about.

People relate to you a lot more when you're honest and authentic - and that's hard to do in front of millions of people every week.

I think my entire songwriting catalog reflects where I was in my life at the time. I capture whatever moment I am experiencing in life.

I focused more on sharing my gift and performing than worrying about it being a competition.

I am extremely grateful for my 'American Idol' experience, and I enjoyed every bit of it.

I think my songwriting has developed over the years. As I get older, I have become less afraid to share real experiences.