Héloïse Letissier of Christine and the Queens was "healed" by creating her alter-ego.
Christine and the Queens
The 28-year-old pop star credits her stage persona for allowing her to push boundaries and be more "daring" with her music, and ultimately feel more "happy" being herself.
She explained: "Christine has healed me. She made me happy, and I wanted to share that happiness. So it became a show with dancers, and the music got more pop. Christine became more welcoming. She pushed me to be more daring, to completely let go. And if I make a mistake, I laugh at myself. As I discovered in high school, having a sense of humour can get me out of many troubles."
The 'Saint Claude' hitmaker - who was brought up on stage by Madonna, who spanked her during her Paris 'Rebel Heart World Tour' show last year - admits she'll never be the "perfect" pop star like Beyonce or Adele and has been inspired to "create a new way" to "be a woman" in the music industry.
Christine told The Sunday Times newspaper: "Perfect has never been my thing, so I had to find another way. I always say on stage that I am like a broken flower compared to perfect pop singers like Beyonce, who I love, actually. I am trying to create a new version, a new way to be a woman in this industry and on stage."
Meanwhile, Christine - who released the English version of her debut album 'Chaleur humaine' in February - also believes in "embracing your faults" and being "awkward" over perfection.
She added: "For me, I like the awkwardness of it all. I like awkward people, I like fools, I like scars. Christine is about embracing your faults."
Christine and the Queens' fans include Madonna, Sir Elton John and Marina and the Diamonds.