Kylie Minogue says performing is ''like a drug''.

The 'Timebomb' singer - who has been in showbiz for 25 years - admits being on stage in front of thousands of fans is a huge thrill and can sometimes be hard to come down from.

She said: ''It is like a drug: the adrenaline is so strong and it's such a high that coming back down can be terrible. That's why I consider myself an artist rather than a pop star.''

Kylie, 44, admits she still gets nervous before her performances and has to calm herself down before she goes on stage.

She revealed: ''I tell myself it is the same for everybody. Without the applause, life would seem very quiet.''

The 'Slow' hitmaker - who first shot to same playing Charlene Ramsay in Australian soap 'Neighbours' - also revealed how she tries to keep her stage persona separate from her everyday life.

She explained: ''I just take off my gladrags. Without them, I'm a surprised some people still look at me on the street.''