Insecurities be gone!

It's hard to not have insecurities at any age, especially in an industry that is all about the glitz and glamour. Before entering American Idol I was dealing with the usual problems that every teen faces, but then it became harder because as soon as you are in the spotlight you are constantly being looked at, photographed and talked about and this is something I now have to deal with every day!

Don't change a thing!

Even if you changed everything about your appearance, deep down you will still be the same person, with the same emotions and feelings. Sadly changing even just one superficial thing isn't going to make you happy. It's easier said than done, but you have to be happy within yourself and it's through this self-admiration that people will love you for you, and that's one thing I'm learning. If you try to be something you're not, you're faking and it will show to the world. Get your own personal reality check through your family and friends coz they'll love you for you!

Negative pressure!

Body image is often dealt a major blow through the negative and often unnecessary pressures we place on ourselves. Why can't I be as cute as her? This looks so bad on me! Why doesn't he like me? Sound familiar? This kind of pressure contributes to a negative body image.

Accentuate the positives!

My mum always told me to accentuate the positives in life and that's a mantra I keep to this day. I have got big hips and a really big butt, but I have a really small waist, so I accentuate that by wearing a belt to make me look small. I find it fun to mess around with clothes and stuff to see what really works and what looks awesome. This attitude goes with anything. Focus on what you're good at and make that something you can excel at.

Criticism in Tinseltown!

For me weight issues come with the territory. Just because I'm not one of those super skinny Hollywood girls doesn't mean I can't be as successful. I'm never going to be thin, I love to eat, and I'm totally fine with that! Everyone has insecurities, but from the outside looking in, I think Alicia Keys and Kate Winslet are girls to be admired for their positive body image.