Former Disney Star Vanessa Hudgens Finds Spiritual Strength Worshiping at Hillsong Church

By Timothy Yap Apr 23, 2015 04:41 AM EDT

Just like fellow pop star Justin Bieber, former Disney star Vanessa Hudgens, has also found spiritual strength through worshipping at Hillsong Church. Even though Hudgens was born a Catholic, the 26-year-old admitted to The New York Times that she "never felt very connected to it" and she thanks her boyfriend and fellow actor Austin Butler, 23 for reigniting her faith through Hillsong.

"It feels like Arcade Fire - it's epic like that," she said about the worship band Hillsong United. "They really focus on you having your own personal relationship with Jesus, which is wonderful."

Hudgens struggled with her faith and personal insecurities when she was younger, especially when she was dating High School Musical co-star Zac Efron, who played the popular jock Troy Bolton.

"I went through a phase when I was really mean because I was so fed up," Hudgens said. "Girls were running after him, and I was giving them death stares. Then I realised that's not what that's about."

Hudgens rose to prominence playing Gabriella Montez in the High School Musical series. Hudgens has also appeared in various films and television series for the Disney Channel. She had her feature film debut in the 2003 film Thirteen, a teenage drama in which Hudgens had a supporting role. She had mainstream success following the release of the High School Musical trilogy, and her relationship with co-star Zac Efron was heavily publicized. Her appearance in the series helped make her a household name. Songs from the films also charted worldwide, with the song "Breaking Free" peaking inside the Top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100.

This led to Hudgens releasing her debut album, V, on September 26, 2006 which entered the Billboard 200 at number 24, and was later certified Gold. Her second album, Identified, was released on July 1, 2008 in the United States

Tags : Vanessa Hudgens vanessa hudgens hillsong hillsong church vanessa hudgens faith vanessa hudgens news vanessa hudgens latest