Mandy Moore Admits Mediocrity at Singing, Acting

Mandy Moore is her own harshest critic.

Asked in the June issue of Elle if she considers herself a better singer or actress, she says: "I'm mediocre at both. I'm not trying to come across as self-deprecating. I'm just being honest."

The Hollywood Gossip applauds such an attitude. We only hope that Moore's ex, DJ AM (a.k.a. Adam Goldstein), admits he tries to date hot actresses to bolster his own celebrity.

Not that we're being critical. Say what you will, it works. Look at Brody Jenner.

Anyway, Mandy Moore's first album in four years, Wild Hope, hits stores in June. She's quick to play the lowering-expectations game.

"I don't want any expectations," the 23-year-old says.

"I just want people to know that I still sing. Most people don't realize that, or else they hate my music. Rightfully so."

She's blunt when looking back on her image as a '90s-era teen pop star.

"I'm sure I was viewed as the young, untalented one," she says. "Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera had some great pop music. And then there was Jessica Simpson. And then there was me. And that's fine."

THG NOTE: Don't be so hard on yourself, Mandy. We're pretty sure Ashlee Simpson has you beat in the young, untalented department.

Moore has even called her previous albums "trite, blah pop music" - but she chalks it up to the foolishness of youth. "I'm sure other people look back at things they did when they were 15 and go, 'Oh God.' That's how I feel about it. It's embarrassing."

The songs on the new album, however, are raw and deeply personal. Many listeners are bound to assume the lyrics are about her ex, Zach Braff.

Moore has said her split last year with the Scrubs star contributed to an ongoing bout with depression. But in talking to Elle, Moore is diplomatic.

"Out of respect to Zach, who I still consider a friend and care about and support, I have nothing to say about him," she says.

"It just didn't work out."

One thing Mandy Moore is comfortable talking about is her body.

"Sometimes I feel fine. Sometimes I don't feel so great," she says. "I'm a regular person. I'm not that thin. I'm okay with representing a different type that the normal Hollywood beauty ideal."

She says she was once asked to lose weight for a role, an experience she calls "mortifying."

"It's hard to have someone come up and go, 'You should lose a few pounds.' And they don't say it delicately. How can you?"

You hear that, Hilary Duff? Mandy Moore is in your corner. So don't cave under pressure!