Carmella

To be honest, I came up with the Carmella character completely on my own.

I love the feeling of being in front of a live crowd and performing and just kind of letting loose and getting the crowd involved, and I got to perform at the Superbowl and at the Staples Center, you know, at the Lakers game, which was amazing.

I depended a lot on being an over-the-top, ridiculous, obnoxious, Staten Island Princess. That's what I did, and I guess the rest is history.

I like doing my own thing, and I like being partnered with somebody.

There are obviously a lot of negative connotations that go along with being a Diva. But to me, being a Diva is someone who takes care of herself, that looks fabulous, is always on point with her fashion, and doesn't care what anybody thinks.

There's nothing wrong with being a Diva. If it's because I take care of myself and look good, then I don't think there's anything wrong with that.

I feel like I have this really cool journey that I get to show all these different sides to Carmella.

I love performing, and I was a dancer and then worked in the NFL and NBA, and I loved being in front of the crowd.

For me, it's not an option to not be in shape and to not work out. I just always try to make time for it and strength train four or five days a week, and I'm always eating clean, so - don't get me wrong, though - I love a good pizza and some wings every now and then.

I just love the Carmella character. It's so over the top. It's so extra. She's not afraid to be herself and say what's on her mind, and I think a lot of people can relate to that.

I love the small-town vibe.

I love to be talky and tell everyone how good I am.