By APA Staff
Ah, High School Musical. Last weekend, the latest installment, High School Musical 3: Senior Year, garnered $42 million in the US box office alone -- and another $40 million worldwide. Who knew that the Wildcats could have so much influence on teenyboppers (and then some) worldwide? To celebrate the release of the third film (and maybe as an excuse to get into Wildcat fever), we compiled a list of the High School Musical covers from some various artists in Asia. Really, where hasn't that pesky Disney mouse marked his territory?
(in no particular order)
"Breaking Free," Vincent Chong (Malaysia), Nikki Gil (Philippines), Alicia Pan (Taiwan)
These three Asian vocalists make an awesome triple threat. Sung in English, we think it's just as good as the original. Or dare we say better? At least there are no unflattering track suits involved in the Asian version.
INDIA: "Aaja Nachie (All for One)," Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy
The Hindi High School Musical is probably our favorite on the list. Just watch the video. Supposedly it's inspired by the song "All for One" in High School Musical 2, but we're not sure how it can even compare.
JAPAN: "AAA (Attack All Around)," Minna Star ("We're All in this Together," Japanese title)
The members of Minna Star, a pop group produced by Avex, used to be backup dancers for pop idols such as Ayumi Hamasaki and Ami Suzuki. It's no surprise that their dancing skills are showcased here in Wildcat gear. Thankfully, there's enough of them to make a full Wildcat cast.
TAIWAN: "Bi Sha Ji (Bet on It)," Show Luo
The Taiwanese version of Zach Efron's “Bet on It” seems to seem more fitted for the basketball-themed song, “Get Yo' Head in the Game,” but Show Luo doesn't seem to mind. We don't either. And we appreciate the black light.
PHILIPPINES: "Gotta Go My Own Way," Nikki Gil
Nikki Gil sings the official version of the song where Gabriella realizes she needs to move on from Troy. She needs to find out who she is, damnit. The American high school settings of original version are traded in for the sunsets and beaches of the Philippines.
MALAYSIA: "Kau Muzik Di Hatiku (You Are the Music in Me")," Vincent Chong (Vince) and Jaclyn Victor (Jac)
This Bahasa Malaysia version can be compared to the original tune here. The original "You Are the Music in Me" is sweeter and more innocent, but the Malaysian version shows that Vince and Jac know how to rock out and enjoy the night life.
HONG KONG: "Fei Jiu Fei (Everyday)," Justin Lo and Kary Ng
Singing along the skyscrapers, Justin Lo and Kary Ng belt out their version of "Everyday." This is the scene from High School Musical 2 when Troy and Gabriella are reunited. Not to mention, the scene with the crazy clouds and the green-screen shot.
JAPAN: "Anata to Ita Toki (When There Was Me and You)," Hitomi Shimatani
Originally an Enka singer and now a dance/pop singer, HItomi Shimatani takes a walk around the Wildcats campus, just like Vanessa Hudgens originally did in the first High School Musical.
CHINA: "Breaking Free," Anson Hu and Stephy Tang
A second version of "Breaking Free," but this time sung in Mandarin Chinese. A karaoke version of the duet -- what more could you ask for?
JAPAN: "Anata Wa Watashi No Kokoro No Ungaku (You Are the Music in Me)," Nami Tamaki
Nami Tamaki's career in Japanese pop started at an early age: she was only 14 when she broke into the industry with her cover of Beyonce's Survivor. At 20, she's graduated with high honors with her cover of “You are the Music in Me” from High School Musical 2, and hers includes a nice piano accompaniment. Now, all we need is some Asian rocker to come and match the energy of the Sharpay version.
Compiled by Kanara Ty and Ada Tseng