Gwen Stefani on inner strength

Gwen Stefani felt stronger when she realised she could write songs.

The singer is the frontwoman of rock band No Doubt and has also produced solo records, including 2004's popular Love. Angel. Music. Baby.

Finding out she had a gift for music helped the 45-year-old become the self-assured woman she is now.

"When I realised I could write songs, I felt much stronger," she smiled to the German edition of Cosmopolitan magazine.

"Prior to that, I invested all my energy in my relationships. But to put all my energy into something I created changed me in the best way possible."

Gwen acted as a mentor on the US edition of The Voice last year, passing on her advice alongside fellow panellists Adam Levine, Blake Shelton and Pharrell Williams.

Seeing these hopefuls makes Gwen question what it means to be famous.

"On The Voice, the talent often says: 'I want to make it!' But what does that mean, to make it?" she queried.

"My parents taught us music is a hobby, that you don't make it, these things don't just happen. It still amazes me now that I matter to people!"

Gwen definitely is one of the biggest stars in the industry right now. And she recently spoke out about how much she embraces girl power.

"Women are interesting creatures. We have this sexual side to us that is alluring and powerful. It is a gift," she told Fashion magazine. "When you discover your sexuality when you are around 14 - it feels amazing - but you learn it's something that is fleeting. Sexuality is something that I've never played off of or felt comfortable with."