I used to sing in the church choir. People would say it was unusual for such a small girl to have such a big voice. They would say, 'She sounds like she's grown.'

Traditional values are big in my life.

I don't believe in voodoo.

What people need to know is that if you don't eat what you want, then you'll just continue to eat, because you're not fulfilled.

I like meat on my bones.

I once had a crush on one of my teachers. I wrote him a love letter and stuck it in a bag in his office. I didn't write my name on it, but I'm sure he figured out it was me.

I love being nurturing and caring because I love to see other people happy.

I'm proud to represent the average woman.

The church has given me balance.

I actually stopped working out because I don't want to lose my jelly.

All the ladies can feel sexy and have fun in my clothing and that makes me feel like I am offering something truly unique to the people who have been gracious enough to show me such love and support over the years.

You're not living if you don't go out and try things for yourself.

My biggest thing is banana pudding, but it's the devil! So no one is allowed to bring it into my house. Because I can't control myself. So why put it in my domain?

Everything I see, I now see through a mother's eyes.

When people said Africa would change me, I didn't understand what they meant. To see the poverty in the townships, for instance, is overwhelming. I found it heart-wrenching to see young children walking barefoot and hungry in the dirt. I'm the kind of person who wants to change the world right here and now, so I got frustrated.

I don't get a chance to be home much.

I want to be around for a long time, singing and making albums and movies.

Long before 'American Idol', people used to call me a diva. And I be like, 'Hold on, are you calling me something else on the sly? You gonna call me a diva, call me a good diva.'

I used to sing in the church choir. People would say it was unusual for such a small girl to have such a big voice. They would say, 'She sounds like she's grown.'

My mother was a very wise and strong person.

There is nothing I love more than my role as a mom.

Food is meant to be used as fuel for our bodies. If you're using it for any other reasons, take a step back and ask yourself, 'What's up.'

I'm really not sure what people think or expect me to be, but I am surprised when people say, 'You're not supposed to be like that... ' I'm not exactly sure what 'that' is, so I choose to take it as a compliment.

When you hear my music and you feel the emotion, it's real. When you see me in a film and you see a tear, it's real.

I don't believe in doing things just to do them.

I didn't start singing with my eyes open until I was 19 - that's how shy I was!

My son is very into music and really familiar with my voice.

I feel like I've lived about three or four different lives.

Music is my home.

I like to have songs with me that have substance. That's missing from a lot of today's music. You might hear a song with a catchy beat, but what's it about? It's not empowering or helping anyone.

I don't believe in overdoing myself.