I knew it was going to be the most extraordinary thing in my life, but how powerful it is, you can never know until you have a baby.

As a singer, I've had many opportunities to travel, and one thing I've learned is that through my music, I can be accepted by people all over the world. I often wonder why so many of us can't accept people who are different here, in our country? It's just not fair to be prejudiced against those whose race, religion or colour aren't the same as ours.

I worked really hard, and I surpassed myself... I didn't have, visually, what it took. I was not pretty, I had teeth problems, and I was very skinny. I didn't fit the mold.

What I hope the most is to be more successful as a mother than in show business, because to be a mother is the most difficult I will ever have to do.

Family and friends and Rene and the pregnancy fulfilled me with so much love.