I've always been a bit dressed up, even on casual days. I suppose that's the performer in me.
Outreach appearances in the schools are usually part of my contracts, and I love doing them.
I got into singing when I was 6.
The thing that fuels me the most is the desire to be on stage. And singing is the ultimate way of expressing all the emotions that I have inside.
Unfortunately, opera engagements tend to be made five years in advance, and I don't really agree with that.
We can all afford to do a little soul-searching about the choices we make and the way we live our lives, but sometimes searching one's soul doesn't provide the answers we seek.
Music can be a source of escapism.
From my perspective, music allows me to escape from the world of what is happening right in front of me... to the world of my thoughts, my dreams, my hopes and ideas - for the world, for my own life, for the day, even for the moment.
I've always considered myself to be a travelling soul. I've never felt out of place anywhere.
I love Jimmy Choo and Manolo Blahnik.
I don't feel I'm fighting to reach this huge audience; it just happens. I go on stage before the audience arrives and look out to this vast empty house. There's something therapeutic about taking in the ring where you'll perform.
You can't abuse your voice by yelling and screaming.
