The music teacher thought I sang like a goat. It was kind of devastating. A few months after that, I participated in a music contest and won. I took my little trophy to school and rubbed it in his nose. I said to him, "What do you say now?"

Music has given a voice to many generations, and I think we, as artists, can be a part of creating a better world.

I have never had one moment of stage fright and performing has always been a huge thrill and source of enjoyment for me. It's part of my personality.

Scars remind me of just how far that I've come.

Writing songs has a therapeutic effect, and it either kills off love or wins the heart of the lover.

It's incredibly liberating to spend an hour talking to someone and not caring about what you sound like. It's about understanding myself. Sometimes I'll speak to my therapist for an hour a day. It's become part of my routine.

In 2006 I was asked to sing at the World Cup in Germany, and in 2010 I was fortunate enough to be asked again.