She has one of those unforgettable voices that brings down the house and gets you out on the dance floor. Kristine W is bringing dance music back into vogue.

This month, Kristine W collected her 15th No. 1 hit on Billboard's Dance/Club Play Songs chart, as "The Power of Music" single featuring rapper Big Daddy Kane ascended to the top.

Remarkably, Kristine W’s studio album by the same name has spawned six No. 1 hits since its release last year.

“Walk Away,” “The Boss,” “Never,” “Love Is the Look” and “Be Alright” climbed to the top spot in 2009.

The title track was released Jan. 26 with remixes by Groove Police, Wideboys, Tony Moran, Virgo Brothers, Sweet Team and Joe Gauthreaux. It quickly rocketed up the Billboard charts to become the sixth consecutive single from the album to hit No. 1.

With that chart-topper, Kristine W ties Mariah Carey for third place all-time, behind Janet Jackson with 19 and Madonna with 40.

“Mariah Carey is my all time biggest idol,” Kristine W said. “To tie her impressive record is a dream come true for me as an artist.”

Kristine W holds the world’s record for most consecutive No. 1 Billboard Club Hits. In 2004, she surpassed Madonna and Janet Jackson’s record of seven No. 1 songs in a row. In 2005, Kristine W broke her own record with the release of “Wonder of It All,” her ninth consecutive No. 1.

The video for the title track of “The Power of Music” (below) was directed by the openly gay Mike Ruiz, a celebrity photographer perhaps known for his appearances on “America’s Next Top Model” and “RuPaul’s Drag Race.”

Kristine W agreed to take time out of her busy schedule to answer 13 questions for SDGLN.

Q: What a milestone for you to achieve 15 No. 1 hits on Billboard’s Dance/Club Play Songs chart. What does this mean to you, personally?

A: I am very proud of the body of work and the quality of the people I have worked with. The songs are timeless messages, so yes I am very proud of these 15 hits and the hundreds of songs I have written with other writers that never even made the albums.

Q: “The Power of Music” studio album so far contains six No. 1 hits. Is that some sort of a record for one album?

A: It might be. I’m not really sure. The songs just connected with people and we made sure that they got to the people. I have so many people to thank: Justin at iTunes, Brett at Masterbeat, the guys at Perfect Beat, and the entire Fly Again Team. They all made sure the music was accessible to the people for downloading or for buying physical product. That is a major feat these days .

Q: What’s the back story on how you met rapper Big Daddy Kane and what was the idea behind adding him to the “Power of Music” album?

A: I met Kane in Washington, D.C., and was amazed at what a powerful presence he had. His voice is very commanding and I had heard his records before, but his personality really drew me in. He is a classy man. I got to know him while we were lobbying for artists rights at the White House. I started bugging him about doing the rap and almost a year later he created his magic and I was blown away. He was the perfect poet and voice to deliver the message in "The Power of Music "single. I am a super fan forever.

Q: Why did you choose the title of “The Power of Music” for the album?

A: Because music is such a powerful communicator and can reach so many people globally when promoted properly and when the messages connect with others.

Q: When does “The Power of Music” music video directed by Mike Ruiz come out?

A: "The Power OF Music " video is available now and has been distributed to many different companies for play. It is currently in the March video reel for Promo Only and is super popular in the London club scene at the moment. It will be available for download on iTunes soon as well.

Q: Is dance music back in vogue in North America? Why?

A: Dance music is back, but it will still take a little while for it to really be accepted in the pop world. You will see more dance music production woven into all the genres of music. It's been happening, but now it's the cool thing to do, so it will be more audible as time goes on. Also it's uplifting and man does the world need it right now!

Q: How will you top yourself next?

A: I will be releasing a jazz chill album, which is going back to my roots. It is a huge challenge and I have been working on the double album with musicians for four years now. Twenty-nine tracks in all, so it's been a big project, for sure!

Q: You will be appearing March 27 at the 24th annual “Night of a Thousand Gowns” charity ball and silent auction in New York City. Why did you get involved with this project?

A: "Night of a Thousand Gowns" is a big annual fundraiser in NYC and helps AIDS organizations that assist the community. I am so very honored to be a part of the show, and I know we are going to help people in these difficult times.

Q: After NYC, what’s next on your schedule?

A: After NYC, I will be on a plane for Amsterdam where I am headlining another annual event for about 2,000 people. Check my myspace.com/kristinew for details.

Q: You grew up in Washington state and are a fourth-generation entertainer, so performing is in your blood. But what drove you to be a success, and did you in your wildest dreams expect a career like this?

A: I was always passionate about music and performing for people and singing songs that connected with them. I just love that feeling when everyone is singing along and you feel like family. Growing up in the church and being in the choir taught me that music can have a community and people identify with the songs and are drawn in to the messages.

Q: You are one of the most popular gay icons of the past decade. What does that mean to you?

A: It is an honor. In the beginning, I was told it was career suicide to openly support and love the gay community. I am proud to say that a decade later,/ we have had a long and loving relationship.

Q: Have you met any of the drag queens who portray you? Any favorites?

A: I have met so many talented Kristine W impersonators. It's crazy! One of them is my hairdresser, Mathew. He does my hair and also my kids hair. They know him as Uncle Matthew by day and when he's in face, he is Lilly Duran!

Q: What would be your dream duet?

A: I would love to sing with Maxwell, George Michael, Robin Thicke, Al Jarreau ... That’s just a few. I have a long list! Kisses to everyone!

Ken Williams is the Editor in Chief for SDGLN. He can be reached at (877) 727-5446, ext 713 or at ken@sdgln.com.