TORONTO -- Snarled traffic tried the patience of a mall full of screaming Avril Lavigne fans.

"It's taking so long. I've been here since seven this morning and I really want to see Avril," said 9-year-old Courtney Bruce, of Windsor, one of hundreds of antsy fans waiting for the superstar, who was nearly an hour late.

She was due at 4:30 p.m. for her free show at Fairview Mall yesterday, part of a shopping mall tour through the U.S and Canada.

But the fans quickly forgave the tiny Napanee native when she walked on stage with guitarist Evan Taubenfeld at 5:24 p.m.

The anticipation erupted into high-pitched screams and squeals as the 19-year-old began to sing.

Lavigne launched into Don't Tell Me, a song from her upcoming album Under My Skin.

"I love you, Avril," screamed 21-year-old Victoria Ferrari, an ardent fan who flew in from Tucson, Ariz., to hear Avril sing at Fairview and then at the CHUM-TV building .

Ferrari has followed Avril to New York, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Chicago and Detroit -- and was even pulled up out of the crowd once to sing on stage with her idol.

But she doesn't call herself a groupie.

"I don't like that word. I'm a dedicated fan," she said. "She's the real thing. She's herself, she's not trying to be anyone else, like Britney."

The fans -- most in their teens or younger -- cheered through Avril's three new songs, but the truly ear-shattering squeals were reserved for the classics, like Sk8er boi and Complicated.

Teenyboppers aren't Avril's only fans.

Nancy Bruce, who travelled from Windsor, had been waiting patiently since 7 a.m. with her granddaughter. "You know what? I actually like her," Bruce said. "She's a great kid, but then again she is Canadian."

Avril wrapped up after six songs and left -- disappointing fans who wanted autographs.

"She usually gives autographs," said Lauren McBride, 15. "Last time she was here she stayed for an hour. But she's a real role model for all of us because she stays herself."

Not everyone was thrilled with the show.

"She looked really thin and not very happy to be there. She didn't talk to the crowd really," said student Andres Lopez, 21.

"But her voice is still really powerful."