My absolute idols growing up were Michael Jackson and Prince, and so, to get the stamp of approval from someone like Timbaland whom I know that these artists respect, that is a huge feat.

As an artist, you want to do roles that challenge you and say something.

When a television show like 'Scandal' becomes the biggest show in recent history, suddenly advertisers and networks want to jump on that. And what it's showing is that people want to see diversity.

I think that any actor - any artist, period - would love to work with an artist like Lee Daniels.

I had three chairs in my house; one for solitude, two for friendship, three for society.

I like to do things that are about relationships, work with quality people, and tell a different kind of story.

My biological father and I had a really good relationship at one point. He was one of my close friends and gave me wonderful advice.

A girl does not treat a possible lover with unvarying simplicity and directness. In all its phases, love is complex; friendship is not.