For me, genres are a way for people to easily categorize music. But it doesn't have to define you. It doesn't have to limit you.

I've been singing Shakira songs in front of my bathroom mirror into my hairbrush forever. It's like a daily routine.

And you know there’s nothing like writing a song about someone who’s mean to you, and just makes your life miserable…and then winning a Grammy for it.

My absolute favorite meal in Nashville is sweet-potato pancakes at Pancake Pantry.

Do you remember we were sitting there by the water?

I've never thought about any kind of prejudice about women in country music because I never felt like it affected me. I was fortunate enough to come about in a time when I didn't feel that kind of energy at all, and it was always my theory that if you want to play in the same ballgame as the boys, you've got to work as hard as them.

I love conversations with kids in the meet and greet lines — little people with little voices! I love babies. Someday I would love to be a parent, but I want that time to come when I’ve experienced so much of the world. My life will be devoted to making that child’s life as wonderful, beautiful, magical and perfect as it can possibly be. I want to wait until there is no ounce of me left that has anything self-centered to experience.