Ella Henderson

I don't see myself as a pop star, just a singer.

There's always been a piano around the house, and I've grown up around it. It's a massive part of my life and always has been.

I think I would fan over Beyonce or Adele. Those are my two girl idols, definitely.

As long as I give the best performance I can give, I know I can't do any more.

For me writing is that place where I can escape; it's where I let my thoughts run wild.

I never thought I'd go on a show like 'The X Factor,' simply because I didn't have enough confidence to do something like standing on a stage to have opinions thrown at me.

I often do crazy siren noises, or, like, a high-pitched dolphin, just to make sure that all my range is there. I make random noise and blurt out random sounds, to make sure I get rid of any bad nerves. I want to make sure to feel as confident as possible.

I like to say I believe in ghosts so I don't get haunted by one.

My grandfather was a massive influence in my music. Growing up, he would play a lot of old-school records to me. A lot of jazz and swing music, actually, growing up.

I love hiking to the top of mountains in L.A. and seeing incredible landscapes. It really inspires me.

I look up to Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn and old styles. You will never see me in a crop top and hot pants - I'm more into dresses.

If something makes me happy, I go with it. It's as simple as that.

I always say that when it comes to picking a single, firstly you have to go with what feels right and what your gut tells you.

At 16, I would wear clothes that hid my body; now I've found clothes that fit me rather than cover me. I'm not skinny, but I'm healthy, and you have to embrace what you've been given.

If I feel like I've completely drained every ounce of energy out of me for this song, and I can't go any further with it, then I stop, even if the song is unfinished. Most of the time, when it's finished, it's because I've used every ounce of me to write it.

Dressing up and doing photo shoots was a side of the industry I really didn't think I would like. But now I've got a glam squad; I love trying on new outfits and experimenting with different looks.

When I am having my picture taken, I channel Beyonce. In the studio, my inspiration is Adele.

When I heard 'Back to Black' from Amy Winehouse, I was, like, 'Wow.' To hear such a soulful voice that feels like it's from a different era, I mean, it felt so fresh and unique, and that was something that opened my eyes and made me believe that it's not always about churning out the same thing in this industry.

I just love mermaids. I was a mermaid in my past life. I just feel it when I go in the sea. I just feel a connection there between me, and the water, and the fish - they speak to me - and the shells - they ring out to me.

It sounds a bit sad, but my new hobby is knitting. I love it. I find it really relaxing.