Keri Hilson says she got her diva label honestly because she has to constantly fight for her voice.
From Boom Box
What's been the hardest thing you've had to overcome in your career?
I had vocal issues and I performed right through them. The world saw this happening, but didn't know what was happening. You know, there's so much other stuff that people don't understand like the scheduling -- I'm not complaining, because I love to work, and any opportunity you give me, I jump at the opportunity, even if it's to my own demise. Certain situations you're put in are to the detriment of your instrument, and a lot of damage was done. Promo days are 12 to 14 hours of talking. That is very damaging. I have no complaints, I'm over it, but it did affect me. I had to take care of it mostly while I was recording 'No Boys Allowed.' It's been the hardest thing, just to fight for my health, fight for my instrument, my gift. They will abuse it if you let them. And you almost have to let them because they buy you [laughs]. Sorry [laughs].
How do you balance that now?
You have to fight. If the word "diva" comes up around my name, it's because I'm fighting for my voice. It's because I'm fighting being abused -- abuse is such a strong word -- but it kind of is what you're doing to your vocal chords when you're living the schedule that I live. I've had to fight and if I'm called a diva for fighting for myself like no one else will, then I'll be a diva.
