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Oprah: Much ado was made about the fact that at the Grammys, you didn't thank your father. I completely understand that—but can you explain?

Norah: I thanked everybody—my mom and my entire family. My dad is included in that. My mom was involved in the daily stress of making this record. We talk every day on the phone, no matter what. I talk to my dad every five months, so it's not like I dissed him by not singling him out. I didn't think it was appropriate for me to thank him, because he didn't help me with the record. It's not that he isn't supportive—it's just that I don't talk to him that often.

Oprah: Was he a big part of your life growing up?

Norah: He wasn't, though we've gotten close in the last five years and I love him very much. The fact that people made such a big deal of me not thanking him is ridiculous. The press in India had a heyday. They used words I've never used, like "deadbeat dad." It's sad.

Oprah: How does it make him feel?

Norah: Pretty bad. But I haven't said any of those things—the press just twisted it all.

Oprah: Of course. How does it feel to live in a world where much of what you say is distorted? What does that do to a 24-year-old's head?

Norah: It could really screw me up if I let it—I'm trying not to let it. The Grammys were intense, and this whole year has been very crazy. But my friends keep me grounded. My boyfriend is the bass player in my band. My best friend, who was managing us on tour, is now singing with us. As long as I'm surrounded by these kinds of friends, I'll be okay.

Oprah: It seems you haven't bought into the hype. Even on Grammy night, you wore your own outfit, though a stylist was throwing designer dresses at you.

Norah: What I had on that night was a dress I got for free at a backstage party, but I liked it and it fit me, so I wore it.

Oprah: So you don't let people tell you how to dress?

Norah: No. During my first photo shoot, I was unhappy because they put so much makeup on me and straightened my hair. I've been stubborn ever since.

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