Britney: Parents, Trust Your Kids

Pop Star Says She's A Role Model, But Parents Shouldn't Worry

(AP)  Britney Spears insists she is a role model for young girls despite recent revealing magazine covers and her new album with sexually explicit lyrics, the British Broadcasting Corp. said Sunday.

In a radio interview to be broadcast Monday, the 21-year-old pop star 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," Spears was quoted as saying. "And in the end they shouldn't be concerned because they should trust their kids and believe in their kids."

The BBC said Spears defended recent magazine photos, saying, "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."

Spears, who kissed Madonna at the MTV Video Music Awards, also talked about her relationship with singer, saying there is a special connection between them.

"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," Spears said.

The star, criticized for drinking and smoking in public, urged people to be realistic.

"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 realize you're human just like anyone else and people have to give you a break a little," she said.