I've turned down a lot of arena dates because I've done the big-arena thing. Now, I want to do something where people can feel me and I can feel them.

I believe that children are our future

I'm just fiercely protective. It's like, that's my lair and nobody messes with my lair.

I finally faced the fact that it isn't a crime not having friends. Being alone means you have fewer problems.

In grammar school some of the girls had problems with me. My face was too light. My hair was too long. It was the black-consciousness period, and I felt really bad.

I feel so blessed to just have done what I had done. To be able to just use what God has given me is a blessing. You know, never mind the Grammys, never mind the records, never mind all of that. Just to be able to sing.

I've got some good saints out there - that's right - that pray for me constantly. You've gotta have that! You do.