"When people come up to me and say, 'You made it,' I think, 'But I'm not done yet. Not everyone's heard my music.' I want to be a household name."

"I'm not comfortable doing that. You shouldn't send that message out, that tight clothes are what get you the attention. If it works for them, fine. But, it's not for me." - about the prospect of her dressing in revealing outfits similar to those of Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera

I think it's flattering when people say I'm a role model, but I don't think I am. It depends on your outlook on the word 'role model.' I'm not perfect or anything. I just consider it a great compliment."

People tend to see you in one light, and don't think you can play people who are unlike who you are.

"I'm a spiritual person and a religious person. But for me, it's all a personal thing. I'm not someone who'll say, 'This is what I believe, and you should too!' It's more of an internal, quiet, grounded, fulfilling thing for me."

"I'm not an advocate for having sex or not having sex. It's a personal decision. Whenever you feel ready, you're ready."

[On gay rights] "When two people - regardless of gender - long to care for each other, to protect each other, to treasure each other, we should do everything we can to foster that."

"I want to learn about a different religion. I grew up Catholic, but my grandfather was Jewish. Knowledge about other religions can help you understand your own better. I think it's kind of hypocritical to believe one thing and don't know about any others. A friend once told me it made her sad to think that if we were to pass away, I would go to heaven but our Jewish friend wouldn't because she doesn't believe in Jesus. That totally sent me over the edge! I'm happy with what I believe, but I'm open to the fact that there are people with different faiths, and they might be as passionate about theirs as I am about mine."

"A smile is so sexy, yet so warm. When someone genuinely smiles at you, it's the greatest feeling in the world." quoted in Woman's World (12-6-2005)