My mom brought me up to believe that my talent is a gift and a blessing.

Thankfully, I have my mom and a small group of close friends who are there for me 24/7 and whom I can trust and depend on.

I remember watching the Grammys and looking at the performances and crying to my mom, saying how much I wanted to be there.

I'm not really religious but very spiritual. I give money to this company that manufactures hearing aids on a regular basis. More people should really hear me sing. I have a gift from God.

My body can't put anyone in jeopardy of not making money anymore - my body is just not on the table that way anymore.

So, where's the Cannes Film Festival being held this year?

I love doing normal things - movies, shopping, going out with friends, writing, reading, taking hot bubble baths - that's a big one for relaxation. I also love to go to art and history museums.

You used to have to sing and convey emotion, and now, well, technically you can do anything with technology. It sucks for music today, but that's why that old music feels so good to me.

For me the visual is just as important as the music.

Blues and soul and jazz music has so much pain, so much beauty of raw emotion and passion.