Ashley's Second Album Due Out in February

Ashley Tisdale FINALLY announces that her second album is due out in February, exactly two years after her first one, in this interview:

Ashley Tisdale might very well be vying for the title Hardest Working Woman in Showbiz. Starting her career on Broadway in a production of 'Les Miserables' at age 8, Tisdale later transitioned into television in the late '90s with roles on hit shows like '7th Heaven,' 'Charmed' and 'Beverly Hills 90210.' But it was after teaming up with the Disney Channel in 2005 -- and her role as Maddie on 'The Suite Life of Zack and Cody' -- that Tisdale's ascent took off like a rocket. Taking the role of Sharpay Evans in 'High School Musical,' the show's popularity propelled her into a permanent spotlight with Billboard hits from the show's soundtrack, a record deal with Warner Brothers, a worldwide tour with the 'HSM' cast, voice work on animated shows, music DVDs and multiple endorsement deals. Not bad, eh?

Now Tisdale's set to help launch the third installment of the 'High School Musical' franchise with her co-stars, which hits theaters Friday, and she's showing no signs of slowing down. Tisdale spoke to Popeater about 'High School Musical 3,' Zac Efron and the most ridiculous rumor she's ever heard about herself.

You've done countless interviews over 'High School Musical's pop culture domination. What's the question you're tired of hearing?

There's one question that I've heard repeatedly over the last three years, and it started with 'High School Musical 1': "Why is this film so successful?" And I've gotten it the last three years running. The success of 'High School Musical' is exciting, but getting this question three years straight, millions of time ... you just don't know how to answer it. The series' success is hard to describe, because ultimately it's the fans that have put us where we are.

What's the best part about playing a character like Sharpay Evans?

She's the complete opposite of me. It's always fun playing someone who's not like you, and there's so much to her -- she's such a drama queen, so she's got a lot to play with.

One of the things that blew my mind when watching 'High School Musical 3' was Sharpay's wardrobe. Some of those outfits are completely outrageous!

I know! I remember in 'High School Musical 2' I had so many wardrobe changes in one day that at one point we couldn't tell what day it was anymore. One day, I had to change five times! It was definitely a change from 'The Suite Life of Zack and Cody,' where I wore a uniform all the time.

When you officially signed on to the 'HSM' franchise, did you have any idea it was going to be so big?

When I look at a character I don't think, "Oh, wow, this is going to be a humongo movie, I should be a part of it!" Playing characters and learning throughout the experience is what's important to me. I don't do things for fame and fortune. I just love being on set and playing characters. But I do think that the whole cast had some instinct that this was something special. When we were doing the first movie and sang 'We're All in This Together' ... it's cheesy, but it was magical. We all felt it. We knew it was going to be good, but we didn't know it was going to be this huge.

What's it like for you to watch the latest installment of 'High School Musical' versus performing in it?

Really, it's amazing. It's the high school experience you wish it was about. We have a prom number where everyone is waltzing, and it's just so amazing. It's a fantasy world that we've all created. We're creating a world where people can take themselves out of their lives and watch the movie to feel uplifted. But I think kids know that our intentions are genuine. We all had so much fun shooting it, and that comes across on screen.

So now that we've seen the senior class graduate, is this officially it for the 'High School Musical' crew?

I have no idea what the future holds for 'High School Musical.' I'm just so excited to see what the fans think. We worked so hard, but we had fun doing it.

What are your post-'HSM' plans?

It's been crazy. We were just in Europe premiering the movie, then we're off to Rome. And I'm doing a whole other press junket for a Fox feature film in January ['They Came From Upstairs'], and I'm also recording my second album right now. It comes out in February. I'm having so much fun. I'm sure I'll take a vacation somewhere down the line, but right now it's crazy.

What's your relationship with Zac Efron?

Zac is like my brother. He's such a great person and we've known each other for so long that we bicker and everything. But he's so much fun.

If you weren't a singer/actress, what would you be doing?

I can't see myself doing anything but this. But if I'd have gone to college, it would've been for writing.

If you could duet with anyone, who would it be?

I would love to do a duet with Fergie -- she's amazing. I think she's really great. She's someone who inspires me, she's unique and has great style, and she's an amazing singer. Whenever you hear her music, you know it's her. And she's a sweet person, too. When I met her she was super down to earth.

What band does everyone love but you can't stand?

I don't know. I can tell a band I do like: Boys Like Girls. I love their music, and they're really talented.

What's the most ridiculous rumor you've ever heard about yourself?

Actually, I just read it right now online. There's this thing that I was talking about 'HSM,' discussing something fans wouldn't know, and one blog took it out of proportion and said I hated Lucas Grabeel. Lucas and I didn't know each other that well from the first movie, but now we're like brother and sister, so that was just weird. And I would never use the word "hate."

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