Laura Benanti Quotes

Pop is a little bit theatrical. That's the whole vibe. That's the point - is that it's great music, great melodies, great hooks. But, on top of it, it's a presentation. There's a showmanship about it. And that's why I wanted to be a pop star.

I saw Rain dance on TV and decided that I wanted to sing and dance like him.

I don't admire actors so much, actually.

If there's one thing that I love as an entertainer, it's a spectacle. We all have looked up to either Michael Jackson or Madonna or Janet Jackson or anyone of those things. When I was in *N SYNC, I would watch any concert video ever and really drink it all in.

I'm a huge fan of Beyonce for so many reasons, and not the reasons that most people are. There's the obvious reasons - she's gorgeous, she's talented or whatever, but I think she's really super-consistent.

I wanted to be an actress. I think it had a lot to do with being a kid and watching how every time my dad would stand up to talk people would applaud... that was pretty cool.

I'm like the master of ceremonies being funny, and then sometimes people you're with, girlfriends and stuff, are like, 'God I wish I had the person on stage to be with all the time.'

Joan Rivers was my hero.

I didn't get here for my acting... but I love show business.

Growing up, I thought I was going to be Madonna. I wanted to be a pop star. I wanted to dance and sing.

Playing live is basically just hyperactivity and a certain sense of enchantment that I deliver to the audience, to let them know what it would be like to be inside my head.

Diana Ross is a big inspiration to all of us. We all grew up watching everything about her - her mike placement, her grace, her style and her class.

When you're a performer, of course you want an audience, but it's very, very different from courting fame.

And then, all of a sudden, you're like, all that's great and fun, but Arthur Miller's in my dressing room. This is the third night he's been here and he sits in my dressing room for an hour after each show, and talks to me for an hour. So I'm pretty spoiled right now.

I'm an actress, model, and singer.

The difference between you and the funny person on TV is that they acted on their ideas.

I'm a huge Lady GaGa fan - she makes the world a more incredible place.

I'd like to do something with Bruno Mars if we ever got the opportunity.

Actors are just entertainers, even the serious ones. That's all an actor is. He's like a serious Bruce Forsyth.

I think even before I knew I wanted to be a rapper, I wanted to be an entertainer. I was really into Michael Jackson as a kid.

Inspiration can come from anywhere. But I do love actors. I wish I could drop a bunch of names, but there are just too many.

I love being around great actors and film-makers, and I try to hide the fact that I'm in awe of them.

Reba McEntire came through town when I lived in Texas. She had this amazing theatrical show with, like, 13 different wardrobe changes. I was eight and I was like, Wow, I wanna do that!

Oh, man, pop singers are terrible actors. We're all bad.

When onstage, I always try to take my audience through as many emotions as I possibly can. I want them to go from laughter to tears, be shocked and surprised and walk out the door with a renewed sense of themselves - and maybe a smile.