Toronto, Sep 17 (IANS): Canadian pop star Nelly Furtado says while she had a tough upbringing, she knew she would make it big in the music industry.

"I always saw it. I first performed when I was 4. I really had a vision of performing in front of hundreds of people when I was that young," digitalspy.co.uk quoted Furtado as saying.

"I always knew it would happen. I saw myself sitting at the Grammies... I saw myself opening for U2 or whatever. It was a sure thing for me. I was lucky that way," she added.

However, the 33-year-old added that she does not consider her career to be the most important part of her life.

"True success is health and balance in one's life and making time for hobbies and family. It's the difference between seeing success as a destination and as a journey. The idea that dreams come true and everything will be perfect? It doesn't work that way," said Furtado, who has 9-year-old daughter Nevin with her ex Jasper Gahunia.