The music biz being what it is, Bonnie McKee is in something of a Skylar Grey situation. Having penned a slew of pop hits, including five #1 smashes (four for bestie Katy Perry), the singer-songwriter is stepping out from behind the scenes and hoping to make a name for herself as a solo artist.

Produced by Dr. Luke and co-written by McKee and Max Martin, “American Girl” is the lead single from her as-yet-untitled sophomore album due later this year (McKee’s debut album, Trouble, was released in 2004). Since she’s certainly no household name among the masses, McKee has enlisted an army of her more famous pals to compile a lip-dub video to introduce “American Girl.” While the move will no doubt earn the clip some buzz — ahem, this post — appearing alongside such an all-star cast (Perry, Adam Lambert, Carly Rae Jepsen, KISS, Jewel, etc.) could very well have the effect of keeping McKee in the shadows a while longer. (Maybe the idea is to have hers be the only unrecognizable face, besides Joan Rivers’, in the “American Girl” parade?)

But packing such a spectacularly crafted song in her pocket (and pal Perry on extended break), I can’t imagine the summer sun not shining brightly upon McKee. Finally on her way to dominating radio and the charts under her own name, McKee’s an American girl who long ago made good but continues to strive for something even bigger.

Free download of Bonnie McKee – “American Girl” via her website.