Russian singer Alsou is already a mega star back home and famously teamed up with Enrique Iglesias on his debut album. Now the 17-year-old's all set to launch her own brand of infectious pop on the world ... slap bang in the lead up to her A level exams ...
worldpop: Can you tell us what the single [Before you Love Me] is all about?
Alsou: It's about a relationship, a boy and a girl. They like each other very much but the girl is laying down a few ground rules first, 'If you wanna be with me you better act this way...'

worldpop: The video is themed on the Matrix movie, isn't it?
Alsou: Yeah, the director got the idea from the Matrix and I have to wear shiny leather. It's very futuristic and there are a lot of special effects.

worldpop: Can you see yourself taking up acting one day?
Alsou: Yeah, I'd love to do acting in a couple of years but not before I'm settled in my music career first. Actually in Russia they are thinking of doing an Alsou cartoon. I'll have superpowers and go around having lots of adventures.

worldpop: You've lived in London for five years now. Are you still studying?
Alsou: Yes. I have A levels in the summer. I am lucky because I only have one subject to do this year, which is French. I took two subjects last year. I didn't want to be too busy now with my music, but I want to speak French fluently and I almost can.

worldpop: Is it strange to have a normal school life in the UK and be mega-famous in Russia?
Alsou: Yes, it can be very odd because in Russia I am not able to go out of the hotel because of the dangers of being recognised but in London I just go to school, hang out with my friends, go to the cinema and eat pizza. It's like being two separate people.

worldpop: You're called the Russian Britney Spears - how do you feel about that?
Alsou: Well obviously it's flattering because she's so successful and makes great music but I think I am a different person and our style's not the same. She's more pop than me.

worldpop: We hear that your fans clubbed together to buy you a car ...
Alsou: The fans and the people who were organising a concert I was in got together and bought me a car! It's pink with my name on it.

worldpop: Did they surprise you with it?
Alsou: I didn't know I was getting it - in the middle of the concert all these people came on the stage, stopped me mid-song, and told me to turn around. There it was! I had no idea. Luckily I know how to drive!

worldpop: You did a duet with Enrique Iglesias. What was that like?
Alsou: He's a really nice charming man, we had a lot of fun and I loved the song.

worldpop: He's a bit of a ladies' man, isn't he? Would you be tempted by a hot date?
Alsou: No, he's very charming and very good looking but he is very busy and so am I ...