Mandy Moore

Mandy Moore: I Feel Good About Myself

By Bethany Lye

Originally posted Friday May 04, 2007 10:15 AM EDT

Mandy Moore Photo by: Kevin Winter / Getty

Mandy Moore's life is about to get hectic: Her new album, Wild Hope, debuts next month and her latest film, License to Wed, hits theaters in early July. But she's making time for a good cause.

On Saturday, Moore, 23, will perform her new single, "Extraordinary," at the Entertainment Industry Foundation's Revlon Run/Walk for Women in New York City.

The singer-actress talked with PEOPLE about her music, finding herself and putting her fame to good use:

What is your single, "Extraordinary," about?
This song is my own way of standing up straight and admitting that I feel good about myself and not apologizing for it. In hindsight, it was such a self-serving idea. I had no idea that others would hear the song and find inspiration from it. I'm excited about that.

Do you mean you feel good about your body and looks?
I have my doubts, not about my body image necessarily, but about my overall image of myself. The song came at a really critical time when I was asking myself, "Am I really doing what I love? Am I living to my full potential?"

And what did you decide?
I've grown up a lot in the last year, and I'm still growing up. I want to continue to be happy and healthy. I want my music to reach as many people as possible and be accepted as a musician – not just as an actress. I'm concentrating now on giving 100 percent – going full tilt – and really enjoying this time in my life.

Are you going to participate in the Revlon Run/Walk for Women or just perform?
I can't participate in the event because I fractured my ankle. So unless I can hobble the 5K, I think I'll be sitting this one out.

The event raises money for women's cancers. Does this issue affect you personally?
Well – knock on wood – no. It's not something that I've experienced immediately or personally. [The event organizers] approached me and said they liked my song. I've never attended the Run/Walk before, but I'm expecting it will be inspiring.

Do you think of charity appearances as part of your job?
No. [But] I think it's important to use the power of the spotlight for good. I feel more comfortable doing this than walking down a red carpet for an event.