MANILA, Philippines - Since she broke out in the international music scene at 17, Avril Lavigne has always chosen not to play it safe. Refusing to resort to skin-baring come-ons, she preferred to build her image on her powerhouse voice, high-spirited melodies, and skater tomboy style, which paid off both critically and commercially for the Canadian-born artist. In 2002, Avril shot to global pop stardom with the six-time platinum album “Let Go,” followed by 2004’s three-time platinum “Under My Skin,” and 2007’s platinum “The Best Damn Thing.” Over the course of her three albums, Avril scored a string of international hit singles, including Complicated, Sk8er Boi, I’m With You, My Happy Ending, When You’re Gone, and The Best Damn Thing. She earned eight Grammy Award nominations, won seven Canadian Juno Awards, sold more than 30 million albums, and nearly 20 million tracks worldwide over the past eight years. The singer-songwriter’s songs have been used as soundtracks for such popular films, like Sweet Home Alabama, Bruce Almighty, Legally Blonde 2, The Princess Diaries, and The House Bunny.
Avril also launched a second career as an entrepreneur by creating a fashion and lifestyle brand (Abbey Dawn), two fragrances (Black Star and Forbidden Rose), branched out into film work (Over the Hedge and Fast Food Nation), and further committed herself to the philanthropic activities she’s participated in over the years by establishing The Avril Lavigne Foundation.
With her multiple creative endeavors and musical success, it’s easy to forget that she is only 26 years old. She may be young by veteran performer standards, but Avril brings the maturity and insight she’s gained from her experiences to fourth and latest album, “Goodbye Lullaby,” which featured the chart-topping hits, What The Hell, Smile and Wish You Were Here. Now, her Filipino sk8er bois and girls (especially the ones we see frequenting the parking lots of Bonifacio High Street) can see Avril perform live at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Feb. 16. Hey, it could be “the best damn thing” you could do if you don’t have any plans for Valentine’s, even if you are single because you could meet someone special there — can we make it any more obvious?
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For more details to Avril Lavigne’s The Black Star Tour — Live in Manila, call Wilbros Live at 374 2222 or the TicketNet Box Office at 911 5555.