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Ashlee Simpson is (somehow) on the rise.

In the last year, the 22-year-old Ashlee Simpson girlified her look, got a nose job, had a successful run as Roxie Hart in Chicago, and went from America’s Backup Simpson to Favorite Simpson.

Which is some feat, considering her sister dates John Mayer. Anyway.

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In the May issue of Harper’s Bazaar, the quote-unquote singer, whose third album is coming out this fall, finally addresses the nose job and plastic surgery rumors, as well as the criticism that she’s copping Jessica’s style, and also dispenses advice for troubled stars like Britney Spears. Here are some of the excerpts. 

On growing up:
“I’ve definitely learned a lot and grown up a lot in the past few years. I’m at peace on the inside. I’m at a really good place.”

On her Saturday Night Live fiasco:
“I’m definitely okay with my awkward moments. I’m one of those people who gets knocked down, and it won’t stop me. You kind of learn to be a fighter – but, truly, in my heart, I don’t feel like I have anything to prove to anyone.”

THG NOTE: What about Pete Wentz? Don’t you want to impress him?

On living in the public eye:
“I don’t get bothered by people saying what they say. I’m a happy person, and I’m happy with my looks. Everybody always has an opinion. One minute they’ll love you; one minute they’ll hate you. When you go home to sleep at night, [the important thing] is to feel good about yourself. And I do.”

On changing her look and her rumored plastic surgery:
“I loved how I looked. I’m not an insecure person, nor was I before. It’s a personal choice. I believe if somebody chooses to do plastic surgery, it [should be] for yourself. No one else.”

On her style:
“You know, I was never a dress person, but now, if I’m going to an event, I like to put one on. I have to feel comfortable no matter what. I love Alexander McQueen, and, oh, gosh, I love them all — Fendi, Chanel.”

On how her style differs from that of Jessica Simpson:
“We like some of the same designers, but we wear clothes differently. Oh, God, how do I say this? Jessica likes to be very put together, and I like something to always be a little off, whether my shoes don’t match or something like that.”

On criticism she’s trying to look more like Jessica Simpson:
“Of course I look like her. She’s my sister. It’s like, God, please! We think it’s quite funny.”

On criticism that her father, Joe Simpson, is an inappropriate stage dad:
“People have the wrong perception of him, because he is a wonderful man. He would never hurt a fly.”

On stars like Britney Spears, who are publicly battling their demons:
“I think that they should probably move out of L.A., to tell you the truth. I think that their parents need to help them.”

THG NOTE: Score one for Jamie Spears!

On her rumored hookup with Ryan Phillippe:
“That was absolutely not true. I’m pretty sure I [went home] that night with my friend Nicole. I’m pretty sure we went to Taco Bell… can I not even talk to a guy?”

THG NOTE: Not if it’s a member of our staff.