Singing And Acting Sensation Mandy Moore To Host The Television Special “The WB Presents: Teen People’s `What’s Next’”

(November 8, 2001 – Burbank, CA) — Seventeen-year-old singing and acting sensation Mandy Moore (“The Princess Diaries,” hit single “Candy”) has been named as host of the one-hour special “THE WB PRESENTS: TEEN PEOPLE’S ‘WHAT‘S NEXT.’” The special, which will be broadcast on Monday, November 26 (9:00-10:00 p.m. ET), features the brightest young stars of television, film and music to keep an eye on in 2002. Moore, whose debut single “Candy” sold half a million copies, recently released her self-titled third album. The pop star is also making a successful transition to acting. After appearing in “The Princess Diaries” this summer, Moore will star as a leukemia victim in “A Walk to Remember” on the big screen in early 2002 opposite Shane West and Darryl Hannah. The “WHAT’S NEXT” television special, created by The WB Network and Teen People magazine, will feature in-depth interviews, live musical performances and a rare behind-the-scenes look at the lives of some of breakthrough up-and-comers for 2002 tapped by the magazine. Some of the talents include actors Eddie Cahill (“Friends,” “Felicity,” “Glory Days”), Ashton Kutcher (“That ‘70s Show”), James King (“Pearl Harbor“) and Hayden Christensen (Anakin Skywalker in “Star Wars, Episode II: Attack of the Clones,” “Life as a House”). The musicians profiled include Ja Rule (“Pain Is Love”), Alicia Keys (“Songs in A Minor”), Nelly Furtado (“I'm Like A Bird") and Craig David (“Fill Me In”), among others. “WHAT’S NEXT” will also include live performances from Alicia Keys, Craig David and Ja Rule. This is Teen People’s third annual “What’s Next” issue, predicting the hottest stars who will break out the following year. Last year’s list included musical sensation Destiny’s Child, whose smash hit album “Survivor” jumped to the top of the charts, as well as rapper Nelly and singer Pink. The special double issue (December/January) hit newsstands this week and features a special flip cover with musicians on one side and actors on the other. Some of the hot faces featured in the television special are listed below: Ja Rule – A Def Jam recording artist, Ja Rule followed up his first number one single “Livin' It Up” with a new hit “Pain Is Love.” He was also recently cast to co-star opposite Steven Seagal in the heist thriller “Half Past Dead.” Alicia Keys – This classically trained pianist created a unique blend of urban R&B, hip-hop and blues on her J Records hit debut “Songs in A Minor.” Craig David – With his smooth R&B style, the 20-year-old artist’s first album from Atlantic “Born to Do It” earned numerous awards and included the hit single “Fill Me In.” He recently began recording his second album. Nelly Furtado – Furtado’s debut album “Whoa, Nelly,” which included the hit single “I'm Like A Bird,” soared to the top of the charts. It introduced audiences to her contemporary urban sounds and secured her place among music’s hottest new artists. Her second single, “Turn Out the Lights,” was recently released. James King – This former top model made the successful transition to acting this summer when she appeared in the feature films “Pearl Harbor” and “Blow.” She will also be seen in the upcoming features “Slackers” and “Lone Star State of Mind.” Ashton Kutcher – Best known as the not-so-bright Michael Kelso on “That ‘70s Show,” this former Calvin Klein model also had a starring role in the feature “Dude, Where’s My Car?” last spring. His next film project is the romantic comedy “The Guest.” Hayden Christensen – The 20-year-old relatively unknown actor will soon be a household name playing the lead role, Anakin Skywalker, in the eagerly anticipated second and third installments of the “Star Wars” prequel movies. He currently stars on the big screen opposite Kevin Kline in “Life as a House.” Eddie Cahill – Best known to television audience’s as Rachel’s younger boyfriend on “Friends” and a gun-wielding drug addict on “Felicity,” Cahill is set to star in The WB’s midseason drama series “Glory Days” from Kevin Williamson (“Scream,” “Dawson’s Creek”). Other break-outs highlighted in the show: actress Lauren Ambrose, the red-headed star of HBO’s “Six Feet Under"; actress Taryn Manning who is set to star in “White Oleander" opposite Michelle Pfeiffer and Renee Zellweger; musicians include Michelle Branch (“Everywhere"), Alien Ant Farm (cover version of Michael Jackson’s “Smooth Criminal”), Blu Cantrell (“Hit ‘Em Up Style (Oops!)”), and N.E.R.D. (“In Search Of…”). “THE WB PRESENTS: TEEN PEOPLE’S ‘WHAT‘S NEXT’” is produced by Teen People magazine in collaboration with Kanpai Pictures. Andee Kuroda and Jay Karas serve as executive producers. Teen People, a National Magazine Award winner for General Excellence, is the first pop culture magazine for guys and girls that focuses on stars, style and substance. With an editorial mix covering celebrities and entertainment, fashion/beauty and real teens and their accomplishments, Teen People has become one of the fastest growing launches in publishing history. Launched in January 1998, with a guaranteed circulation of 500,000, Teen People increased the guarantee to 1.6 million with its February 2001 issue. # # #