Sara Quin of Tegan and Sara has praised Miley Cyrus, calling the pop star "this generation's Madonna".

Cyrus, who released her second solo album 'Bangerz' in October, has had a controversial 2013. In August, Cyrus twerked on stage at the MTV VMAs with Robin Thicke and subsequently clashed with Sinead O'Connor after the Irish singer warned her not to let the music industry "prostitute" her.

Speaking to NME in this week's issue, which is available digitally and on newsstands now, Sara Quin shows support for Cyrus and claims that the pop star's body confidence "terrifies" her critics. "The controversy around her shouldn't distract from her being a quintessential pop star," says Quin.

"She's this generation's Madonna - a hugely talented pop star with agency over her body and sexuality, which terrifies people. And she's constantly switching up between sounds. 'Bangerz' is part electro, part country, part rap, all incredible."

It was recently reported that Cyrus is leading Time magazine's Person of the Year poll ahead of NSA leaker Edward Snowden and The Pope, with 24 per cent of all votes cast.

Meanwhile, Cyrus was also criticised by anti-drugs campaigners after appearing to smoke a joint onstage at the MTV EMAs in Amsterdam.