“I’ve been turning negatives into positives,” Tulisa told* Kiss FM*. “I’ve been getting as much positivity as I can – I remind myself every day of the dark moments so I can enjoy the good times.”
“I was so grateful [for the opportunity to go back to the X Factor] with Lu-Lu [Louis Walsh] – I’ve been really enjoying the show. I know the emotions the judges are going through and the contestants. I’m having a lot of fun watching it.”
Since she came into the limelight with N-Dubz, aged 17, Tulisa’s seen her life turned upside down.
When she was arrested after a newspaper sting, the 26-year-old made a BBC3 show, Tulisa: The Price Of Fame, which documented her life during the trial.
“I know [the documentary] was a risk but I went for it. It was interested to watch how people kept their distance from me over the year then as soon as everything’s alright again, it’s like ‘hello’!
“[Some people] wouldn’t even stand in a photograph with me last year. I’m way to focused and busy to harbour negative energy, I just want to be happy now.”
The 26-year-old is now focussed on her music and admits her first album, The Female Boss, was released too quickly.
“I’m not putting pressure on myself with an album this time,” she added.
“Last time was rushed and all over the place. I want as many amazing singles I can get out as possible. I don’t feel like I’m in the place for it right now.
“I’m looking at [acting] next year but now I’m focussing on my music. In the New Year I’ll be back – watch this space.”
For more from Tulisa, tune into heat radio tomorrow at 4pm, where she’ll be talking to our very own James Barr.
Tulisa Contostavlos' face over the years before and after surgery
1 of 32September 2007
At the MOBO Awards with Fazer and Dappy
2 of 32September 2009
At the O2 Silver Clef Awards 2009
3 of 32August 2009
Leaving the MOBO Awards in 2009
4 of 32November 2009
At a photocall for the T4 Stars of 2009
5 of 32December 2009
Leaving the London Studios after a session with N-Dubz and Mr Hudson
6 of 32April 2010
At a book signing for N-Dubz's autobiography N-Dubz: Against All Odds: From Street Life To Chart Life. 'Member that?
7 of 32April 2010
At the Lipsy launce in Movida London
8 of 32July 2010
Performing at London's Somerset House
9 of 32tulisa-contostavlos-black-hair-pre-surgery
10 of 32September 2010
Performing at Wembley actual Arena for BBC1 Xtra Live
11 of 32June 2011
At the X Factor auditions in Birmingham
12 of 32July 2011
At the X Factor auditions in London
13 of 32July 2011
Loving life at Hyde Park's Wireless Festival
14 of 32July 2011
Performing at T4 On The Beach in Weston-Super-Mare, Somerset
15 of 32October 2011
On the red carpet at the Pride of Britain Awards in London
16 of 32October 2011
Looking fresh faced at the X Factor studios in London
17 of 32April 2012
Posing outside the V&A Museum in London ahead of a birthday party
18 of 32tulisa-contostavlos-botox-surgery-picture
19 of 32May 2012
With biiiiiiig hair outside the O2 Arena for the 2012 X Facor auditions
20 of 32July 2012
Celebrating her 25th birthday in Ibiza
21 of 32September 2012
Signing copies of her new autobiography Honest
22 of 32October 2012
Taking her X Factor contestants - Jade Ellis, Ella Henderson and Lucy Spraggan - to the BBC Radio 1 studios in London
23 of 32October 2012
Posing on the red carpet at the world premiere of James Bond film Skyfall at London's Royal Albert Hall
24 of 32May 2013
With incredible poodle hair at the 2013 Sony Radio Academy Awards in London
25 of 32tulisa-contostavlos-face-after-surgery
26 of 32August 2013
Partying at London's Dstrkt club for friend Chelsee Healey's 25th birthday celebrations
27 of 32December 2013
Practising her best Nigella Lawson face for her first hearing at Westminster Magistrates Court over that drugs charge
28 of 32December 2013
Partying at Kelly Brook's bar Steam and Rye for her PA Gareth Varey's birthday
29 of 32January 2014
Waiting in the audience at the Celebrity Big Brother 2014 final night to support house cousin housemate Dappy
30 of 32July 15 2014
Striding into court for her drugs trial at Southwark Crown Court
31 of 32July 16 2014
Walking past the paps for day two of her drugs trial at Southwark Crown Court
32 of 32July 21 2014
Entering court just before her drugs trial collapsed, thanks to problems with the prosecurot's star witness