Avril Lavigne stood out like a bright red rose in the middle of a plethora of yellow ones from early childhood and her mother can vouch for that.†† Her distinct voice captured much attention and by the time she was 10 years old, she graduated from the church choir to regional fairgrounds where she sung country music to her little heart's desire. In 1998, her vocal prowess won her an opportunity to perform, What Made You Say Thatù alongside Shania Twain. Soon after, Avril had several artists knocking down her door.† She hooked up with Steve Medd, who offered her the chance to sing his song, Touch the Skyù for his 1999 album Quinte Spirit.† Shortly after, she sang Temple of Lifeù and Two Riversù for his next album, My Window to You.† Before you knew it, she was swept up by Arista Records and she was well on her way, leaving the popcorn and fairgrounds behind. From the beginning, Avril has set herself apart artistically by delving into a variety of genres before settling into her own one-of-a-kind style.† At the age of 16, her first album, Let Goù was proof she had what it took.† Let Goù sold over 17 million worldwide, reaching number one in Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom.† This led to Avril winning Best New Artistù at the 2002 MTV Video Music Awards and shortly after, in 2003,† she was awarded a Juno Award for World's Best Selling Canadian Singer.ù In 2004, Lavigne's second album, Under My Skin debuted as number on in the U.S and the UK selling well over 350,000 copies in the U.S. in the first week!† This led to yet two more World Music Awards for World's Best Pop/Rock Artistù and World's Best-Selling Canadian Artistù. We have watched Avril's style mature and transform over the years, from country to alternative pop-rockù to post-punk.ù† She has mentioned on several occasions that she isn't punk,ù but considers herself more of a rocker-chic.ù† However, she classifies herself is fine, her vocal intensity and range are what the audiences crave.† She has positioned herself more like the anti-Brittney Spearsù attracting a larger, more artistic fan base, concentrating on remaining a unique artist musically, and personally. Her popularity is quite apparent from the sales of her latest album, The Best Damn Thing,ù which has already debuted at number one in the U.S.† As a matter of fact, Girlfriendù is Lavigne's first single to reach number one on the Billboard Hot 100.† Girlfriendù is up for Monster Single of the Yearù this year and it will be no surprise to Young Hollywood if she wins.† She seems akin to the attitude of the Young Hollywood lifestyle which embraces originality and spunk .both of which she emulates courageously on stage and off.

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