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

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.

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 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 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.

Time-our youth-it never really goes does it? It is all held in our minds.

If God had wanted me otherwise He would have created me otherwise.

In order for us to become truly happy, that which we can become, we must become.

I'm lost, but I'm hopeful.

You will either learn to manage money, or the lack of it will manage you.

I still do believe that form and content are very much related. I think throwing away some of the rule books on that is a good thing.

Physical sickness we usually defy. Soul sickness we often resign ourselves to.

I'm glad I understand that while language is a gift, listening is a responsibility. (U.S. poet and writer, 1943- )

The romantic artist expects people to ask, 'What has he got to say?' The classical artist expects them to ask, 'How does he say it?

All my movies, as I get the ability to do it, they tend to go a little darker, a little darker.