I had to get used to the theater atmosphere because I haven't had a role on Broadway since Aida. It was a different process from day one because I was learning my parts by myself.

I just want to create amazing music that speaks and defines who I am. I want it to be based on my life and/or what I am going through at that specific time.

I am able to stay humble because I recognize that God has truly blessed me; I can't say that enough. I also understand without Him, all of this wouldn't be possible.

I love music; I was never the type of singer to say, "This is my specific genre, or I only sing R&B music." I feel like as a singer, you should be limitless and you shouldn't be stuck in a box.

My husband, children, and my family are my biggest supporters. I just pray to God to keep my family and I aligned at all times, and I just remember where it all got started before show business.

I just have to give credit when it's due because there are some things that took place in my life that I couldn't explain at all.

As you're learning your lines and the character you're playing, you're going to make mistakes but I learned more about Shug Avery. I learned my lines, but everything had to be done quickly.

Some of the songs have a tinge more pop this time. I wanted to go into different worlds.

My husband is very supportive and is there for the kids, especially when I'm in projects such as The Color Purple.

I am working on a list for collaborations and it's just another way to share your artistic talent with other artist.

I like to think about the quality, content, and concept for my music because I think these are the most important things and it just molds everything together.

I don't know how I ever really lived before my husband came into my life.

I never had a childhood. Not like the rest of them anyway. I had a starting point from which I have never stopped running.

A leaf cannot return to the bud- bluestar to fireheart and greystripe

Sometimes you just can't get rid of a bomb!

But if it comes down to next year, I'll be picketing outside of Halas Hall for a new deal, a new contract, because I'm not going anyplace.

The ultimate secret to growth is finding something worth fighting for

Who can object to a monopoly when any new company, if it is built around a scientific nucleus, can create a new monopoly of its own by creating a wholly new field?

A thimbleful of red is redder than a bucketful.

Just because you play bass, doesn't mean you have no presence.

In my book, all manners are is thinking of somebody else.