The reasons for Ashlee Simpson’s intense scrutiny a couple of years back seem innocent compared to the more recent antics of her contemporaries (we’re not naming names…). And after talking to her, we realized there are far worse role models running around Hollywood. Simpson has approached every situation with an honesty that’s hard to find among the revolving-door rehab starlets that literally invite paparazzi into their homes.

Which is a good thing, because we have to admit, we’re eagerly anticipating her new album, Bittersweet World, and the video for “Outta My Head (Ay Ya Ya)” has been played multiple times here in the ELLEgirl offices. She's also one half of a current emo power couple, with Fall Out Boy’s Pete Wentz. The two are regularly photographed doing normal-people stuff like walking their bulldog Hemingway, watching the Super Bowl and celebrating his birthday. Other normal stuff about Ashlee Simpson: she had a crush on Macaulay Culkin, her re-discovered obsession is green nail polish, and she carries around Pez. Proof you might have more in common with Ashlee than you think.