From Manhattan Magazine (Winter 1999)

(about perceptions changing since the early part of her career)

• "At that time, I thought all people were good. Period. End of story. Now I read people better. I've learned how to gauge who's going to drain your energy, who's going to be positive. It's sad that as you grow up you lose a piece of your innocence. But obviously, you can't just trust everyone who comes along."

• "The first image I have of myself as an entertainer is when I was four years old, singing in my living room at family gatherings. I knew I wouldn't be able to live without that energy. I even enjoyed singing when no one was around!"

(about being on stage, especially in theater)

• "You run the gamut of emotions in a three hour period. At the end, you're a better human being for it. I love being on stage in front of an audience. A theater is the greatest place in the world!"

(about having theater experience before landing a record deal)

• "That set me apart from all the club acts. When I started performing I already knew how to command a stage."

(about putting theater on hold in the early days of her recording career)

• "When I put my theater career on hold to go into recording, it was difficult. I hadn't been without a production in 10 years! I was addicted to being on stage. All of a sudden people were focused on 'image' and 'promotion.' There were all these weird areas you had to analyze, which in theater you never had to do. I'd say, 'What do you mean I can't go out and perform?' And they'd say, 'You're supposed to be working on an album right now. We don't want to dilute what's to come when it's released.'"

(about not having a sexy image as a teenager)

• "That would have contradicted my whole appeal at the time. I wasn't slicker than the other kids at school."

(about not getting swept up by the sudden fame and fortune)

• "But it stayed sane for me because I always kept going back to normal things people my age did. Even now, I'm constantly having very normal experiences. I've never tried to fool myself, or anyone else. I've always been very true to who I am."
• "I was still nervous about how prom night was going to pan out! So I always felt a little younger than my years, and a little older at the same time. In the long run it balances out.""

(about her mother being her manager)

• "When I needed a break, she's always been the one who would say, 'You're sick. Have your chicken soup, study your lines in bed, and I'll tell them you'll be there tomorrow.' As a performer, you get incredibly guilty about missing a show, and she takes away all that pressure."
• "She always puts the facts out and lets me decide. That's not to say we don't get into our professional riffs and our mother daughter riffs. We absolutely do. But they never last more than a day!"
• "On the other hand while everyone is running around saying, 'You were great, you were wonderful' - you know, kissing your butt - if she senses I have more in me for a performance, she'll be the one to say, 'You know that one scene?' - and I always know what she's referring to - 'It could use a little more work.' I'm so glad I have someone who can be that honest with me. So many managers tiptoe around. But if you're in this business and you're worried about your feelings - you're in the wrong business!"

(about not missing a show for "Beauty And The Beast" for four months, as well as moving to a new place)

• "Then I had like a week long breakdown! I had no place to live and my whole routine was completely uprooted. I was doing tons of press, and I became dehydrated and stressed. My mother was there to say, 'God pulled your plug. It's only a week in the overall scheme of life. It doesn't make a big difference.'"

(about success and Leonard Bernstein)

• "He did the Freedom Concert in Berlin, and I thought of him lying down on his bed at night, just being so incredibly proud, personally and professionally. To me that's success, to know everything you did during the day was truthful, that you gave 100%. Then you're also able to laugh at all the ups and downs. Success is making the most of all your gifts. If I have a day hanging out with my nieces and I'm a successful aunt, that's a successful day."

(about a very philosophical discussion Deborah had with Peabo Bryson about men and women during the recording session for "Light The World")

• "I'm fascinated by what marriage means today. Even though I love being a career woman, I think marriage was designed for couples where the man goes out to work and the woman stays home. Before modern appliances, someone had to be in the home, cleaning, washing, and cooking. The roles were more defined."

(about chilvary not being dead, and Deborah not wanting it to be)

• "On the other hand, I don't want someone who's going to be patronizing. It's a tricky balance. But I'm very much a 'girl.' I'm a nurturer. I like to cook. I like to buy the gifts and 'take care of.' On the other hand, I need a really strong and secure man around, obviously. People don't understand the duality of many career women. You can be tough as nails in business, and also have a very vulnerable side that needs nurturing. Sometimes compromise also is needed in a relationship. When a woman does it, that's perceived as weakness. But I think it's an incredible strength, because she's saying, 'I'm confident with the core of who I am. These other things don't matter so much.'"

(about how men react to this philosophy, and how it's reflected in her songs and performances)

• "The audience I appeal to doesn't need to see an edgy person. A lot of people in general - and I find this especially true in Manhattan - respond to people with attitude and edge. It's like they want to be punished. I've see people working behind counters in coffee shops who give off an attitude! Some people are addicted to that. They want drama. I think everyone likes a little of that, but I've reached a place where I'd so much rather have things go smoothly. There are enough ups and downs in life. We're dealing with an illness in our family right now. Drama is going to come. You don't need to create it."

(though her name is not associated with depth, Deborah feels her audience is very thoughtful)

• "Because they don't need flashy images. They don't need the angst. They can respond to music that comes from a place in my heart. It doesn't have to come out of torture. I think that's a shallow view. People can cry through a really good love song. That's profoundly touching someone. I feel I've always been up against that, having to explain myself."

(about no longer subjecting herself to having to explain herself)

• "Now I just go out and I'm me. 'Like me or don't.' Take 'alternative music,' with all its angst. I'm amazed it's still called 'alternative.' It's not. It's what's popular, predictable, and so easy to like. It's much easier to walk into a record store, and ask for the Fiona Apple CD than the Deborah Gibson CD. You want to be alternative, ask for my CD! See how many heads turn."

(pop culture seems to value anger)

• "But there are exceptions. As an example, I love that Madonna is exposing a more peaceful place in herself. Charlie Rose is another one who allows people to speak positively. Oprah was on the other night, saying how some people in the industry are amazed she uses her power that way, and she said, 'What was I put on the earth for, if not to inspire people?'"

(about Deborah's character in her musical, "Skirts")

• "She's the one saying, 'Why do we have separate hallways for different nationalities and ethnic backgrounds? Why can't we all just dance together and represent the World's Fair that way?'"
• "People assume my character is the 'wishy-washy' one. But I see her as the one with the vision, the one who can rise above all the angry stuff."

(about Deborah's enthusiasm for "Skirts")

• "It's got the lightheartedness, the youthfulness, and the raw sexuality. For me, combining 60's music with theatre music is as natural as breathing."

(about working on the concept album, "Z. The Masked Musical")

• "I pride myself on being the first to commit to a project. I don't care who's in it. I'm in!"

(about what Deborah would really like to do on "Skirts")

• "What I'd really like to do with my show is musical supervise."

(Deborah's other goals)

• "I would absolutely love to compose a symphony later in life. To get up and conduct. To play a recital at Carnegie Hall! To see my musical go on Broadway! I've even spoken to the people at 'Beauty and the Beast' and said, 'Hey, if you're ever short second keyboard, just call me.' I would love to play the piano in some orchestra pit. Anonymously. That would be a kick!"

(about her image)

• "I don't want to exert energy trying to erase the memory people have of me, but I do want to keep lugging away so people can accept me as a creative force in this business."

(about being involved with childrens' charities)

• "One of my older sisters was very ill as a child, and you realize how difficult that is on a family. If a child's favorite celebrity helps when they're in need, you can't imagine the effect."

(about being involved with Saint Mary's, a boys' home)

• "My dad was there as a kid. A lot of times the parents and kids get separated with hopes of reuniting, but often they never do. So from the age of four up to 18 these kids know only the people who come into their lives at this home, the volunteers or the counselors. I've gotten a chance to know a lot of the children. Kids charities are my calling."

From DGIF 10.2 (March 1999)

• "Well, it's been months now since Gypsy ended and I'm missing Lulu the lamb terribly. What a thrill it was to play a dream role and to work with such an amazing cast. Wasn't Betty a fabulous Mama Rose? As usual, I was touched by your show of support throughout the run and especially on D.G.I.F. day. It amazed my fellow castmates and the Papermill staff as well to see you all at the show in full force! Also, you may have heard about the "Z. The Masked Musical" concept recording that is out in stores. This is a project that I began during my run at "Beauty & The Beast". I feel really good about the end result...a cool blend of pop and theater styles. My fave song is "What Makes A Hero". What a challenging song to sing! It's funny that my second cast recording ever is a show I've yet to perform in! I have a feeling that it's destined for Broadway though. Hope '99' brings you all your hearts' desires. Much love and peace always..."

From the "Questions & Answers" section of DGIF 10.2 (March 1999)

Having completed your run in Beauty and the Beast, are there any plans for future projects with Disney?

• "I've met with various departments at Disney about future projects, but there are no future plans."

What do you consider your greatest accomplishment?

• "Staying sane & keeping healthy through these crazy years!"

Are there any plans for a seventh album? If so, what themes/styles might you explore?

• "I'm working on new music as we speak! I think the sound is richer, broader and a bit darker. I'm dealing with themese of being cynical about love, being vulnerable & raw, amongst others that will have to be a surprise!"

What do you miss most about your hometown of Merrick?

• "The bowling alley & the 69 cents movie theater both which don't exist anymore! Oh yeag- & Galleria Pizza of course!"

Will you be touring anytime soon?

• "Not until new music gets released, although there is always a chance I'll pop into a touring musical at any given moment!"

Which one of your songs best describes your life?

• "'Anything Is Possible.'"

What advice would you give to a fan who wants to break into the music business?

• "Find the balance between being open minded about advice and knowing exactly who you are musically. Also, work on the craft of music, play out, & keep buzzing in people's ears until someone will listen!"

What really makes you laugh?

• "The table scenes in The Nutty Professor, Kramer on Seinfeld, my dogs, my friend Ray Garcia, & zillions of other things throughout the course of a day!"

What would you be doing if you weren't in show business?

• "Trying to get into show business!"

Which Broadway shows would you like to conquer next?

• "'Chicago', 'Z The Masked Musical', & 'Skirts'. 'Gypsy' & 'Funny Girl' would also be fun to do again."

How was the experience of recoring "Z. The Masked Musical"?

• "I had a ball. Rob Cabell's melodies are gorgeous and vocally challenging. It's thrilling to be in on the creative process of a new musical. I think it's a winner!"

What is one book you've read that you can relate to the most?

• "'Oh The Places You'll Go' by Dr. Seuss"

From "Music Choice Magazine" (April 1999)

What's this about you posing for Playboy?

• "I was actually toying with the idea, if it was done on my terms -- that is, no full nudity and with the photographer of my choice. For me, going topless isn't the biggest deal in the world. But they were pushing some photographers on me who weren't right, so it didn't happen."

Are you the most famous person from your Long Island high school?

• "Yeah, me, wholesome as can be, and gun-toting Amy Fisher. My sister Denise actually sat next to her in homeroom at Merick Avenue Junior High. You know, 'Fisher, Gibson...' Denise always thought it was odd that this girl had a beeper in the eighth grade."

What advice would you give Britney Spears?

• "She's going to get the wackiest letters from 35-year-old guys. She's got more sex appeal than I ever had at that age. So she really needs her family to bring out the 17-year-old in her. And she should know that in this business, you have to always work like you're just starting out."

Do you still have all your hats?

• "Some decorate my bedroom and the rest are in storage."

Say you land your own sitcom. Describe.

• "That's kind of what I'm doing in L.A., but I can't really discuss it. Ideally, though, I'd play someone quirky, because I'm all about duality, with this homey, domestic side and this other sassy and in-control business-woman side."

Which Debbie Gibson song would you put into a time capsule to be opened at the third millennium?

• "I'd have to say 'Electric Youth' because it's the cheesiest and it's the one I think I'm most associated with. I just met a casting director the other day who said, 'You don't understand, I AM an Electric Youth.' And I was like, 'Get over it. You're in your 30s.' My GOD."

Speaking of which, do you still have a bottle of Electric Youth perfume?

• "Somewhere. I think it might be in storage with the hats. But every now and then people show up at events wearing it, and they want me to sign the box."

Do people still call you Debbie?

• "Some do. Some quickly correct themselves, apologize and duck. It's always irked me, but I've gotten used to it."

Any other nicknames?

• "When I was doing Grease! in London, because of Gibson, people started calling me Giblet. As in chicken giblets. Which doesn't sound very attractive, but I actually have Giblet inscribed on a bowling ball."

What would be the first line of your obituary be?

• "Hmm. 'Deborah was a devoted family member, spirited fag hag and all-around fun-loving gal who is now only in our dreams.'"

"Spirited fag hag," huh?

• "Absolutely. I'm always the token straight girl. My Halloween party was basically 95 gay men bobbing for apples."

Do you think Tinky Winky, the purple Teletubby, is a gay icon?

• "I think he is, should be, and where can I buy one? I think it's about time we have a gay icon on children's TV. They should learn about it early -- especially the girls, since they're bound to date one sooner or later."

What would your dream musical role be?

• "I'm actually writing a musical called The Skirts that takes place the year of the World Fair, where these girls are in a dance competition to represent their school in the Fair. It's kind of West Side Story meets Moonstruck, all about the whole four-course-meal Italian thing, which I come from. I was born in Brooklyn, and my mother started raising us in my grandmother's basement."

Who shouldn't try acting: Jewel, Alanis Morissette or Mariah Carey?

• "Mariah."

Any plans to do movies?

• "I actually did two really, REALLY, low-budget independents last year: Wedding Band, where I played a Jewish bride from Long Island, and My Girlfriend's Boyfriend. I'm actually up for a part right now that's far more dramatic and internal than anything I've ever done, which is exciting. I may talk fast, but I do have a subtle side."

Have you ever seen someone shake their love?

• "I've seen people try."

Dream celebrity date?

• "Actually, do you know if the lead singer of the Goo Goo Dolls is gay? Let me check. [In-depth investigation ensues.] Apparently not -- he's separated. Oh my God. Every time I see him on TV, I go nuts. He's my dream date. Can you guys arrange it?"

No Problem. Have you had or would you consider having plastic surgery?

• "No! But I never say never. I think small boobs are attractive, and if I haven't gotten my nose done by now, I never will. It's crooked, but I can still play Fanny Brice [the role Barbra Streisand created in Funny Girl] with this nose."

What is the wackiest thing a fan has ever done?

• "A guy jumped over the gate of our house and knocked on the door. Buck Naked. I wasn't home; my grandmother opened the door. He'd actually walked quite a distance naked to get there."

What makes you gag?

• "I used to eat lamb chops, but doing Gypsy I worked with a lamb. So now if I see somebody wearing t or eating it, I gag. That lamb was like my pet."

If you were going to appear on Jerry Springer, what would the episode be called?

• "'Teen Stars Who Turned Out Sane.' But I think I'd be the only guest on that show. So it'd be a whole Jerry Springer hour dedicated just to me."

From AOL VH-1 On-Line Chat (July 13, 1999)

When will you next album project be underway?

• "I am currently writing and demoing new songs and I have recently done some co-writing with China Philipps which was a great collaboration and I hope to release a new CD in the Fall of 2000."

On your CD "Deborah," there are a lot of sad songs. Do you feel you write better sad songs?

• "Well......I am actually quite a positive person, but like everybody, I have my introspective moments. But, typically when there is more pain in my life, I am more emotional and therefore more creative."

Is that a real tattoo on your ankle? If so, what is it?

• "It is a real tattoo and it is the rose from Beauty and the Beast with the petals falling off. I got it after I finished performing the role of Belle because it was the end of a significant period in my life, both personally and professionally."

Do you have any more dream theater roles you'd like to portray someday?

• "I would like to play Fanny Brice in Funny Girl on Broadway, Velma in Chicago, and Fantine in Les Miz."

Anna-Jane Casey sings with you on "Cry Tonight." Will you work with her again?

• "I hope to, I would imagine I would work with her again on the West End as she is a prominent musical figure in London."

How was it like working with Peabo Bryson?

• "It was a fantastic experience! We got into some deep conversations in our one day of recording as well as having a blast singing together."

Do you ever consider going back to signing the style you used to?

• "Yes, I do and I feel that the time is right for my kind of music again. I didn't want to record while the trend was leaning towards hippie-chick music and alternative. But, with the resurgence of good old fashioned POP music, I am quite confident that a new release would be accepted by the public, at this time. My make guy seconds that emotion, too! LOL"

What is your favorite song you wrote?

• "I would say there are a few, one being 'Left and Right' and one is a song called 'Dance the Dream' from a musical I am composing called SKIRTS."

Will you be doing any autograph signings while you're in Clevelant for Joseph?

• "No, none are scheduled as of yet, but I will be live in the studios of two major radio stations, as well as appearing on the TV show (pause while Deb's assistant checks the schedule!) Okay, check your local listings for a morning news show in Cleveland, just booked today. If you want an autograph you can show up there!"

What personal accomplishment are you most proud of and why?

• "I am most proud of staying sane and healthy and happy while other celebrities have done quite the opposite. Anyone can hit the high notes, but keeping balance in my life has been my greatest challenge."

I heard you are talking to producer Norman Lear about starring in a show of your own. Can you tell us about it?

• "Certainly! It's a show slated to debut in the Fall of 2000 and it is a modern day Laverne and Shirley with my character who is known as Maggie Bloom, which is also the name of the show, going to great lengths to chase her Broadway dream."

What is it like working with the little kids and your co-stars in Joseph?

• "Working with the kids is amazing and especially working with my two nieces, who are in the children's chorus and are four and seven years old! Patrick Cassidy is a wonderful Joseph and working with four of the Osmonds is amazing and keeps me grounded because of their strong sense of family."

What do you think of the new teen artists out there? How different are they from when you first started putting out albums?

• "I think that young people in general and especially teen pop artists, have a far greater sense of style and a sophistication than artists like myself and New Kids on The Block did not have. This resurrgence of teen acts make me very happy but makes me feel very old! I do really enjoy Brittany's voice."

What's the most challenging role you've ever played? Why?

• "Well........the role I am currently playing, which is the narrator in Joseph is the most challenging vocal role I have done to date because Andrew Lloyd Weber originally wrote it for a male performer, therefore technically speaking, it doesn't make much sense, not even Fanny Brice in FUNNY GIRL was as vocally challenging. Acting wise, Fanny and Gypsy were the most challenging."

Do you have a website? Also, I have all your tapes and videos

• "Thank you......so do I! LOL My website address is: www.deborah-gibson.com"

How many instruments do you play?

• "I only really play the piano but I dabble in flute, percussion and drums."

Why the change from Debbie to Deborah?

• "I actually always preferred Deborah but felt that other people were more comfortable with the name Debbie, especially when I was younger, but even in the "Debbie days", if anyone called my house, asking for Debbie, and not Deborah we knew that we didn't know them!"

Did you or are you planning on touring to support your newest release?

• "I am only touring in 1999 with the musical "Joseph". It is virtually impossible for an artist such as myself to do the kind of show I would like to do without touring on a hit pop record. Let's all make the next one a hit!!"

Will you be releasing a greatest hits album?

• "I have released one already and Rhino records will soon be releasing another."

From Celebrity Style (August 1999)

How would you describe your personal style?

• "The best word for me is chameleon - I'm kind of schizophrenic with fashion. My friends joke that at events, they never know which person I'm going to be. One day I'll go out wearing hot pink Candies sneakers and pigtails and a pink sweatshirt and jeans. And then the next day I'll be completely glamorous and play with the sensual side. I love that women have so many choices. It would just be so boring to be a guy and put the same old stuff on all the time."

You're not a throw-on-the-same-pair-of-jeans-every-day kind of girl.

• "No. There is one pair of jeans that are my favorites because my sister designed them. She designs for Halston Baby Couture - she's only 24 and she's a head designer."

Has she designed other clothes for you?

• "Not yet, because she's busy with her job. But I keep telling her that I hope she gets less busy because I want her to make me stuff. She used to design for Bijou jeans. And every time I wear them, people say: 'Those jeans look like they fit you perfectly.' And I'm like: 'Well, they were designed based on my family's bodies.' We nicknamed them the 'Gibbie Booty Jeans' because they make our butts look good."

Do you buy clothes based on your body type?

• "Yeah. I have long legs. And if you have long legs, they're great things to use. I don't have a skinny waist - I have a straighter shape. I find if I accentuate my legs wearing platform shoes, it's deceiving. Then if you put on five pounds..."

What about those evil five pounds?

• "I can go up and down five pounds in a week. I just moved into a house in LA, so worrying about what I was eating and exercising was last on my list during that time. It was more about being fine emotionally, which means eating junk food. I'm totally into that when I'm going through transition. I allow myself that. And then the minute I've got professional things to do, I say, 'I'll just eat the protein and stay away from the breads.' I snap into gear when I have to. It wasn't like I started in this business as a sex symbol. That was never my main focus [Laughs] So if I have a free half-hour to do something in the morning, I'll probably do a voice practice instead of working out. Working on the craft just means more to me."

What do you do about the extra poundage when you have a public appearance looming in the near future?

• "I'm realistic about what my body is. If I'm a six or an eight on Monday, I'm not going to expect to be a four on Friday. I'm going to work with what I have and get an outfit taht fits what my body really is. I went to Halston and I tried on all these things for the Oscar parties. And I'm not that little sample size right now. So I found this skirt and sweater set and I got a corset and a padded bra. You can make the most of whatever body you have at the time and accentuate the positive."

What designers do you like?

• "DKNY, without a doubt. And I go to Emporio Armani a lot. They're funky and classy at the same time. I used to be more into Gaultier for stage stuff. But my taste has changed a bit in that sense. I think as you get older and you feel more comfortable with who you are, you don't want to be upstaged by your clothes."

What do you think of the trend of designers sending clothes to celebrities?

• "It's really fun. But believe me, I do my share of 'damage shopping.' But yeah, you get people wanting to dress you. It's fun for events like the Oscars. I borrowed $200,000 worth of diamonds and then gave them back. But it was funny because at the time, I hadn't moved into my house in LA, and I was living on a friend's couch for two months. And there I was, walking down Hollywood Blvd with a little bag full of $200,000 worth of diamonds and I was so nervous."

What's your shopping style?

• "I've always had the mentality that if something costs a dollar or something costs a hundred dollars, I'll find a way to get it if it's something I really want. And it all balances out in the end, because I do grab a beautiful, expensive gown and then I'll buy a dress for $25. I bought this gown that I've worn to three black-tie events, and it's so gorgeous - I can't even imagine the woman who wore it. It's from the 20s - I bought it for a hundred dollars at a Goodwill Thrift Shop."

Who do you think has the most style in Hollywood right now?

• "Julia Roberts is a class act. She just looks like she has her own sense of style and she looks like a really solid person. You know, it's like you can imitate her style even if you don't have the money or the stylist. I like people with simple style that shows them off as a person."

What's one item you can't bear to part with?

• "I've got this black sequined letterman sweater that I used to wear when I was like 16. It's got a big D on it. I'll never give that up. That's one for the grandkids."

Have you ever broken a date because of a beauty/fashion disaster?

• "No. But I've been late and I've had those moments - I think we've all had those moments - where we sit in our closets and cry and say: 'I just can't leave the house today.' I'd say it's usually PMS-related. If I work out and do a voice practice and treat myself to a home facial, then getting ready takes five minutes. It's all about the inside. If I don't feel good about myself, nothing I'm going to put on is going to make me happy. I've had those moments, but I've never actually not left the house because of them."

What can't you stop buying?

• "I have a lot of black skirts in different lengths. Some have a little shine, some don't, some have slits, some are right below the knee, some are above the knee. I'm also a sucker for really great platform sandals. In fact, I bought a pair of Medici sandals that I literally wore into the ground. They had flowers on them and the flowers had fallen off. I pinned them back on. And people still compliment them. I'm a sucker for a gimmick. I like things that no one else has."

What's the craziest rumor you ever heard about yourself?

• "When I was in high school, a rumor went around in my peer group that I hid out in Emilio Estevez' closet. I don't even think I've ever met him. It just boggled my mind because I was never one who did anything worth reporting about in a negative sense - it's funny how people want to make stuff up. I always say to people - fans will still show up at the airport - 'Am I really the person who's worth seeing on this particular day?' I live a really ordinary life. I do theater, so I've always been easy to find in public. If fans want to meet me, they can come to the stage door."

From Leo Weekly (October 8, 1999)

About making fun of her past as a pop superstar

• "You have to learn to make fun of it, while at the same time trying to overcome it. You can try to disown your past and old image, or you can be thankful that you made a strong enough impact on people that they remember you and what you accomplished, and are anxious to see what you're going to do next."

About her recording career helping her theatre career

• "My recording career has allowed me possibilities in theater that I've always wanted. I like the insanity of doing eight shows a week and being in front of a live audience."

Describing "Skirts"

• "It's kinda got the best of all of my favorite elements in musical theater — a lot of heart and a lot of energy."

So what was it like being a teen idol?

• "It was kind of like being in the eye of a storm. Everything is changing around you, but you feel the same. Everything for me was a gradual process, for me it all made sense. But the people around me who didn't know all the ins and outs were saying it was sudden or that it must have been based on luck, so I had to stay grounded and focused, and not let other's opinions affect the goals I was working toward."

Dispensing advice to other pop stars of today, like Britney Spears

• "Being a young girl in the business is the worst possible thing you can be in terms of getting taken for a ride. Part of my advice: Don't let people exploit you or overexpose you — if it's your love of music that got you this far, then focus on that, because the external stuff just comes and goes like waves. The only thing you really have control over is your own talent, and how well you develop your craft."

Would she do it all over again if she had the choice?

• "I wouldn't change a single thing. I love the course of my career."

Being intrigued when fans come up to her and explain how a certain song has touched their lives

• "It's still great to see how a simple pop song can influence someone's life. I also get a lot of people, through my transition from pop to theater, who have been turned on to musical theater — which is a good thing."

A quick evaluation of her songwriting ability

• "If I was 29, as I am now, and writing a song like 'Shake Your Love,' there’d be something wrong with my songwriting abilities. At that age, it was perfectly in tune with what was going on in music."

From the Hartford Courant (November 12, 1999)

About her youthful pop past

• "I forget how young I actually was. I'll meet kids in the children's choir we have with us at every city -- they're 15, 16 years old, and they're babies! Then I think, I was onstage in clubs at that age, performing dance pop singles and not letting people know how young I was."

Being reminded of her youthful stardom

• "It's funny. It's fun to see what fans turn up with. I had some bad hairdos going on in the '80."

Being aware of the current crop of teenage singers

• "Doing Beauty and the Beast was the time I realized how long I'd been in the business. Young mothers were bringing their kids to the show; the kids knew me as Belle, and the mothers knew me from my recording career. 'She was our Britney Spears.' I hear mothers saying that to kids now."

About her songs from her earlier recording career

• "As silly as it may sound now, a song like 'Electric Youth,' which was just a pop song at the time, was very unique to me. I don't think I'd hear Paula Abdul or Tiffany doing it. It's cheese, but it's my own brand of cheese."

About writing what she knew about as a teenager

• "I wrote what I knew. And I was a kid who didn't grow up too fast. It terrifies me to hear an 18-year old sing 'Come on in, let me out,' with some conviction."

About it being no surprise that Trisha Yearwood's "How Do I Live" won the Grammy

• "You do hear life experience in a voice. And you do have to remain true to life and your experiences. When I was 16, I was writing about puppy love."

Her feelings about artists disowning their past

• "I get frustrated when artists disown their past. It's almost insulting to the people who were fans in the first place. Like I was a huge Wham! fan -- that was a big part of my childhood. So I hated when George Michael disowned all that. I want him to take credit for it."

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