Sneakernight Sneak Peak!
Is there a word that takes the term "multitask" to a whole other level? If
so, then that"s exactly what Vanessa Hudgens has been doing for the past
year.
Not only did the 17-year-old star in the movie, High School Musical, which
inspired a cult-like following, and not to mention a 1 selling soundtrack,
but she also released her debut solo album, V, on September 26.
"I am crazy excited," Vanessa says. "It"s been a whirlwind".
To say the least. Barely having enough time to enjoy the tremendous success
of High School Musical Vanessa signed a record deal with Hollywood Records
--and recorded her album in just less than 2 months. Originally wanting to
make a dance album, Vanessa opted for a mix (the "V" also stands for
variety) of pop, rock, electronic and R&B. "The songs were already there,"
Vanessa says. "So I just went with the flow".
The songs spoke to Vanessa. Her first single, "Come Back to Me" deals with
relationships and the one that got away. "Whatever Will Be" is about living
in the now. "It"s the definition of me because that"s my motto," Vanessa
explains.
"Say OK" touches on peer pressure, particularly from a guy whose intentions
are questionable. The first time she heard "Afraid," she "fell in love with"
the idea of being apprehensive of becoming involved in another relationship,
especially if one has been hurt in the past. "Promise" reminds the listener
that it"s okay (no, really okay) to be yourself and if someone doesn"t like
it well then, too bad.
"I figured my first album I"ll leave to the professionals," Vanessa says of
hopefully writing another album. "Once I know the process, I"ll get my
creative juices flowing,"
It shouldn"t be too hard considering Vanessa is already a pro in the world
of musical theater. Growing up in Salinas, California, with her parents and
younger sister Stella, the young Vanessa trained in dance, piano and voice
(opera to be specific). Her training led her to roles in Carousel, The King
and I, Damn Yankees and The Wizard of Oz among many others. Vanessa also
made her feature film debut in Thirteen, costarring Holly Hunter and Evan
Rachel Wood. "It"s like magic when I get up on stage," Vanessa, who admires
singers like Celine Dion and Christina Aguilera, says. "Once the song
starts, I"m at home".
And home is definitely sweet. The triple threat will take the stage this
fall while touring with the Cheetah Girls as well as her European press tour
this year. She"s performed live on Good Morning America, Live With Regis and
Kelly and premiered her "Come Back to Me" video on TRL.
But with all her success Vanessa remains grounded. Knowing her High School
Musical success has left her with a slew of loyal fans, she takes the
responsibility of being a role model seriously. "Kids look up to the wrong
people these days, not knowing right from wrong. I am honored to know kids
are looking up to me".
Vanessa isn"t looking for superstardom and for now is just enjoying
everything that"s coming her way. "The day I die I will be happy because I
am doing something I truly love doing," Vanessa says breathlessly. "I am
truly blessed by God and I cannot give my parents enough credit for
everything. I think a lot of success has to do with karma and luck".
Luck? Maybe. But with Vanessa, there"s definitely more to it.
Vanessa isn't looking for superstardom and for now is just enjoying
everything that's coming her way. 'The day I die I will be happy because I
am doing something I truly love doing,' Vanessa says breathlessly. 'I am
truly blessed by God and I cannot give my parents enough credit for
everything. I think a lot of success has to do with karma and luck'.
Luck? Maybe. But with Vanessa, there's definitely more to it.
