Britney Spears has defended her raunchy new image and insisted she remains a role model for young girls.

The 21-year-old said parents should not be worried if their children want to copy her.

“I probably have more older fans than the younger ones but I think the reason why everyone talks about the younger fans so much is because the parents are concerned.

“And in the end they shouldn’t be concerned because they should trust their kids and believe in their kids. I think it’s a beautiful thing to be able to see your kids play around and, you know, not take it so seriously. It’s about performance. It’s not that deep.”

She added: “I’ve just recently done some covers that are a little bit explicit and sexy. And a lot of people do think this is very over-explicit, but that’s their opinion. If they want to misconstrue what I’m trying to present myself as, then that’s their problem. I think it’s a positive thing to be able to express yourself in a positive light.”

The American singer also said she viewed Madonna as her “godmother”.

The two pop divas kissed at the MTV Video Music Awards and got steamy in the video for Britney’s single Me Against The Music.

But she said: “I don’t think it’s a flirtation. I think honestly there’s some kind of energy thing going on with us. She’s like my godmother in a way. I don’t listen to that many people, I’m a very stubborn person. When someone tells me not to do something, I do it, that’s just my rebellious nature.

“I’m not a wild child but I do have those parts about me and she is the one person that I honestly listen to. There’s something about her that draws me in in… she is a very cool lady and an inspiring person to be around.”

The American star has been criticised for drinking and smoking in public. But she said: “If you go out and have red wine with your dinner it’s like, ‘oh my gosh, she’s drinking, Britney was caught smoking’. You know, people have to realise you’re human just like anyone else and people have to give you a break a little.”

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