I was always okay with the fact that I was taller and bigger than everybody else growing up. My mom, my dad, and my friends always told me I was beautiful.
As far as friendships go, things change even without the fame. People start moving on. I have a few friends that are married and are starting to have kids and I’m like, ‘Oh my goodness gracious – that’s so insane.’ I also have friends who are just doing their own thing, which is cool.
I used to eat because food tastes so good. I love food, it’s one of the best things on this planet. But I changed the way I was thinking. I started asking myself, ‘Hey, am I eating because it tastes good? Or because I really need some more? Am I really still hungry?’
My whole journey has been about self acceptance.
I’d love to own a bakery at some point. My grandmother could help me run it – she is an amazing baker! I’d also love to do a cookbook.
It’s OK to feel crappy sometimes and it’s OK to feel like you don’t look like the next person. But what you have to know is that you are beautiful and you are strong and you are worth it. It’s important to know that.
Sometimes I feel like there are people just waiting for me to fall. The funny thing is, I can’t give them anything. I have just never been a partier, even in school.
I’ve performed in Auburn Hills, at The Palace, so I haven’t really been in downtown Detroit, but I’ve been able to be here, and I can really see, what the city was. Like, I can feel why Motown started here and how amazing it was.
I love the expression that ‘When your Bible is falling apart, the man isn’t.’
I love dill pickles! They’re on my rider for my concerts so I eat one every day.
It’s cool to have parents and family who will always tell me the truth no matter what. They’ll tell me if I’m doing something stupid!
I love food and I love my curves.
There’s no quick or magical way to lose weight. You just have to do it the natural way – diet and exercise and stick to it – and be able to do it at your own pace.
When I was on ‘Idol’ and 17, everything was so new. Everyone is so nice and wants to see you succeed.
With my schedule being so crazy, I can’t call every day or hang out with my friends like I used to and that’s definitely sad.
I’d love to do something with Kelly Clarkson because she’s been a monumental influence on me. I love how she handles her celebrity. She’s not in the tabloids a lot but everyone knows and respects her because she’s got an amazing voice. That’s something I aim towards.
I’ve had lots of friends who’ve gone through ‘Battlefield’ situations in their relationships, so when I was singing the song I put myself in their position and tried to imagine what they were going through. I got so, so into it and I think you can tell.
I’m so excited for my first fragrance! I chose to partner with Dots because I love what they do for their customers, bringing them the hottest trends in fashion, accessories and fragrance at unbelievably low prices. It’s amazing!
I’m excited about the new judges on ‘American Idol.’ Jennifer Lopez was a real mentor to me my season and I admire her so much. And I kind of have a crush on Steven Tyler. It’s going to be interesting to see is one person going to stand out among the judges or if everyone will sort of be equal.
If I woke up tomorrow and couldn’t do music anymore, I absolutely don’t know what I would do.