Vanessa Hudgens: Back on Top - Portrait Magazine, August 2009 Issue
Vanessa Hudgens: Back on Top By Diane
Vanessa Hudgens
She's a full out Disney sensation with her role as Gabriella Montez in the hit television and cinematic High School Musical series. Bringing back her singing charm, she outshines us with her role as Sa5m in the upcoming flick Bandslam. She's known by thousands for her acting and singing career, despite previous hardships. Her name is Vanessa Hudgens.
Vanessa in a shoot for 'Self' Magzine
Vanessa Anne Hudgens was born and raised in Salinas, California, though throughout her life, she lived all over the West Coast. At the age of eight, Vanessa learned to sing, act and dance in such musical theatre plays like The Wizard of Oz and The King and I. During her short road to success, Vanessa scored an acting deal with Disney, appearing in such shows like The Suite Life of Zac and Cody as well as a small movie role in Thirteen and Thunderbirds. "My passion is doing movies, and as long as I keep doing that, I'll be happy. I love all of it." Her big break
Vanessa with Megan Fox at the 2009 MTV Movie Awards
dream became a reality shortly after when she was casted with the starring role, Gabriella Montez, in the hit Disney movie, High School Musical. Both the movie and the soundtrack - in which Vanessa contributed - was an obvious succes capturing thousands of young fans. Not only did she find instant success, but also established a music career under Hollywood Records. In September 2006, she released her debut album V, selling 34,000 in its first week. Her first single, Come Back To Me wasn't nearly as successful as Say Ok which certified Gold. V was chosen as the 7th best album by the end of the year.
Vanessa turns the cameras on the Paparazzi as she arrives at LAX
But although Vanessa has had a great start in her career, she faced some brief hardships along the way, including nude personal images surfacing and quickly circulating on the internet. Though she was disapointed with the scandal, she continued to hold her head up high. "It was very traumatic. I hope all my fans can learn from my mistake and make smart decisions. I'm much better now." With the confidence she now holds from her previous lack of judgement, it's clear that she's ready for anything.
With the explosive success of the first High School Musical, a second and third installement to the series became apparent. Both High School Musical 1 and 2 were set for a TV release on the Disney and Family Channel (Canadian Disney) but when it came time for the third movie, High School Musical 3 became a cinematic phenomenon. Thousands of fans waited in line for the much anticipated movie, which made a historic box-office debut. The plot is set as the graduation to the end of the series and for the characters, who begin to make their way into college life.
The cast of High School Musical 3.
Next up in the resume came her new album Identified. The tracks truly show Vanessa's inner musical ambitions and dedication to everything that she worked for to make the album, which consisting of twelve songs, is a definite non-stop sing along. She was given fairly good reviews, commentators insisting the album generated more of a mature nature. Despite the great reviews, she was still slashed because of her "thin piping voice".
Sneakernight Music Video
It doesn't come as a surprise that Vanessa's back with a new movie, Bandslam. She plays Sa5m - the 5 is silent - described as "dark and emo" but yet a pretty seventeen year old girl with surprising musical talents. The film is targeted for all ages, with a musical-romantic comedy feel. Alongside Hudgens includes Alyson Michalka, Lisa Kudrow and Gaelan Connell. The movie is set to drop into theatres on the 14th of this month. She will also drop two new flicks to check out, Beastly in 2010 and Sucker Punch in 2011.
Bandslam Trailer
Vanessa Hudgens as Sa5m in the August flick, Bandslam.
"Do not just look at your boyfriend as just a boyfriend. Look at him as a friend, too." Alongside fame and fortune, a girl always needs someone to rely on. Meeting her Hollywood hunk boyfriend in the 2006 release of High School Musical, Vanessa's only got eyes for Zac Efron. He played the star basketball player, Troy Bolton in the hit flick - and he's gained a lot of success and female fans through other flicks like 17 Again. But how does Vanessa feel about his female followers? "Dating a heartthrob has its drawbacks – you’re constantly sharing your boyfriend with millions of adoring female fans!" Though she understands the attention, she realizes the toll it must put on Zac
Vanessa with boyfriend Zac Efron.
as well. A quote from Zac Efron himself, "The chemistry's always gonna be there so we have a great time".
With her very successful resume, Vanessa Hudgens will definetely go far. Her road to fame may have been bumpy at times, but in the long run, Vanessa is a Disney legend. Without her talent, thousands of fans across the world would not be able to feel the joy and dedication to her music and movies.
Vanessa Fansites
For more on Vanessa, check out these great fansites:
