Your first video clip, Baby One More Time, is filmed in a school. Where was it?
It was filmed in a school in LA, not my own school. In fact that was my first time in LA. The school we used in the clip is the one where Grease was filmed, so it was brilliant!
Did you ever get detention at school?
I used to get detention for coming to class late. I talk all the time as well. I'd often get caught talking in the hall after the bell had rung and get busted for laughing and talking in class. I couldn't bare to sit and not talk! In detention they made you sit and stare at the wall for an hour! But I wasn't a problem child.
What is your best excuse for not doing your homework?
I always did my homework! If I didn't, I'd try to complete something right before I needed to turn it in! Sometimes, I'd act really sincere and say, "Oh! I'm sorry! I thought it was due next week!" They would totally believe me!
Did you ever wag school?
Only if I had a big test which I needed to study for that day. I'd say to Mum, "I don't feel very well, is it okay if I stay at home today?" And I'd study all day and take the exam the next day.
What's the craziest thing you've ever done at school?
We put a rat in one of my teacher's drawers once! She totally flipped out when she opened the draw. Teachers don't usually curse, but she was cursing! No one owned up to it so we didn't get into trouble.
Do you have a fave subject?
I like English because it's a subject you're going to use in life. Stuff like geometry, I'm terrible at! I used to sit there and ask, "When am I gonna use this in my life?" Never - that's when!
Do your friends treat you differently?
No, and I'm thankful cos all my friends are really close to me. We talk on the phone every night and when I go home every night and when I go home we go to the movies. I haven't changed, I'm still the same person inside.
Have you been to your school formal?
I went to my boyfriend's cos he was a senior. The best part of the night was getting dressed up. I've never been to my own prom. The after-party was great too! We went to someone's house and trashed it cos their parents were out of town.
Interview taken from the July issue of TV HITS.
How does it feel to be the most famous teenager in the world?
It's overwhelming! Just two years ago I was a completely normal teenager doing normal things, and now it's crazy! I'm doing so much, and traveling all over... but y'know, I'm so thankful for everything.
Did you expect to do this well?
To be honest, I just wanted to get into the Top 40 in the US - so when my single and album went to Number One, I couldn't believe it! It was like, 'Oh my goodness!'
So what makes you different to everyone else?
People have said it's just my image, but it's not - I mean, it helps, heh heh. But even before seeing me, people were bought my single. Then when my video was played, people loved it 'cos it showed a teenager doing something they wanted to do. Teenagers can relate to me about to me and what I'm singing about.
What's your philosophy, then?
To be confident and know what you want out of life. Y'know, you don't need a guy - just be confident with yourself. That whole girl power thing is so on with me.
Is it hard to keep your friendships going now?
It is, 'cos I'm never really home, but we always keep in touch by phone - you should see my phone bills! I always want to know what the gossip is. You have to don't you?!
How do fans treat you?
They've been really sweet, but I haven't had my own concert yet. I opened for 'N Sync, but the fans were there for their guys, not me. At the beginning the crowd were a little iffy about me as I was opening for the guys they were in love with...but they warmed to me!
How normal is your home life?
Well, I still have to do the dishes, if that's what you mean! But yeah my mom still tells me what to do - I have to do my share of the housework and stuff.
Who are you closer to, Backstreet Boys or 'N Sync?
'N Sync, 'cos I toured with them. They are just the sweetest guys and this business hasn't fazed them at all. They are so nice - really nice.
Do you know how much money you've made so far?
No, but I know how much I'm supposed to have made by the end of the year. How much is that? (laughing) Hey, now that's a secret!
How in control of your career are you?
Very. I'm really lucky I work for an independent record company. It's nice 'cos everyone knows everyone, and every opinion I have gets heard.
You're surrounded by 'yes-men' all the time - does anyone ever say no to you?
Well, I don't really ask to do ridiculous things - I don't throw tantrums or anything like that! But my mom still says no to me. Like, if I want to stay out late, she's, 'No, you're coming in early.' And that's that!
You're adored by men of all ages - would you date an older man?
You know what, I really like older guys! I think as I get older I'll like men the same age. It's just girls my age are a lot more mature than guys of my age - if you see what I mean!
Are there any famous men you fancy?
(eyes light up as she whispers) I met Ben Afflek! He was a hotty - he's so beautiful and he broke with his girlfriend. I want to marry him!
Were you prepared for all the tabloid traumas you've suffered?
Not at all. Before I went to Japan I saw a bunch of rumours written about me, but I just blew it off. But when I came back it got way out of hand. I'd be lying if I said it didn't hurt me. You know, I'm so sensitive, I'd go home crying 'cos I couldn't understand why these older people would want to badger a 17-year-old. But you have to realise this is how the business works.
So how tough are you?
Well, you have to be tough in this business. Before, if things went wrong or I didn't like something, I would've kept it to myself, but now I speak up. It's a fickle business to be in, but you can still enjoy it.
You've conquered the music world - what's next?
Music will always be a part of my life and I'll always continue with it. I want loads of Number Ones - that's my goal. But hopefully I'll make a film - I'd really love that. What? With Ben Afflek? (laughing) Who knows...
