Hilary, Britney, Ashlee, Avril and Christina. There are so many of these bubblegum pop tartlets around now they have become a parody of themselves.

Still only 18 years old and with more than 25 film and television appearances, a fashion brand, two albums and a collectors edition out, you would think Hilary Duff is attempting world domination rather than forging a music career.

But Hilary is still one of the lesser lights of teenage airhead pop compared to Britney or Christina, and it showed in her lacklustre performance.

Things did not really get going until mid-set with Mr James Dean, her up-tempo, slightly rockier attempt at serious music which carries more than a nod to boyfriend Joel Madden, lead singer of Good Charlotte.

Hilary rolled around on her back in the middle of the stage, possibly in an attempt to get a better view of the Brighton Centre ceiling, but then atoned somewhat by frolicking to each side of the stage and waving at her fans.

Even then it seemed like Hilary didnt particularly want to be there, which was disappointing because her hugely enthusiastic fanbase of screaming kids and their parents raised the roof for her throughout.

In a blur of flicked blonde hair, clanging guitars and unremarkable performances Hilary unveiled new tunes Do You Want Me and Underneath My Smile, along with the alreadyestablished Beat of My Heart, Fly, So Yesterday and Come Clean taken from current album Most Wanted.

Every five minutes Hilary urged the crowd, which hardly needed much encouragement, to scream louder and thrust glow sticks and mobile phones into the air presumably so she could remind herself just how many people had shelled out £27 or more to see her.

The problem with Hilary is there is very little to distinguish her from all the others other than bringing more guitar rock chords into the mix to accompany her Texas twang.

Still, very little else these days brings parents and their kids together and it was heartwarming to see so many enjoying the spectacle that is Hilary Duff.