Katy Perry has said that the public's biggest misconception about her is that she is a manufactured act using "someone else's idea".
The 'I Kissed A Girl' singer insisted that she is an autonomous artist who is completely in control of her image and music, Angry Ape reports.
"The biggest conception [of me] is that it's someone else's idea, or that I'm just a vessel," Perry explained. "Some people don't think I'm the captain of my ship."
The 25-year-old, who is engaged to comedian Russell Brand, went on to discuss the bands that have been inspiring her in the run-up to writing her second album, saying: "I've been on a '90s kick for a little bit. I've been listening to Hole, who are coming back... The Cardigans, Ace of Base."
When asked to name her music idol, she answered: "Freddie Mercury is so amazing because he is his own. I really appreciate anybody who has a sense of unique style and doesn't march to the same tune as everybody else."