Beyoncé has revealed that her family "became her friends" when she was growing up because she left school at a young age.

The singer explained that she wasn't able to maintain any relationships with children her own age because she began her music career when she was 14.

Beyoncé told The Sun newspaper:  "Socially I did miss out. I left school at 14 and had a tutor. I was never exposed to people long enough to make friends so my family became my friends."

She went on to say that although she didn't feel confident around teens, she always felt "comfortable" on stage.

"I was awkward around other kids but felt comfortable on the stage. I said to my mum, 'There is no way this will work but I am going to be a singer.' I was in a group, aged 9, and my dad, Matthew, left his job to manage us."

Beyoncé’s album ‘4’ will be released on June 27.

See Beyoncé being interviewed by Oprah Winfrey: