Driven: In NYC Avril began writing with songwriter Peter Zizzo, while Avril’s video demo caught the attention of the president of Arista Records, L.A. Reid. An exclusive showcase was soon set up which impressed LA Reid enough to offer Avril a recording contract. At the age of 16, Avril began work on her debut CD for Arista Records. Lavigne plunged into the creative process, but unfortunately the initial effort didn't take. Although she was working nonstop, she was dissatisfied with the results. Avril then moved to Los Angeles and the city gave her the fresh start she needed. She hooked up with producer/songwriter Cliff Magness. With Magness and a production team called the Matrix, Lavigne's studio work started to bloom. From that point on the recording of the album became a breakthrough experience for Avril. She had a new band and had found her voice. In June 2002, Avril Lavigne released "Let Go". It was a huge success. Eventually selling over 5 million copies on the strength of 3 singles "Complicated," "Sk8terBoi" and "I'm With You". She won "Best New Artist in a Video" at the 2002 MTV Video Music awards, spotlighting the public's new affinity for skater-girl punk instead of bubblegum pop. Her new found punk-inspired style caught on with her fans as many young girls began to wear her signature dark eye-makeup, undershirt and a neck-tie. She went on major tour, performing to sold out audiences across North America. And perhaps the highest compliment was her 5 Grammy nominations, including Song of the Year "Complicated." Avril was not only a star, she was a pop culture icon.

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Biography, Documentary, Music