“A lot of my male vocal influences are British – people like David Bowie, Freddie Mercury and Robert Plant.”

I had a lot of fun with my costume designer.

People want to talk about whether I have rock cred, whether I’m selling out, the theatricality, the gay stuff… Chill out! And just enjoy yourself.

There’s a certain amount of mind control that happens. Everybody is living in a world where they’re being controlled.

No matter how much money, fame, and fortune you have, it doesn’t mean sh** if it’s not connected with love.

It’s still stuff that fans know and love but it’s a new chapter 100 percent.

I’m very inspired by past music.

Bowie’s been a huge influence on me. I remember early on, my dad pulling out the ‘Diamond Dogs’ album, and the cover alone just grabbed my attention. I think I was probably around 12.

There’s always gonna be people that are scared of it. But at the end of the day you give those bullies, those people, that are so ignorant, if you give them the power to affect you, you’re letting them win

The only lifestyle I’m promoting is the lifestyle of love and friendship. The lifestyle of music, and joy, and fashion.

There’s a certain level of pageantry with ‘Idol,’ and in order to work the show, you kind of have to feed into it.

Those shows I did with Queen were pretty surreal. I was really excited and super-flattered, but intimidated at the same time.

When I was in high school I was 250 pounds.

I think theatricality is just one way of performing. I don’t think it’s a better way or the way, but it’s my way.

The album feels like a new era for me — emotionally, lyrically, sonically. It feels fresh, it feels new. It’s still me.

I’m proud of my sexuality.

I think Lady Gaga is great and is changing pop music and bringing back a certain rock ‘n’ roll spirit, swagger to the game.