Avril in Mexico behind-the-scenes special airs tonight on MTV.

Avril Lavigne clearly wants to present a softer image to the world.

Now, we have to acknowledge that the one time we personally interviewed Canada's pop-punk princess, she was friendly and insightful. That said, it's no secret that Lavigne has been caught a few times over the years exhibiting some bratty public behaviour, particularly when the paparazzi is annoying her.

Which brings us to Avril in Mexico, a half-hour, behind-the-scenes special that airs tonight on MTV.

Cameras followed Lavigne on a whirlwind trip to Mexico for an awards ceremony and a short series of concerts last October. Obviously, we only get to see what Lavigne and MTV want us to see, but there's no denying that in this case, she comes across as a rather sweet, soft-spoken girl.

There are a couple of cute scenes with Avril and her mom, who made the trip to Mexico, too.

While riding in a limo, the 23-year-old Lavigne lies in her mom's lap and says, "I'm older now and I just want to hang out. Before, I think I was just so happy to get away from home!"

Later, while Lavigne is trying on her dress for the awards ceremony where she is to be a presenter, she expresses a lack of confidence in the garment. The solution? A couple of sticky stars to attach to her breasts, to limit the "fallout" from any unscheduled "wardrobe malfunctions."

"I will be wearing underwear," Lavigne announces. "Aren't you proud of me, mom?"

Mom responds, "Don't you always wear underwear?"

Avril says yes, but mom gazes at the camera with a look that says, "Yeah, right!"

At one point Lavigne arranges a nice dinner with the members of her band, who she admits she doesn't see very often in a social setting. So much for the old image of a musical group spending endless hours together on the road.

Anyway, it's during this dinner that Lavigne is encouraged to try one of the local delicacies. In Canada, this alleged delicacy is more commonly is used to catch fish.

Ugh.

Overall, Avril in Mexico presents Avril in a different light. And we assume that was the point as she ponders the next phase of her career.