High School Musical's Vanessa Hudgens releases her debut album

Not only did the 17-year-old star in the highly-successful Disney movie, "High School Musical," which inspired a cult-like following, and not to mention a #1 selling soundtrack, but VANESSA HUDGENS also released her debut solo album, V.

"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 distributed locally by EMI Phils.-and recorded her album in just less than two 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 that for my first album, I'll leave it 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," she says breathlessly.

Vanessa, who interestingly is part-Filipino as her mom is half-Filipina, half-Latin, adds, "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.

Get your copy of "V," the debut album of "High School Musical's" lead star VANESSA HUDGENS. The album is now available in stores released by EMI Philippines.