Rebecca Ferguson quotes:

I like listening to old soul music. I like Sam Cooke. When I was growing up, the first things I was listening to was Whitney Houston and Cher. They were really big inspirations for me.

Growing up, we didn't have anything. My mum wasn't well, so I was in three care homes then foster homes before me and my little brother went back to her. I was passed from pillar to post.

You meet someone, you care for them, and you fall in love; it's what it is.

Constantly having to think about money is not nice. People used to say, 'Being rich doesn't make you happy'. And I'd think, 'I've got no electricity, nothing - tell that to my empty fridge'.

I've got a running machine which I try and use, but it's just finding the time. Don't get me wrong, I love cake and ice cream; I'm the kind of girl that, if I want something, I'll have it.

I like Marilyn Monroe; she was super glam, weren't she?

I love hats and winter is the perfect time for them. I love winter time fashion.

I absolutely love Nicole Scherzinger. She's worked really hard to get to where she is and really knows her stuff.

I think being a mum gives you extra qualities. I'm more feisty, fiercely protective and less selfish. The main trait I want to instill in my kids is kindness. I think it's the most important thing. If you're kind, you'll go a long way.

I took lessons since I was little; I used to pay for my own singing lessons and take myself. Just take the bus when I was a kid and go. But I'd been writing music for years, since the smallest age.

I'd definitely like more kids when I'm older. And I think I'm like every woman in that I'd like to get married one day.

I knew I could sing. That one thing I did believe in was that I could sing, but then constantly getting rejected, it started to get me down. But my voice was always there and my dream and my ambition was always there when I went through bad times.

I've just grown as a person, accepting my flaws as well. Before I was very insecure and I used to just hide, and now I just accept that I'm an imperfect human.

My family are too grounded, and I will go home to visit. I always need my dose of Liverpool to keep me grounded.

I think this industry can be tough on everyone. You have to surround yourself with supportive people and know when to put your foot down and do what's best for you and your family. The first few years in the music industry can be a steep learning curve, and I've definitely developed a thicker skin!

I don't really read books. Wish I did.

I can't watch my first audition because it makes me too upset. I just think it is really sad. I look at myself and don't recognize myself. I do think fame and fortune changes people.

I love getting dressed up.

My first album is a lot of my personal experiences. I wanted people to relate to what I've been through.

I don't tend to lie. If I do, it's a little one. Like, 'I'm only around the corner...' when really I'm 10 minutes away.

I was looking for something to make me happy, and once I realised what I actually had, then I found success.

I was naive in that I thought I could just sing and perform and do what I had always wanted to do all my life. But I wasn't ready for all the added dramas that came along. There were times I fell out of love with music and thought about walking away. I thought I was happier when I was that girl at home in my bedroom singing into my hairbrush.

People think that because of my nature and the tone of my voice that I'm stupid, and that's hard.

It wasn't until my late teens that I really got into soul music and then I was like 'Ooh, this is good!' You'd always here it at old family parties, like, Gladys Knight and I'd always love it but I didn't really get to know it and respect it until I was a bit older.

If you are not happy with the song, don't sing it. Simple as that - no-one forces you to do it.

The first time I had money, I was extravagant, but then you realise it's not just about that. If I lost it all tomorrow, it wouldn't be me that's hurt, it would be my babies. It would be more about people's opinion of me that would concern me.

I'm a better writer than I am a singer, and I express myself easily through writing.

I'm not afraid of a rant, am I? I've got to that point where I've just become a woman; I think I've just grown.

I am lucky in that I love what I do, but it can still be hard to be away from the kids for long lengths of time. At the end of the day, all I want is to be with my kids, but it's worth it to create a future for my family.

I like to write poetry.

If you are going to survive in business, show business or any business, then you have to be bold.

If you haven't got love, you've got nothing.

My advice is, if you are going to go on 'X Factor,' you have to know who you are as an artist.