South African pop star Tyla is clearing the air: while the comparisons to early Rihanna have followed her since her breakout, the 22-year-old rising global sensation is carving her own path—and drawing inspiration from a different set of musical icons.

In a candid conversation with Billboard, Tyla opened up about her evolving artistry, the fast-paced nature of fame, and her upcoming sophomore album, which she confirmed will arrive in 2025. The interview comes as Tyla prepares to be honored at Billboard’s prestigious Women in Music event, where she will receive the Impact Award—a nod to her growing influence in both music and culture.

When asked about the women who’ve shaped her creatively, Tyla didn’t hesitate to name names. “Tems is a big one. What she’s been able to do has been very inspiring,” she shared. But she also gave flowers to a trio of pop and R&B powerhouses who defined a generation—Britney Spears, Whitney Houston, and Aaliyah. Each, in their own way, helped mold Tyla’s genre-blending sound and performance style, which mixes sultry vocals with fluid, dance-driven visuals.

Tyla also addressed the whirlwind journey she’s experienced since the success of her global smash Water, which catapulted her into the international spotlight. “I’ve changed a lot in a short amount of time,” she said. “I was kind of forced to with how fast I had to adapt to everything.”

That evolution is playing out in real time through her new music. Speaking about her next album, she revealed that fans shouldn’t expect a repeat of her self-titled debut released in March 2024. “It’s different, but also still Tyla,” she teased. “I don’t think it’s going to be the same energy [as Tyla] at all, especially with what I’ve started making.”

Though she hasn’t given an exact release date yet, the confirmation alone is enough to stir excitement among fans eager to see what a more seasoned, reflective Tyla brings to the table in her next chapter.

For now, she’s still celebrating the success of the Sean Paul-assisted remix of Push 2 Start while soaking in the recognition that comes with being one of the most talked-about artists of her generation. And with influences like Whitney, Britney, Aaliyah, and Tems guiding her, one thing’s for sure: Tyla’s not chasing comparisons—she’s building a legacy all her own.