Along with Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera, Mandy Moore is another pop princess of the 90s. She never grew to be as popular as Britney and Christina, but she has gotten a lot of recognition for her movie roles.
As a singer, her voice isn’t as powerful as Christina’s, but it is more melodic and sweet than Britney’s. She is also different from the other two because she hasn’t experienced much scandal in her career. While Britney and Christina have received a lot of criticism for their sexuality, Mandy has always acted her age and been a little bit more reserved. Mandy was 15 when she released her first single “Candy” in December of 1999.
If this music video doesn’t scream late 90s I don’t know what does. Volkswagen Beetles, armbands and Princess Leah type hair. I don’t care what the critics say, I love this song! The lyrics may not be impressive, but it’s catchy and fun to sing. She may not be a great dancer, but when you’re dancing in the middle of a skate park, I don’t think it matters.
Mandy went on to make more albums and have more singles, like I Wanna Be with You and Crush; but I definitely think her calling is the silver screen. But it’s okay because she actually sings in a lot of her movies.
I’m sorry, I just had to put this music video on here. In 2001, Mandy played the role of Lana Thomas, a mean but popular cheerleader, in The Princess Diaries with Anne Hathaway and Julie Andrews. While the role isn’t anything major, she definitely showcases her acting ability. Before this movie, many people only knew her as a singer.
(DANGER: Spoiler alert!!) A Walk to Remember. This film established Mandy as a lead actress in 2002. Based on the novel by Nicholas Sparks, Mandy plays Jamie Sullivan, the daughter of a Protestant minister who falls in love with bad boy Landon Carter, played by Shane West. Troubles arise when she reveals that she has leukemia.
Everytime I watch this movie I bawl like a baby. It is just so heart-wrenching and tragic.
I didn’t even watch the whole movie, and I legit just started to cry while watching this. How could you not? That proposal is probably one of the most romantic things ever. But that’s not on trial here, Mandy’s acting is. Just wanted to share that scene because it’s one of my favorites, but I guess I’ll move on…
This scene is really emotional. I think Mandy does a great job portraying that emotion. She isn’t too over-dramatic because her character has already accepted her sickness, but telling the love of your life that you’re going to die does warrant some tears. “I do not need a reason to be angry with God.” When Mandy says this, I completely believe her. I know the film didn’t get fabulous reviews, but Mandy was praised for her role. She won the award for “Breakthrough Female Performance” at the MTV Movie Awards and “Choice Breakout Performance” in a film by an actress at the Teen Choice Awards.
And like I said before, Mandy sings in this movie as well. She sings many songs on the soundtrack, including “Only Hope,” which she also performs in the movie.
I love the way she sings this song. The lyrics and melody are simple and sweet, which is perfect for Mandy’s voice.
And of course there’s “Cry.” This is the theme song for the movie. I love this song. Again, it’s not complicated, but her voice sounds beautiful, especially in the high parts. I remember I would blast this song after I watched the movie and sing my heart out to relieve all the heart-rending tension. It always made me feel better.
Mandy has a wonderful sweet-sounding voice, but I believe her future is in film. There is no denying her vocal ability; however, she brings an amazing presence on camera. Apparently Mandy has many upcoming roles in the works, including the voice of Rapunzel in Disney’s upcoming animated feature Tangled and the role of Allie Finkels in Swinging with the Finkels. What do you guys think about Mandy Moore? Singer or actress?
It just makes you want to get out your telescope on a clear night, spread out a blanket for a picnic and spend a romantic night with the one you love.