I've developed into quite a swan. I'm one of those people that will probably look better and better as I get older - until I drop dead of beauty.

I think my mother, more than anyone, knew the importance of inspiration. If it was occurring, you had to use it.

And I am left behind Corrupted crushed and blind All for a dream That in truth was never really mine.

I was keenly aware that I didn't want to draw on too many typically doomed aspects of the fated singer. Whether it's Judy Garland or Norma Desmond, there is this tragic quality to older women that one can revel in, and you want it to be more three-dimensional than that. So it was important for the character to be strong and resilient, because there are so many victims in opera.

Life is the longest death in California.

I believe a lot of our lives are spent asleep, and what I've been trying to do is hold on to those moments when a little spark cuts through the fog and nudges you.

Musically I'm able to keep going, because it's not about money and it's not about success. It's a challenge.