Cody Simpson found his relationship with Gigi Hadid ''scary''.

The 18-year-old singer - who split from the model in May after two years of dating - admits it was tough conducting a relationship in the public eye, and though they are no longer together, he will always have ''the craziest respect'' for the 20-year-old beauty.

He said: ''It was getting so celebrity-oriented that it was kind of scary.But I'll always have the craziest respect for her.''

And the 'Pretty Brown Eyes' singer insists he is currently happy to be single because he can afford to take the time to focus on himself.

He told the new issue of America's Cosmopolitan magazine: ''Even if you absolutely adore someone, it doesn't mean they're right for you at that time in your life. Being single is amazing for me right now. I can focus on peeling back the layers and self-growth.''

This year, Cody parted ways with his record label of five years and released his latest album, 'Free', himself and is relishing his new creative independence.

He said: ''When you're so young on a major label, it's like, 'Do this! Do that! Make this kind of music!'

''I had no idea what I wanted to do. Free reflects my process of discovering independence.''