Musician

I like Marilyn Monroe; she was super glam, weren't she?

I think that's what I love about jazz is that you can do what you want, and you're allowed to mess up.

I was naive in that I thought I could just sing and perform and do what I had always wanted to do all my life. But I wasn't ready for all the added dramas that came along. There were times I fell out of love with music and thought about walking away. I thought I was happier when I was that girl at home in my bedroom singing into my hairbrush.

I can do an OK manicure, but I need to stick to singing.

Work made me more streetwise because you can be so sheltered at home. I'd definitely encourage my kids Lillie and Karl, who are nine and seven, to get Saturday jobs in the future.

If I got married one day and settled down, I would love to have more children.

After 'X Factor,' I got loads of gigs. Then I went on holiday just after the tour and bought my Rolex in Tenerife. I needed to go through that phase - splurge and see that it's worthless - to get it out of my system.

My mum is a lovely woman, so strong but so kind and compassionate. She brought us up to be proud, loving and forgiving.

I'm playing with music and working on different types of music. But I've realised that I can't really stray from what is my marker.

I was looking for something to make me happy, and once I realised what I actually had, then I found success.

My nan taught me never to put value on possessions but to value family, friends and people. I buy lovely things and enjoy them, but they don't rule me.

You meet someone, you care for them, and you fall in love; it's what it is.

I came from nothing. We didn't have money, so I started work at 14 because I really needed the money.

I like listening to old soul music. I like Sam Cooke. When I was growing up, the first things I was listening to was Whitney Houston and Cher. They were really big inspirations for me.

I think, even in society, people get so caught up in how they look. I think I let that go, and I've learnt to not care.

I believe things are meant to be. It's the only way I can explain it because I had auditioned before to get on 'The X Factor' and 'Britain's Got Talent,' and I didn't get through - it was literally, 'No!'

I can't watch my first audition because it makes me too upset. I just think it is really sad. I look at myself and don't recognize myself. I do think fame and fortune changes people.

I love hats and winter is the perfect time for them. I love winter time fashion.

I do love dance music, but at the same time, I'm not looking to put out a big pop album. You've got to be the best you can be.

I've been hugely inspired by the songwriting of Lauryn Hill and Tracy Chapman - on their albums, they really tell it like it is.