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Will Young: Rihanna not a good role model

London - Will Young doesn't think Rihanna is a good role model for women in music.

The former Pop Idol winner admitted although the Bajan singer - whose controversial video to hit track S&M was banned in 11 countries - is a "brilliant pop star", he doesn't think her lyrics her "empowering" for young girls.

He said: "I don't think Rihanna is a massively great role model for women, her lyrics aren't empowering.

Owning their bodies

"She's a brilliant pop star and recording artist but her lyrics are not empowering - young girls have to listen to those lyrics.

"Women in a patriarchal society should be empowering and owning their bodies; I don't think Rihanna is. I feel quite strongly about this."

However, Will praised the likes of Lady Gaga, Annie Lennox and Grace Jones for "challenging the female form" in music.

He added in an interview with OMG!: "Image wise Lady Gaga is empowering. I'm more interested in women like Annie Lennox or Grace Jones, people who have challenged the female form who have owned it and brought it forward."

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