Miley Cyrus believes she "doesn't owe anyone anything".
The star has undergone a transformation in recent years, evolving from teen pop princess Hannah Montana to rocking a punk chick look. The raunchy video for her latest single We Can't Stop has also raised eyebrows, but Miley insists she will continue to express herself freely.
"I feel like it's a much better time for me because I don't owe anyone anything. I have always been a person who when I work for someone I show respect and do what I say I'm going to do so, I finished up my show and did what I had to do then took two years to work on my record and now I'm able to play that for the world," she told UK TV show Daybreak.
When Miley was asked if her edgier appearance reflects who she really is, the 20-year-old star was quick to poke fun at the question.
"Is this really me? Um no, this is my stand in that I have to do these things, I am actually asleep at my hotel right now. I am still in the Bahamas," she laughed.
Miley's private life has attracted a great deal of interest in recent months. Speculation is rife about the status of her relationship with her fiancé, Hunger Games hunk Liam Hemsworth.
Miley has done little to dismiss claims the romance is on the rocks, and when asked if she can see herself being married in ten years' time, she instead referred to her career goals.
"Hopefully I am still doing this, hopefully on the road," she replied when quizzed on where she will be in ten years. "I am going on tour next year and that's my favourite thing to do. I will probably want to do that forever."
Miley also addressed her belief in karma.
She is adamant that her diligent work ethic and professional attitude have helped her achieve long-term career success.
"I feel lucky, you know, I think the universe has always worked really well for me karmically so I must have done something right in my past life because it has always been really good to me," she explained. "Yeah, I do believe that, I really do. First of all I believe in karma because I have seen karma bite so many people and that's why no matter what, you treat people with respect and you be gracious. You should make music because you love it and not for any self-absorbed reasons and you treat the people you are working with with respect and you work really hard. And I think that's why I've been able to have longevity rather than just a few hits because I think karmically it makes sense."