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.
