As Kylie Minogue approaches her 40th birthday, it's clear she's feeling sexier than ever.

The singer was dressed to thrill in a risqu sequinned top honouring the female form for the cover of Q magazine.

Kylie has revealed she is looking forward to reaching the milestone: "I'm not scared of turning 40. I think it's going to be quite liberating.

All front: Kylie on the latest issue of Q magazine

"I've always heard that as a woman, 49 is when you really come into your own and I think it's happening."

The pop princess, who recently launched her comeback with the release of the new single 2 Hearts, will mark the May occassion with a world tour.

Her confidant William Baker, whom she describes as her gay "husband", recently revealed she is planning a series of extravagant concerts in 2008.

Back to black: Kylie is preparing for a world tour to mark her 40th birthday in May next year

He told The Sun: "I'm heading back into the studio with Kylie in February to start training for the tour we want to do in June.

"It's going to be fabulous. I have a couple of ideas but they need a bit of work. It takes ages to pull it all together so we want to take our time on it."

Sources say doctors have warned breast cancer Kylie about pushing her body too hard.

An insider said: "Kylie is determined to do this tour. She was upset that she had to pull out of the last one - the Showgirl tour - when she received her cancer diagnosis.

"If it was up to her, she'd do an endless string of dates but doctors say she needs to make herself priority and takes more time to relax.