Katy Perry Picks Up Billboard Woman Of The Year 2012 Award: "I'm In Good Company"

1 December 2012, 09:58 | Updated: 1 December 2012, 10:13

The 'Firework' singer thanked her mum and sister for looking after and inspiring her while growing up.

Katy Perry picked up the prestigious Billboard Woman Of The Year Award last night in New York City while describing the honour as a "lovely compliment" and thanking her mother and sister for inspiring her.

The 'Teenage Dream' singer was announced as this year's recipient back in September and stepped out at a star studded event on Friday afternoon (30th November) in the Big Apple, at an event also attended by the likes of Carly Rae Jepsen, Ciara and Cher Lloyd.

Katy says she feels in "good company" after picking up the honour and went on to talk about how she hopes to inspire young women, in her Billboard magazine cover spread.

"I'd thought my year was over, that it was time to pass the baton," Katy told Billboard in the new issue. "But I guess I get to hold onto it until the end of the year.

"It's truly a lovely compliment. Seeing who has been honoured in the past - Beyonce, Taylor Swift and others - I'm in good company."

The 'Part Of Me' star went on to say that she doesn't like to think of herself as a role model to young people but more of an "inspiration", for something they can achieve if they work hard.

"I'd like to change the phrase 'role model' to "inspiration"," Katy explained. "'Role model' puts you on a pedestal that no one can really live up to.

Check out a picture of 'Wide Awake' singer Katy Perry earlier this year below (Credit: PA):

"For me, aspiring to be an artist at a young age, I didn't think about being a role model, but I definitely thought about being an inspiration," she added. "So I hope that I am an inspiration, especially with my work ethic and my ability to overcome obstacles."

Earlier this week Katy confirmed she has almost finished work on her third fragrance, for release sometime in 2013, and she has also been writing ready for her third studio album.