If I can help encourage or inspire someone out there who is struggling with some of the same or similar issues as myself, then I think it's worth talking about.
In regards to my artistry, I've learned the importance of being vulnerable.
My advice to anyone wanting to get into the music business, is always be ready to learn and remain humble.
As long as children are still getting kicked out of their homes by parents, getting bullied, commuting suicide, et cetera. it's definitely still worth talking about.
I think my entire songwriting catalog reflects where I was in my life at the time. I capture whatever moment I am experiencing in life.
Even in the sad songs, I want people to know that it won't always be like that.
My songs always tend to have a good element to the story. That is who I am - an optimistic person.
I think my songwriting has developed over the years. As I get older, I have become less afraid to share real experiences.
I always love to support my friends and how they choose to express themselves creatively.
I am extremely grateful for my 'American Idol' experience, and I enjoyed every bit of it.
I was so fortunate to sing and work with so many amazing performers and artists.
I focused more on sharing my gift and performing than worrying about it being a competition.
Ordering pizza and jamming out with the contestants in our hotels and traveling the country together brought me so much joy.
I loved performing every week, but all of the activities and amazing people we met when we were not filming stick out to me the most.
My songwriting and overall approach to music go beyond just good singing and strong musicality - I want people, now more so than ever, to feel something and be moved somehow by the content I create.
People relate to you a lot more when you're honest and authentic - and that's hard to do in front of millions of people every week.
There's so much good you can do with your voice - always remember that.
