Did Zac Efron Sing in High School Musical Franchise?

In 2006, Zac Efron played the role of Troy Bolton in High School Musical, but he didn’t actually sing in the first movie.

While it’s been 15 years since the franchise wrapped up, thoughts about the future are still strong, especially with High School Musical: The Musical: The Series season 4, which focuses on a fictional film shoot for High School Musical 4.

Whether High School Musical 4 becomes a reality depends on Zac Efron, who was the standout star of the franchise.

Zac Efron portrayed Troy Bolton, the basketball player who loved singing, in all three movies. He later moved on from Disney Channel to become a major movie star in comedies, dramas, and action films.

However, despite his fame as a talented actor and singer, Zac Efron did not sing in the first High School Musical film. While he spoke all of Troy Bolton’s lines, another actor provided the character’s singing voice.

Drew Seeley Sang Troy Bolton’s Parts in High School Musical 1

When High School Musical was first released in 2006, many believed that Zac Efron didn’t sing on the soundtrack because of a vocal issue.

It was said that Troy’s songs were written for a tenor voice, but Zac, a baritone, was cast in the role. Because of this, Drew Seeley, another actor who had been considered for the role of Troy Bolton, was brought in to sing for Zac Efron during filming.

While Drew Seeley did sing for Troy in High School Musical, the reason for the change wasn’t completely clear, as Zac Efron himself was surprised to learn about the vocal mismatch. In a 2007 interview with Orlando Sentinel, Zac expressed his surprise at the news.

Though it’s believable that Zac’s lower vocal range didn’t match the higher notes in the songs, Zac’s surprise adds confusion to the story. Zac still sings a few lines on the original High School Musical soundtrack. These were likely short parts at the beginning or end of songs, meant to connect Zac’s speaking voice with Drew Seeley’s singing.

Zac Efron Does Sing In High School Musical 2 & 3

Even though Zac Efron didn’t sing in the first High School Musical movie, including popular songs like “Breaking Free” and “We’re All In This Together,” he did sing in High School Musical 2 and High School Musical 3: Senior Year.

After his experience with the first film, Efron made it clear that he wanted to sing in the sequels. Since Efron was already part of the cast before the songwriting for the sequels began, the music was written to fit his vocal range.

He said, “That was a very huge point for me. I had to put my foot down and fight to get my voice on these tracks.”

Zac Efron’s fans can feel confident when watching him sing in other films like Hairspray and The Greatest Showman. Like in the High School Musical sequels, Efron sings in these movies, with The Greatest Showman showing that he can sing alongside some of Hollywood’s best.

As for why he didn’t sing in the first High School Musical, the full reason might never be fully known. For now, the most believable explanation is that the songs in the first film had notes that were too high for his baritone voice.

Zac Still Sings the Songs

It’s been 17 years since High School Musical was released, but Zac Efron still sings the show’s famous songs while in the shower.

The actor received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Monday.

During the ceremony, Efron shared that it was the “biggest honor” and a “dream come true” to have his star on Hollywood Boulevard.

“I’ve been acting and singing and dancing for as long as I can remember, since I was a little boy, but never in my wildest dreams did I imagine I’d be standing here today in front of such dear friends, colleagues throughout the years, and lifelong fans who have been with me since day one,” Efron said.

Efron especially thanked High School Musical director Kenny Ortega and producer Bill Borden for helping to launch his career.

“You guys were both instrumental in giving me my start in High School Musical,” Efron said. “And for that, I’m just eternally, eternally grateful. I still think about it every day — I sing the songs in the shower.”

“Go Wildcats,” he added, mentioning the show’s catchphrase, as the crowd cheered. The 36-year-old actor played Troy Bolton in the Emmy Award-winning Disney Channel series, alongside cast members Vanessa Hudgens, Ashley Tisdale, and Corbin Bleu.

After High School Musical, Efron starred in other well-known films like 17 Again, with Matthew Perry, and The Greatest Showman, with Hugh Jackman and Zendaya.

Efron’s next film, The Iron Claw, will be released on December 22. The sports drama is based on the true story of the Von Erich brothers, a famous wrestling family from the ’80s.