Vanessa Anne Hudgens will release her debut CD this fall

Vanessa Anne Hudgens isn't "Breaking Free" of her "High School Musical" success.

Capitalizing on her fame from the Disney Channel's popular movie musical, the 17-year-old starlet has signed an exclusive recording deal with Hollywood Records. Her as yet untitled debut CD is aiming for a Sept. 26 release.

"We are delighted to have Vanessa at Hollywood," says Buena Vista Music Group Chairman Bob Cavallo. "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."

In the Disney runaway hit, Hudgens plays shy Gabriella Montez, a brainy transfer student who wants to break out of her shell and sing in her high school musical with star basketball player Troy Bolton (Zac Efron). Peer pressure and jealous rival Sharpay (Ashley Tisdale), however, make it difficult for Gabby to pursue her dream.

While it's expected that Hudgens' popularity will help her album "Bop to the Top" of the charts, she's no stranger to the Billboard charts. The original soundtrack to "High School Musical" was certified double platinum by the R.I.A.A. and spawned five gold singles and a platinum single for "Breaking Free," her duet with Efron.

Hudgens, who says the late Natalie Wood is her favorite actress, is a big fan of musicals and appeared on stage in supporting roles in "Evita," "Carousel," "The Wizard of Oz," "The King & I," "The Music Man," "Cinderella," and "Damn Yankees."

The actress appeared on the big screen in "thirteen" and "Thunderbirds." On TV, she continues her Disney Channel relationship with guest appearances on "The Suite Life of Zack & Cody" alongside Tisdale.

The cast of "High School Musical" is also gearing up to shoot a sequel, which is slated for a 2007 release.