Girl on fire: her look isn't the only thing that's scorching hot. Ashlee Simpsons upcoming album has a sexy new sound, and her attitude--on men, love, career--is bolder than ever. In fact, you won't believe the questions she answered in this interview.(COSMO NEWS: what's sizzling this summer)(Interview)(Cover story)

Beachy blond and supertoned, Ashlee Simpson is the consummate girl of summer. The 22-year-old singer/ actress looks like the kind of chick who belongs on a surfboard in Hawaii ... and it just so happens that's exactly where she's been for the past two weeks.

"I took some me time," Ashlee declares, sitting Indian style in her chair at a Los Angeles photo studio. "I think that's a really important thing to do for yourself, especially in this business. And now I feel like I'm in a really good, positive place in my life."

This sunny outlook is no doubt part of the new and improved Ashlee, which all started with her amazing makeover: She went from raven-haired to golden blond and from punk-rockish to understated chic (today she's wearing skinny jeans, a black-and-white-striped boatneck top, and tall black boots). The most buzzed about change is her profile (Ashlee has never officially confirmed or denied having surgery). "I feel very confident with the way I look," she says. "But I felt just as confident the way I looked before. I've always been confident with who I am."

It's easy to see why. Coming off two back-to-back number one albums (Autobiography and I Am Me) and her successful run on the London stage (as Roxie Hart in Chicago), Ashlee's career is on an upswing. These days, she is poring over movie scripts, searching for just the right kind of "small, quirky" part, and in the process of writing and recording her much anticipated third album. Influenced by India.Arie, Tori Amos, and Fiona Apple, this one will have a more soulful sound than her previous records have had and will reflect her newfound maturity as both a person and an artist. "I'm in a stronger place now," she explains. "I'm coming into my womanhood, and it's changing my music." Another new element: Her lyrics will be lighter on guy angst ... or at least she hopes that will be the case. "This record is not like 'I didn't steal your boyfriend' or anything like that. But who knows what's going to happen in the next few months. I'll probably have my heart broken and then end up with one of those kinds of songs on there," she says.

Ashlee's had no shortage of relationships over the past few years. Since splitting with her most recent beau, bandmate Braxton Olita, this past September, she was linked to Fall Out Boy's Pete Wentz over the winter. She says she's on the lookout for a good man ... and is convinced that, ultimately, she'll have to dip outside the incestuous Tinseltown dating pool to find one. "It's really hard for me to like Hollywood-type guys," she says. "I like guys who are relaxed and chill and who think I'm sexy no matter what I do. And I like guys who are into surfing. They're cute and seem more laidback, and I'm a pretty laid-back person."

For the time being, Ashlee's loving being single--hitting the town with her big group of girlfriends (two of them are childhood pals from Dallas) and spending time with her sister, whom she says she's closer to than ever. After living with Jessica for the past three months, she's moving into a new house with her assistant/best friend, Nicole, and decorating it is at the top of her to-do list. "My bedroom is supersexy," Ashlee reveals. "I have a big red light and a fireplace by my bed. I have no one to share my bedroom with, but when he comes along, he'll be a lucky man!"

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