LOS ANGELES — With a sound that she describes as "intergalactic-electro music," LIGHTS is ready to take the world by storm at the ripe age of 22. But don't let her age fool you.

"It's easy to misconstrue a young girl singer as a total puppet. I am the opposite of that," says the Canadian star, whose debut album, "The Listening," arrives in stores today.

ASM Rising Star Pick

LIGHTS, born Valerie Poxleitner, has developed plenty of street smarts for someone her age. Born in Timmins, Ontario, she traveled widely during her childhood, living in such locations as the Philippines and Jamaica. As a child always on the go, she leaned on music as a means of finding consistency, first by bonding with a guitar.

HOLLYWOOD, Calif. — After years of navigating through Hollywood, Nichole Hiltz finally hit paydirt when she landed the role of Brandi in the USA Network original series "In Plain Sight."

HOLLYWOOD, Calif. — Robert Buckley is hoping to fill some big shoes.

The 28-year-old actor has joined the cast of "One Tree Hill," according to The Hollywood Reporter. Buckley has a brief history with the network, having also appeared on the fellow CW series "Privileged."

The "Lipstick Jungle" alum joins the CW series during a major transition time, with the recent departures of original cast members Chad Michael Murray and Hilarie Burton.

HOLLYWOOD, Calif. — Lauren Conrad is making another fashion statement.

The 23-year-old fashion designer and star of MTV's "The Hills" is launching a lifestyle apparel brand exclusively for Kohl's, the department chain announced Thursday.