(Cover) - EN Showbiz - Kylie Minogue claims she is the inspiration behind a number of emerging music artists.

The 42-year-old pop icon says that her career has motivated newer artists in the music industry, such as global superstar Lady Gaga.

Kylie believes that it was her original show-stopping tours that paved the way for newer artists to express their individuality.

Weve done it before, with all our creative shows, and now the new artists are following us, she told British newspaper The Daily Mirror. I set the benchmark for Gaga.

Kylie opened her world tour, Aphrodite Les Folies on Saturday which launched in Denmark. The live show is based on a Greek mythology theme and features winged horses, synchronised swimmers, and an interactive splash zone.

Over 5 million has been spent on the live shows, which begin in Europe before travelling to the US for a session in Las Vegas, then Australia and the UK.

Kylie hopes artists will continue to reinvent themselves as it will make the music industry more interesting.

I had the Aphrodite theme and no one has done that before. Think outside the box is what I do, and thats what keeps it fresh for me. The whole water palace idea and the splash zone was all new. I set the benchmark and now I cant wait to see what the new talent will do next, she added. (C) Cover Media