If you have a recital to do, you have to memorize the songs. I never use music when I do recitals. It produces an instant barrier, both for yourself and the audience.

People think top singers are overpaid, but opera houses have a top fee, which is a good thing. Of course concerts are different- everyone wants to make as much money as possible.

I think every singer should be able to jump in for a singer who has been sick, for instance, and learn an opera in two days. I know people who can do it.

Good acting is about being as natural and calm as possible. These days producers have such definite ideas that you have to be prepared to do whatever they ask.

I enjoy all aspects of singing and I'm luckily given the choice to be part of different styles of music.

For three years, the 'Meistersinger' score was a ball and chain to me. It went with me to every city and concert hall.

I work on my voice through what I have to sing.

When I watch the Olympics I become such an emotional wreck. I've always loved the Olympics, be it the summer or the winter Olympics.

I started singing because I come from Wales

For the mountains shall depart

For me, football always meant that we came together as a family and, in the summer we played football outside.

I always enjoyed the kids, but I didn't enjoy the bureaucracy of the educational system.

I did a lot of talking - not as much background talking as a lot of people because I've never been someone who is too afraid of saying what I feel. I just don't see any reason to.

The essence of leadership is making up your own mind and then being able to take other people with you.

But for harmony beautiful to contemplate, science would not be worth following.

I'm proud to be involved with Simon Cowell and 'X Factor.

Epigrams need no crier, but are content with their own tongue.

I am lucky to have good Polish skin that doesn't wrinkle so I might be around for a few years yet.

for better or worse, it is the commentator who has the last word.

Love is not always blind and there are few things that cause greater wretchedness than to love with all your heart someone who you know is unworthy of love.