Watching "The Ashlee Simpson Show," it is easy to dismiss her on-again off-again boyfriend Ryan Cabrera [ tickets ] as another singer manufactured for the reality-show world. The MTV show has aired snippets of his performances that make gauging his talent difficult.

However, on Wednesday (3/30) at Tempe, AZ's Marquee Theatre, Cabrera exuded personality, charm and talent during a one-hour set of mid-tempo, teen-themed songs. His voice was studio-ready, oscillating between falsetto and soprano on songs like "True," from his debut "Take It All Away."

Cabrera ably played up to his audience of teenage and college-aged girls, some of whom mimicked Simpson by wearing their dark hair in a shag. He talked about dressing up for the occasion (he wore a long-sleeved, button-down shirt, tie, and pants), and frequently mentioned that he wanted to get to know his audience.

"I did, in fact, come dressed to impress tonight. I was trying to look sharp for you all," he said to the crowd, which included a fair amount of parents accompanying their children. "... Here's what I like about playing shows: I can share some stories and talk a bit. I want to get to know each of you. Step one is you all came. So now you're all my peeps."

Cabrera innocently boasted of his overdose on Skittles, which made him jittery ("I'm a little hyper tonight and I apologize in advance.") and a wedgie that his brother gave him as a child. He also admitted his love of Strawberry Shortcake dolls and G.I. Joe while growing up.

Much of his between-song banter was drowned out by the screams of teenage girls, who stayed for the entire show even though it ran close to 10 p.m. on a school night. Fans clearly studied the album thoroughly, singing along with the lyrics to nearly every song.

He paid homage to pop culture in segments throughout the performance. Before he launched into set-opener "Let's Take Our Time," Michael Jackson's "Bad" blared through the speakers. Cabrera acknowledged Franz Ferdinand with a few licks during "Shame on Me." "Echo Park" segued into Paula Abdul's "Straight Up," allowing Cabrera and his drummer to mock boy bands with an upbeat, comical dance number. He copped a Seth Cohenism--from Fox-TV's "The O.C.," for those not in the know--by using the made-up word "redunkulous." Backed by a six-piece band, including a saxophonist, Cabrera also honored his "idol" Paul Simon with a tepid cover of "Call Me Al."

He spoke of his admiration for Goo Goo Dolls singer Johnny Rzeznik, with whom he collaborated on "Illusions." And he cited his love of God as being the inspiration behind his breakthrough hit "On the Way Down."

Those in the audience who wanted Cabrera to talk about Simpson did not get their wish. He made vague references to an ex-girlfriend during newly penned songs "Last Night" and "With You Gone," but did not specifically name her.

Though he's clearly distraught over this unnamed love of his, he's not likely to remain single for long. Any of the girls in this audience would've gladly claimed him.

Set list:
"Let's Take Our Time"
"Shame on Me"
"40 Kinds"
"Illusions"
"Last Night"
"Echo Park"
"Call Me Al"
"She's"
"With You Gone"
"On the Way Down"

(encore)
"True"
"Exit 2 Exit"