As Heroes’ indestructible cheerleader, Hayden Panettiere has charmed audiences with her mix of vulnerable sweetness and plucky courage. After the long-awaited finale of the series, the youngster looks back on her year in the spotlight.

Young, talented and blessed with billowing blonde locks, 17-year-old Hayden Panettiere has it all. Now, thanks to her role as invincible cheerleader Claire Bennet in the hit series Heroes, she also has a near-rabid fan base.

Given her button-nosed cuteness and preternatural confidence, the New York native seemed destined for a career on the screen.

At age five, she was starring in the soap One Life to Live and later graduated to supporting roles in the films Remember the Titans, The Affair of the Necklace and Raising Helen.

Fans of Ally McBeal may also remember her 11-episode stint as Calista Flockhart’s long-lost daughter. Next month, the youngster will make the leap from TV icon to pop star when she releases her debut album, Fallen Love.

In this interview, Panettiere opens up about her Heroes character, the demands of work and growing up in the public eye. 

Can Claire be killed?

This question has never really been answered. I think that she is indestructible. She can jump off the highest building. She could go through choppers and she'd be fine. In general, she is indestructible, unless someone discovers her Achilles’ heel.

Your character has sparked a renewed interest in cheerleading. How do you feel about that?

It’s fun and very cool. I have a newfound respect for cheerleading after doing Bring in On: All or Nothing (a direct-to-DVD sequel to the Kirsten Dunst film).

I think the reason why they made Claire the cheerleader is because you needed her to be a normal teenage girl. Teenagers, especially girls, can relate to Claire. She has become an amazing role model and I think our show has become a great metaphor for people. 

How has the success of this show affected your life?

It’s always great to be a role model and have people look up to you. However, I am constantly being watched. At the end of the day, I am still a normal teenage girl who’s making mistakes and trying to find where I am as a person. It’s hard when pressure restricts your way of living and people see you as a flawless person.

You’re releasing an album soon. How do you find time for everything?

You can do it if you want to. It’s difficult trying to balance work and personal life and school. It’s all about time management. I’ve got some incredible people working with me on my schedule and they make it pretty easy.

What’s next for you?

I just finished a movie with Julia Roberts, Willem Dafoe, Emily Watson, and Ryan Reynolds called Fireflies in the Garden. It is an independent film that is directed by Dennis Lee. It’s going to be an incredible film.