V

Vanessa Anne Hudgens, the star who portrays Gabriella Montez on the runaway hit "High School Musical," has signed an exclusive recording deal with Hollywood Records. Her debut CD "V" is being released September 26. Said Buena Vista Music Group Chairman Bob Cavallo, "We are delighted to have Vanessa at Hollywood. Not only is she talented, she is tireless in her work ethic and has a vision for her career. People will be very impressed when they hear her voice and see her perform." Certainly, Vanessa is no stranger to performing. She made her feature film debut in Catherine Hardwick's "Thirteen" starring Holly Hunter and Evan Rachel Wood. Most recently she co-starred in the action-adventure film "Thunderbirds" and is a recurring guest star on the Disney Channel's "The Suite Life of Zack & Cody." Vanessa began her acting career in musical theater when she was 8 years old. She has played leading and supporting roles in "Evita," "Carousel," "The Wizard of Oz," "The King and I," "The Music Man," "Cinderella," and "Damn Yankees," among others.