I've been wanting to sing for a long time. I've been singing all my life, and I've tried different record companies, but it seemed like - it was such a struggle and so hard to get out there. So, I said, "I'm gonna go on American Idol and see how far it takes me."

I thought if I was going to go into the competition, I was going to go in the same way I was going to go out. I was just going to be me.

I always want people to - to get the message that I'm trying to send out. You know, I've been through some things, so when I get up there and sing my songs, I'm like, Hey, I've been through it, and I want to encourage somebody else that if you're going through it, you can come out.

I'm very soulful. I grew up singing in church. When I sing a song, I like to feel what I'm singing.

When I'm out on the stage, it gives me this rush and anything that's on my mind and everything I'm going through is forgotten about.

My lips are big, but my talent is bigger.