Philadelphia is the American city where the Declaration of Independence was signed, the Liberty Bell resides and the first American flag was made. Fitting then, that Philadelphia should also be the birthplace of America's most controversial and innovative popular artist.

Pink is someone who dares to try new things, even if she risks falling on her face. The crazy, piss-takey party chick with 20-odd tattoos and great hair who was married in Costa Rica earlier this year to motocross star Carey Hart in a blissfully romantic ceremony. Who wants to push herself and branch out. Who sometimes takes the mickey out of herself to distract attention from more serious stuff going on elsewhere.

Pink has always gone her own way. Her first album, 'Can't Take Me Home', was a poppy R&B confection, a route the teenage Pink was forced down by her record label. It didn't fit her. So for Missundaztood she sought out Linda Perry, the feisty former songwriter with 4 Non Blondes known for her uncompromising tactics in the studio and for writing 'Beautiful' for Christina Aguilera. Together they came up with thumping big pop songs, but also lacerating personal ones like 'Family Portrait'. The 16m sales were a surprise to everyone. For 'Try This' she shifted gears once more, collaborating with Tim Armstrong of punk band Rancid.

And for 'I'm Not Dead', Pink has swerved again. It's her most diverse, complete, exciting and, yes, grown-up album yet. What does she think the legion of young fans who flocked to her will make of the political and socially-aware content?
"Teenagers know what the hell's going on!' insists Pink. "I raised a daughter once - my ex-boyfriend had a three year old when I met him and I raised her till she was nine. And when she was six she knew more than my parents think I know at 26. So! I don't buy that s*** - [airy fairy] 'oh, 16 year olds don't know what the hell's going on.' Please: 16 year olds are reading the newspaper, they're politicised."
Plain-speaking, never condescending, always provocative, always painfully honest, full of great songs. No wonder Pink's a global superstar.