Katy Perry: I Was Bullying Myself

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Katy Perry's back — and she's done some soul-searching.

The 28-year-old pop singer's new album, "Prism," is out today, her first release since divorcing comedian Russell Brand, and the songstress is showing a more grownup side.

Perhaps that's no more evident than in her hit single "Roar," in which she shows off a reclaimed fierceness.

"This song is about sticking up for yourself," she told W magazine."People talk about bullying, but you can be your own bully in some ways. You can be the person who is standing in the way of your success, and that was the case for me. I was having a great professional streak, but personally, I was really immature, so I had to balance those things out."

Read Katy's full interview in W

While the Santa Barbara-native doesn't refer to her ex-husband, who ended their marriage with a text message, she went on to say, "If you are not happy with something, you should change it. So I went to a lot of therapy, and finally, I am able to speak up for myself: You are going to hear me roar!"

As for the marriage itself, she allowed that she "really loved" being a Mrs. "But I like how I am now, and I think all things happen for a reason."

See more photos from Katy's exclusive photo shoot for W

Perry, who is the daughter of two Christian ministers, also talked about the role of religion in her life, calling it a beacon.

"I try and keep my connection with the G-O-D or with a power that's bigger than me," she said. "It's important — otherwise, you don't have any kind of accountability. If you think, Hey, at the end of it all I am just going to be dust, or I have no soul or whatever, why not just be a menace to society? For me, accountability works."

What also appears to be working is her relationship with John Mayer. After an on/off start in 2012, they have been inseparable and even recorded a duet together, "Who You Love," on his latest album, "Paradise Valley." He returns the favor on "Prism," lending his trademark bluesy guitar to "It Takes Two" and sharing the microphone with her on their sexy co-write, "Spiritual."

[Related: Katy Perry Gives John Mayer Carte Blanche in 'Unconditionally']

Asked to reveal her cinematic crush, she told the magazine, "I actually am dating my crush. I had a crush on him for a long time, and it just so happens we fit together great."

It seems as if she's found the right balance.

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