Biography
Vanessa Anne Hudgens first rose to prominence by embodying Gabriella Montez in the blockbuster Disney Channel feature High School Musical along with its chart-topping soundtrack album. The actress and vocalist had previously logged guest spots on Drake & Josh and The Sweet Life of Zack and Cody. Born in Salinas, California and brought up in San Diego, she launched her stage career in local musicals at the age of eight before relocating to Los Angeles after securing a commercial audition. She later spent time in England studying drama and music at Kingsbrook Business and Enterprise College, then returned to Los Angeles for recurring parts on Quintuplets, Cover Me, and Still Standing plus supporting roles in the films Thirteen and Thunderbirds. The 2006 sensation surrounding High School Musical, whose soundtrack became a top seller and earned multiple Teen Choice Awards, led to a recording contract; Hudgens immediately began cutting tracks that summer. Titled simply V, the album reached stores that autumn while she simultaneously prepared for the High School Musical follow-up. She also joined the Cheetah Girls on tour throughout the ensuing fall and winter. In August 2007 she claimed the Choice Breakout Singer Female trophy at the Teen Choice Awards; that same month High School Musical 2 and its soundtrack both arrived in stores. Her next pop effort, Identified, surfaced during summer 2008, followed that autumn by High School Musical 3: Senior Year.
Albums
Singles
