When we left off, Jesse had already released his first and second albums, "Beautiful Soul", which has currently sold over 1.5 million copies, and "Right Where You Want Me", which was released in 2006. “[Right Where You Want Me was] a step forward from "Beautiful Soul",” Jesse said. “The songs aren’t trying to be something they aren’t. Of course, some tracks are personal experiences that I’d like to share…things that everybody goes through. I hope listeners can see the progress from the first record, but that it’s still my sound.” During this time, he did various shows in Europe and the United States to promote his sophomore album, and also won the Kids’ Choice Award for “Favorite Male Singer”.

Jesse McCartney

In 2007, Jesse ventured into the movie and television industry again. He provided the voice for the adorable chipmunk character Theodore in the movie Alvin and the Chipmunks. Disney Channel shows “Hannah Montana” and “The Suite Life of Zack and Cody” also gave Jesse a chance to show off his acting abilities, giving him the chance to work with Miley Cyrus, Emily Osment, Cole Sprouse, Dylan Sprouse, Ashley Tisdale, and Brenda Song. Jesse also won the Radio Disney Music Award for “Best Male Singer”. While working in the studio for his third album, Jesse had a chance to show off his song writing talents again. He wrote songs for other artists, including one of 2007 and 2008’s biggest songs “Bleeding Love” with Ryan Tedder (from the band OneRepublic). The hit song was picked as the first single for Britain’s “X-Factor” (the U.K. version of “American Idol”) winner Leona Lewis. “It was very intense for me as a songwriter…to have it be such a huge success. It has certainly encouraged me to write more for other artists,” Jesse said.

Jesse McCartney

2008 is going to be another big year for Jesse. Along with voicing movie characters JoJo McDodd in Horton Hears a Who!, Lucky in Unstable Fables: 3 Pigs & A Baby, Terence in Tinkerbell (two of which have yet to be released), and acting in the movie The Hardy Boys: The Hidden Theft as Frank Hardy, Jesse recorded his third album titled "Departure". This album was released on May 20, 2008 in the U.S. and Canada, and was released in the U.K. on June 16, 2008. “The record is called ‘Departure’ for a number of reasons,” Jesse says. “There have been departures in my career, in my personal life. I’ve learned a lot since doing my first couple of records. Departure has a little more of a mature sound than what my fans previously heard from me, but this is the road that I’m on right now and it’s the road that I believe they’ll join with me! I spent over a year on [it] and I’m thrilled with how it turned out. Departure represents a new start for me, a new sound, and this is a part of me the fans haven’t been exposed to yet.” The first single off of the album is titled “Leavin’”, and has become increasingly popular on the radio airwaves.

Jesse McCartney

Jesse had a chance to work with many famous music producers for Departure, such as J.R. Rotem and The Dream. “When it was time to do my third album, I wanted people to see another side of me,” says Jesse. “I wanted the record to have a little retro hint sonically but with a contemporary feel. I recorded my first solo album when I was sixteen. A lot has happened since then, and this new album reflects my experiences growing up over the past couple of years. I hope when my fans see how much I embrace this different side of me musically, their ears will adjust!” Jesse jokes.

Even though Jesse is celebrity, he still has his embarrassing moments! “About [2 years] ago, I was onstage and my belt broke so my pants fell to the floor in front of 5,000 people!” Jesse said. “I had underwear on, but still! Everybody was laughing, and there were a couple of people who snapped photos at just the right time!”

A still from the 'Leavin'' Music Video

Jesse also has good news for the ladies who love him. “I’m single for the first time in a long time. I’ve really, really liked girls for a really, really long time,” he says grinning. “Last summer, I was in Italy and fell in love with a girl [named] Anna-Paola, who didn’t speak a word of English. We both just understood what was going on. I still get texts from Anna-Paola. They’re sent through one of those translating websites, so she types it to me in Italian and it comes to me in garbled English. ‘Hi Jesse. I is Paola.’ It doesn’t always make sense but it’s cute and always makes me smile.” Any advice for girls? “It’s hard for guys to just open up. But the other day I was on the phone with this girl, and the way she was sharing her life made me want to share a little bit of mine. I felt like, ‘wow, she’s really opening up to me—we’re at the same level now.’”

Being a star, Jesse has to deal with the negative side of the press—gossip. “I let people believe what they want to believe,” he says. “And if it’s the truth, I’ll tell them it’s the truth. I hate gossip, but that’s just the way the world is. There are people I don’t necessarily agree with but I won’t talk about them. There are just some things you should keep to yourself. I certainly don’t wan to be known for talking trash about people.”

Jesse performing at the 15th Annual EIF Revlon Run/Walk for Women

How has worldwide fame affected the 21-year-old star in a positive way? “I don’t think fame is something you ever get used to! In the beginning it was very strange and awkward. But you kind of grow into it—you have no choice. It’s been surreal, going to countries where people know me, know my parents’ names, even know my pet’s name!” Jesse says jokingly. “I’ve loved all the places I’ve been but one of my favorites is Italy because it’s a very romantic country. And Japan is so futuristic. Traveling worldwide has definitely been a life changing learning experience. The last five years [of my life] have been a whirlwind. I feel like I’ve dealt with it well because I’ve had so much support, especially from my family. I can never take credit for all that’s happened in my career because I couldn’t have done it on my own—my fans all over the world have been so loyal over the years. Music really is my passion and I’m ready to get out there and share it!”

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