Beyonce Knowles "shuts down" in large crowds.

The 'Sweet Dreams' singer has revealed she is "insecure" in group situations because she didn't have a "normal social life" as a child.

The 27-year-old star explained: "I didn't go to regular school. I went to private school, then I was home-schooled because I was travelling with Destiny's Child.

"I didn't have a normal social life, and sometimes I think it's why I'm insecure around a large group of people. I shut down a bit. People expect me to be what they see on stage, but that's not who I am in real life."

But when it comes to her personal life, Beyonce - who is married to rapper Jay-Z - has always been confident because she knew she had a "lot to offer" lovers.

She said: "I know some people worry people won't want to date you because you're famous, but I wasn't scared of that because I feel I have way more to offer than just being famous.

"I think that once people meet me and get to know me, you forget that I'm famous."