Jesse McCartney happy with music success

NEW YORK, Aug. 17 (UPI) -- Former "All My Children" actor Jesse McCartney says he is pleased to have surprised so many people with his song-writing skills.

The singer, who will perform at Nokia Theatre Times Square in New York Tuesday, said he was happy to have shocked those who never anticipated such a "drastic change" from the young actor-singer, Newsday reported Sunday.

"Yeah, there was a lot of shock value," McCartney said. "I know no one expected such a drastic change like this from me. But you have to go with your heart."

Since his initial pop success with the 2004 song "Beautiful Soul," McCartney has co-written the Leona Lewis hit song "Bleeding Love" with OneRepublic's Ryan Tedder.

McCartney also has found renewed solo success with songs such as "Leavin'" and its corresponding album, "Departure," which broke into the Top 20 in May.

The 21-year-old singer told Newsday he believes his success results from the honesty behind his works.

"I think people will get behind you as long as you own it and are really honest about it. They can tell if something seems false or forced," he said.