By Kati Johnston
Special to MSN Entertainment

Dear Britney/Lindsay/Jessica and the rest of you-know-who-you-are:

Stop, take a deep breath, finish rehab if applicable--and notice the career trajectory of Mandy Moore. Moore is the shining example of how to grow up not only gracefully, but powerfully, in Young Hollywood. Her music (especially on her fabulous brand-new CD, "Wild Hope") and her film and TV career have shown wise, thoughtful choices. And her notable absence from the nightlife scene shows not only that nice girls can succeed--brilliantly--but that those evening hours partying can be better spent on something that Moore clearly does, like, say, intelligent songwriting. So, with Mandy as our example, let's look at the right way to build a Hollywood career.

1. Study your artistic heroes. The best way to leave your bubblegum past behind (Brit, are you listening?), is to focus on your own idols in the music biz. Mandy's admitted admiring alt-folk types like Jeff Buckley and the Weepies. Which has clearly shaped her growth in musical attitude. Suddenly, Mandy's got an edgy, adult sound that has lifted her away from the pack.
2. Pick your acting roles wisely. Mandy's managed to shine in virtually every film she's been in, and was the sole reason to see "Because I Said So." She's growing as an accomplished comedian, and can hold her own against vets like Diane Keaton, and, in her forthcoming "License to Wed," against Robin Williams and "The Office's" John Krasinski.
3. Play to your voice's strengths. Mandy's voice is sweet and strong, with just enough edge to make you listen twice. She's concentrated on her delicious delivery. Her new CD, "Wild Hope," has critics comparing her to the likes of Sarah McLachlan and Dar Williams. That's what happens when you set your sights higher than, say, remaking "These Boots Were Made for Walkin'".
4. When all else fails, be classy. Face it: have you ever seen Mandy look anything less than stunning and poised? A willowy gorgeous brunette in a sea of lookalike blondes, she's got a great sense of style and has managed to steer clear of bad extensions, shaved body parts, bare feet at the gas-station bathroom, public tattoo incidents, and ripped fishnets.
5. Be yourself. And that doesn't mean just in your everyday life--Mandy is comfortable in her own skin and radiates complete confidence, even if she still wrestles, as she told the Associated Press earlier this year, with the blues. It's common for young people, of course; but as experienced by Mandy, it doesn't involve heavy acting out in the form of wild partying, bad boyfriend choices, or stripper poles.
6. Be yourself, part two. One of our favorite Mandy projects in the past couple of years was her ongoing role on the satiric "Entourage" on HBO--playing herself. It's easy to see how heartthrob Vinnie Chase would carry a torch for the darling Mandy. Now, she was playing herself playing herself, which by the way, isn't as easy as Mandy made it look.
7. Make a statement. Moore's new album has critics dizzy with appreciation, and her first single, "Extraordinary," gives us a taste of what's to come. When she sings, "I was a starling, nobody's darling / Now I'm ready to be extraordinary," we may not totally buy the first part of that sentiment--but we totally believe the second part.
8. Use the small screen to your advantage. Moore's TV appearances have been among her biggest hits, from "The Simpsons" to "Scrubs" (too bad about her and Zach not working out, though--weren't they a cute couple?), to the aforementioned "Entourage." This is just how to build on small but high-impact cameos as she forges her film career.
9. No! Reality! Shows! Ever! Moore's been way too smart to stoop to this, and in fact skewered the genre in the big-screen "American Dreamz," which we'd have loved for the soundtrack alone. The heartbreaking "Mommy Don't Drink Me to Bed Tonight" showcases Moore's natural country inflections and is reminiscent of a young Alison Krauss.
10. Keep your eyes on the prize. Building your career project by project, step by step, out of the spotlight when at all possible--this is just how Mandy Moore has grown from young pop star to all-grown-up edgy singer-songwriter. So, Young Hollywood, watch Mandy and learn. Meanwhile, we're going to go listen to her new CD again. Extraordinary, indeed!

Kati Johnston is a freelance writer specializing in entertainment, and is a frequent contributor to MSN.com: kati.johnston@comcast.net

Mandy Moore in Concert | More artists on MSN Music in Concert