by Korin Miller

At 19, Deborah Gibson, has it all- two hit records, a popular perfume and an ASCAP award for Songwriter of the Year. Since then, she's shed her girly name (it's Deborah now), worked her way through Broadway, glided through "Skating with Celebrities" and has big plans to take over Las Vegas- she's just not talking details yet. We caught up with the Long Island native to see what's shaking in her world (besides your love.)

Why do you now go by Deborah?

From the minute I shook someone's hand and said "Hi, I'm Debbie," I wanted to change it back. I kind of felt that I may as well have said my name was Penelope or Ronald McDonald. I may change it back yet again. For some reason, people are uncomfortable with full names. People say to me, do you mind if I call you Debbie? I say sure, but it will seem like you don't know me very well.

Do you prefer performing on Broadway to just plain singing?

I never divided my career into segments [and] I never want to be reliant on one area. Theater is great for keeping up your chops in an area where it's appreciated. It's nice to be amongst people that demand excellence, but it's great to have the freedom of a pop audience. It's like the yin and the yang for me.

Why do you think so many former child stars have problem these days?

I think the focus has shifted. It's hard to tell which came first: The media influencing how kids think or how [stars] were raised. Kids now grow up thinking, "I want to be a star." They don't have a love of any particulaar craft. It's so backwards. A lot of artists don't have people around them who respect their emotions as human beings.

Is the paparazzi situation better or worse today?

It definitely is worse now. My street had to be closed off on my high school graduation day and my prom day, but it wasn't as crazy as it is here [in Los Angeles].

Do you ever whip out a copy of "Out of the Blue" at home and sing along?

No! [laughs] Honestly, I've been performing those songs so often. I do love performing them, [and] I would never be one of those people who disowns my past. Straight ahead listening to it? No, not so much.

What's next for you?

I'm working on new music. It's kind of pop rock with a theatrical melodic side to it. I'm actually producing my own summer camp out here next year with [acting coach] Howard Fine. I want to instill in kids not only the skills they need and the technique, but I would love to try to instill that kind of mind-body connection in terms of having longevity in the business and not feeling the need to have that mindset where everything is instant.

Deborah Gibson

At B.B. King Blues Club

Sunday 8PM, $30 237 W.

42nd St. 212-997-4144