In the 2006 TV-movie smash High School Musical, they were rivals: Vanessa Hudgens' sweet mathlete Gabriella vs. Ashley Tisdale's scheming drama queen Sharpay. Now their solo pop debuts are competing too. Who grabs the gold?
THE IMAGE
Vanessa Hudgens: The California-bred 18-year-old pulls a classic Grease move, abandoning the Sweet Sandy cardigans and demure curls of her HSM alter ego for a glossier Bad Sandy singing persona.
Ashley Tisdale: The New Jersey native, 21, didn't get the guy in HSM — that honor went to her Kewpie-doll costar — but she did get the juicier role, and on her solo debut, she keeps it saucy.
THE SOUND
VH: Her feathery vocals are served with a side of sexy-but-safe sass. Think J. Lo for the Mouse Ears set: dance-pop made medium caliente.
AT: Thanks to A-list producers like the Matrix (Britney, Avril) and Scott Storch (50 Cent), Tisdale shines on several hot dance jams.
THE STANDOUT TRACK
VH: Lead tune ''Come Back to Me'' excellently jacks a sample from soft-rock smash ''Baby Come Back'' by '70s band Player.
AT: Forget sticking to the 18-and-under market; propulsive tracks ''He Said She Said'' and ''Not Like That'' are club bangers for any age.
THE VERDICT
Neither will give Mariah a run for her octaves, but Tisdale edges out Hudgens in the Battle of the Baby Divas. Her album's fiercer and more radio-ready.
