Ashlee Simpson's Newfound Confidence

Singer-Actress Starred In London Production Of "Chicago" And Is Releasing A New Album

(CBS)  It's been a rocky road for Ashlee Simpson.

Public humiliation on "Saturday Night Live" for lip syncing could have been the end of Simpson's career in showbiz, but it wasn't.

Ultimately, she had two choices - to hide from the spotlight and forget about a career in music, or to re-emerge as a stronger person and give her career another try. So she went with the latter.

With her newfound confidence, positive attitude and new look, Ashlee Simpson graces the cover of CosmoGIRL!'s December/January issue and is featured as a winner of CosmoGIRL!'s 2007 Born to Lead Award. The magazine is available on newsstands now.

The past couple of years have, surprisingly, been an uplifting whirlwind for Simpson. She has astonished many critics in England and abroad with her portrayal of Roxie Hart in the London production of "Chicago."

"There was a time when what people said about me could really get to me. But working on Chicago helped me come into my own," Simpson told CosmoGIRL! "We did 10-hour-a-day rehearsals, 8 shows a week. It was all about going back to my roots - singing, dancing and acting. Theater acting is definitely frightening for me, and after I did that role I felt like I'd accomplished something. It had been a dream of mine ever since I was little, and being able to fulfill it - while playing such a fun, sassy, strong character - was amazing. It taught me to be more comfortable with myself."

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Photos: Ashlee Simpson

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With three hit singles off her album, "I Am Me" to boot, there was a light at the end of the tunnel for Simpson.

She will release her first single, "Outta My Head," on Dec. 11 on her upcoming album.

2Simpson has also been lucky in love with "Fall Out Boy" bassist Pete Wentz, who has been supportive of her success.

"People expected me to do even more of a rock record because of Pete, but I went the opposite direction. This is a fun party album, and I get to be kind of cheeky for the first time - silly and quirky, like my friends and I can be sometimes," Simpson told CosmoGIRL!

Keeping their musical preferences aside, the happy couple makes sure they leave room for exploring their own musical creativity.

"Pete's not on this record at all - we're so different, musically. He likes to do his own thing and I do my own. He listened to it, though, as I was making it, I couldn't not let him listen to it! He's a great sounding board and very supportive. Pete and I compliment each other. We are best friends and we encourage each other," Simpson revealed to CosmoGIRL! "I think that is so important in any relationship - it builds a solid foundation."