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 IN THE MIDNIGHT HOUR WE CRIED MOORE, MOORE, MOORE
With a rebel yell (of sorts), MANDY MOORE reminds us why we love her, her new album and her new Oxygen reality special
INSTINCT: Remember when you were on the cover of Cosmo, and they put that huge headline “Orgasms Unlimited” next to your face?
MANDY MOORE: Yes. [Laughs]
And then you had that monologue in Because I Said So where you explained what an orgasm felt like to Diane Keaton? Level with us, M Squared. Is this a theme?
[Laughs] I guess…unconsciously it has been… [Laughs] I hope for any girl’s sake it becomes a theme of their life!
Now that that’s settled, tell me about your TV special, I Am Mandy Moore.
Oh, goodness! An Oxygen crew’s been following me around for the past three months now. We’re taping a concert in New York next week. It’s nice to have the opportunity to perform material from the new record.
It’s really important music to you, right?
Yeah! In comparison to stuff that I’ve done previously, it’s night and day. It’s such a different experience being onstage, singing such personal music.
You’ve really grown with each album.
Of course! I think we’re all constantly evolving as people, and it’s nice to be allowed the opportunity to let that show through in my music.
Where did the name Wild Hope come from?
It’s my favorite song on the record, and I just loved the two words together. I thought it was quite fitting—it’s a pretty melancholy record at times, but I feel like it has this thread of hope throughout.
Do you have a wildest hope of your own?
Making this record was mine…as of yet. [Laughs]
You recorded it in a remote house with some crazy goings-on—ghosts stealing your panties, bear cubs chasing you on hikes. How was that?
Being there, in Woodstock, made the record what it is. It’s part of the album. I almost feel like you can hear it. I listen to the record and I feel it: fall and Woodstock and the leaves changing and that chill in the air.
It’s a nice snapshot of your life right now.
Oh, completely! It’s the perfect time capsule.
You spent a lot of time alone working on it—is that something you like to do?
Yeah! I never used to enjoy my alone time, but now I crave it every day. It’s wonderful to have friends and family around, but I realized I need to be introspective and quiet and let all the outside noise calm down.
Is it true you use your celebrity to cut in lines at amusement parks?!
[Laughs] Yes! But with my head down, of course. I’m an Orlando girl, so this theme park obsession is bred into us.
Did you ever see Final Destination 3?
No, I didn’t. Why?
Bad things happen on a roller coaster, Mandy. Baaaaad things.
So maybe I shouldn’t see it! I like my theme parks too much!
You were on The Simpsons playing Tabitha Vixx, who can’t stop pole dancing.
I was! I was playing this slutty pop star.
And that’s a stretch?
It’s very different from who I am! [Laughs] But she had a heart of gold.
Especially when she cooed the national anthem while humping the pitcher’s mound, right?
Yes!
Wanna change your name to Tabitha Vixx?
“Mandy Moore” always felt like it rolled off the tongue pretty okay.
You’re in License To Wed with John Krasinski, aka "Jim," The Office's dreamboat. How could you do that to Pam?
If you’re a fan of John’s, you want to see him find success on the big screen, too. He’ll always have Pam. I’m not trying to take her place by any means.
I know you’ve moved on from your teen-pop past, but if I threw on a glitter wig, would you let me lip-synch “Candy”?
Oh, my God! [Laughs]
“You know who you are. Your love’s as sweet as candy. I’ll be forever yours. Love always, Mandy. I mean Jonathan.”
I would love to see a full performance of that. I give my blessing, and I just want to be invited to a performance—that’s all I ask!
How does Ms. Moore beat the blues?
Retail therapy always helps! [Laughs] Again, taking a little time, lighting a candle, listening to music. Maybe taking a bath.
Does it make you proud to have this special, where you’re singing your words, your music, and giving fans a glimpse into your real, not-polished, not-perfect life?
Yeah! It’s just a really interesting and cool time in my life to document. If for nothing else than for selfish purposes, so I can look back and go, “Wow, I can’t believe I did all that at the beginning of 2007!”
Last question, MM. My fave song on your album goes, “And now I’m ready to be…extraordinary.” How would you advise our gay readers to be extraordinary?
Embrace who you are. That’s what the song is to me: embrace who you are. Don’t make apologies for it. Live it.
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I Am Mandy Moore airs Tuesday, August 14, at 10:30 p.m. on Oxygen. Wild Hope is available now.
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Instinct Online 
written by me! on December 13, 2007
i love you mandy moore
you are the best!!
^_^!!