I cried when I found out I was a finalist, I kind of went limp when they called my name. I felt like my spirit jumped out of my body, and I was just flesh - it was just amazing.

It's believing you can push through the exhaustion just to be able to sing after you do a cartwheel or a split.

I prefer to sing in the shower because the acoustics make you sound great, baby.

The live setting is always better for me. I usually thrive at live. I feel like having a band behind me and being able to interact with the crowd helps boost my energy up.

Always stay true to yourselves.

If my life was a song the title would be 'Naima'.

I've been doing African dance all my life.

I wouldn't mind doing Broadway, but I am definitely trying to get a album out there first.

I couldn't imagine having to write a paper and have to think about what song I am going to sing.

All words are masks and the lovelier they are, the more they are meant to conceal.

Science is the process that takes us from confusion to understanding...

Some days I’mtrying to forcea smile sohard it feelslike I mightshit my pants

Nothing spoils a confession like repentance.

The brave man, inattentive to his duty, is worth little more to his country than the coward who deserts her in the hour of danger.

If art reflects life, it does so with special mirrors.

Storehouses filled with merchandise will prove a better guarantee than arsenals bulging with ammunition.

Injustice is not evil in itself, but only in the fear and apprehension that one will not escape those who have been set up to punish the offense.

Satan (impatiently) to Newcomer: The trouble with you Chicago people is, that you think you are the best people down here; whereas you are merely the most numerous.

A Dauntless Ferris wheel wouldn’t have cars. You would just hang on tight with your hands, and good luck to you.