I'm very inspired by past music.

I think Lady Gaga is great and is changing pop music and bringing back a certain rock 'n' roll spirit, swagger to the game.

I think the difficult thing is the transition between TV competition series and going into the actual music industry. There still seems to be a slight disconnect there.

After my tour I had time to stay at home, be with my boyfriend and hang out with friends and that brought me down to earth and helped me write music from a more relaxed place.

I was a big fan of Middle Eastern elements of music and experimental electronic and tribal sounds.

In middle school, I really didn't have music, but in high school, I remember taking a lot of choir and drama.

I listen to crazy, robust rock music where they sing their faces off, and soul music, which can be similar.

Pop is a little bit theatrical. That's the whole vibe. That's the point - is that it's great music, great melodies, great hooks. But, on top of it, it's a presentation. There's a showmanship about it. And that's why I wanted to be a pop star.

I'm so happy to be in a committed relationship.

Los Angeles can be a really sad city.