MTV Interview Part 1: She's Punk Princess
 It's tough being the new kid in school. As soon as you arrive, all eyes are on you, scrutinizing your look, your dress and your haircut. Everything you've ever been up to this point is inappropriate — the new crowd has already formed strong opinions based on this first impression. As the newest addition to the MTV News team, I know the atmosphere.So must Avril. Since emerging on the pop scene, this brash 17-year-old has given off a first impression that split her audience into two factions: those who view her as a strong-willed wild child and those who think she's a poser and a major-label product.
"She's not just some chick who follows the whole pop scene and preppy thing," one fan wrote to our You Tell Us forum. "She sticks to her own image of herself and doesn't wear a lot of slutty clothes, unlike some of her peers," opined another.
Others, conversely, think her songs are silly and her delivery is a warmed over Alanis Morissette. Some sentiments are stronger: "She's so fabricated it makes me sick. ... Her 'punk' style is disappointing because it probably comes from the pages of Teen People."
And just like in school, most of those passing thoughts don't know the whole story.
I first met Avril in February, in a Los Angeles hotel during Grammy week. After checking in, I was on my way to my room, as was colleague reporter Sway to his, when we stumbled upon a pack of teenagers skateboarding through the carpeted halls. They were screaming and laughing, obnoxious ano loud, but none of those around seemed to care. The ritual was in a few days and the other guests, including Backstreet Boys, Outkast's Big Boi and India.Arie, likely dismissed them as fans who slipped by security or forgave them for being the out of control offspring of industry players.
"Hey, you're on MTV," a slight girl in oversized cargo cutoffs and a stained tank top said to Sway and me.
Oh no, here comes the first autograph seeker of the week, we thought. But picking up our names wasn't as notable as dropping hers.
"My name is Avril Lavigne," the pipsqueak squawked. "You're going to know me shortly." And with that, she dropped her board and skated off, nearly clipping Big Boi's shins in the process.
Fast forward six months, and I, as well as millions nationwide, have appreciated Avril's forecast.
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