Avril Lavigne, the Canadian singer-songwriter, is not dead despite persistent rumors that circulated online. The speculation emerged from a conspiracy theory claiming she had been replaced by a look-alike named Melissa Vandella. However, evidence from interviews conducted between 2002 and 2003 supports the fact that Lavigne had always intended to change her style.

During this period, Lavigne openly discussed her desire to evolve musically and experiment with different genres. In an interview with Blender magazine in 2002, she expressed her intention to explore various styles, including pop and punk.

Lavigne stated that she wanted to "try new things" and evolve as an artist.

Additionally, in a 2003 interview with MTV online, Lavigne acknowledged that her image and music were evolving, stating, "I'm just trying to grow as an artist and […] as a person." She emphasized her desire to progress and evolve without feeling constrained by her initial image as a punk-rock artist.

These interviews provide substantial evidence debunking the conspiracy theory that Lavigne had been replaced. They demonstrate her awareness of her evolving musical style and her desire to explore new genres, contradicting the notion that any significant change in her appearance or music was an indication of a different person.

Conclusively, the claims suggesting Avril Lavigne's death and her replacement with Melissa Vandella are unfounded. The interviews from 2002 to 2003 present a clear understanding of Lavigne's intention to change her style and evolve as an artist, dispelling the rumors and affirming that the Avril Lavigne we know today is indeed the same person.