Every singer eventually gets around to a Christmas disc.

I think singing it when its done well is extremely natural. It feels great.

A lot of bad behavior in singers is caused by nerves.

I've always been inspired by artists who have shown musical and intellectual curiosity and the courage to take risks.

Well, any time Im preparing for a performance or even a rehearsal, its as if in a way, like any other athletes, these are muscles that support the vocal cords which are just I believe cartilage. It demands a kind of constant warming up and a constant feeling of where is the voice today.

Having to travel so much plays havoc with your personal life.

At this stage in my career, I don't have to take any big risks. You want to take a calculated risk, not one that leads to people saying 'yes, but there was that one time when she made that big mistake.' It's always a shame when that happens, especially if you've gotten by for decades without anything hugely tragic.