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As Kylie Minogue puts it, it was the cheeky gold hot pants in 2000’s ‘Spinning Around’ video clip that “really changed everything.” The sizzling appearance heralded the birth of ‘sexy Kylie’ and with that, brought unprecedented attention to her figure—and her now-famous derriere. Yet the star says the confidence to wear such an outfit was lost when breast cancer in 2005, and subsequent surgery and chemotherapy, caused changes to her body.

“Like many people, I have plenty of insecurities. That was especially the case after gong through cancer,” Minogue tells WHO in an exclusive interview to mark WHO Magazine’s 20th birthday issue. “My body went through both temporary and permanent changes. It took a long time to complete my treatment and a long time to get enough of my confidence back.”

PHOTOS: Kylie Minogue's Style Evolution!

In 2006, Melbourne-born Minogue—who is celebrating her own quarter of a century in the music world the same year WHO turns 20—was given the all-clear following her treatment. By 2011, the Grammy winner was ecstatic to reach her five-year cancer-free goal.

“Since then, when I do a racy photo shoot or something like that, I think of all the women who have been affected by similar stories,” says Minogue, 44. “I want them to see me and realize it is possible to be and feel attractive after such an ordeal.”

The pop powerhouse, who slipped back into hot pants—this time denim —in this year’s “Time Bomb” video clip, concedes her body appreciation has strengthened with hindsight: “I’m at the age where you’re somewhat fascinated by the fact that you used to be able to wear almost anything!”

Adds Minogue, “I would never have guessed that my body would get the kind of attention it has over the years. I don’t really know how to comment on it other than to say that I perform with everything I have.”

For more of Kylie Minogue’s exclusive interview, pick up WHO’s 20th Anniversary Collector’s edition. For more Behind the Scenes footage and more photos from our 20th Special Issue, check out WHO.com's 20th Dedicated Birthday Site Here.