Nearly two decades after the phenomenon that was High School Musical first aired, a piece of the franchise's hidden history has surfaced, leaving fans in a state of collective surprise. A demo tape featuring Zac Efron's original vocals for the song 'Get'cha Head in the Game' has leaked online, revealing what Troy Bolton almost sounded like.
The Leak That Shocked Fans
The clip, which began circulating on social media in late 2025, is dated June 2005 and presents a version of the iconic basketball court number with Efron's own voice. While the 17 Again star, now 38, played the lead role of Troy Bolton, it was Canadian actor and singer Drew Seeley who provided the character's singing voice for the first film in 2006.
In the leaked audio, Efron can be heard hitting a particularly pitchy note during the song's crescendo, with the instrumental still seemingly under production. The revelation has sparked a wave of discussion among longtime followers of the Disney franchise, with many acknowledging that the studio's decision was ultimately for the best.
Voice of Reason: Why The Switch Was Made
The reasoning behind the vocal switch has been explained over the years by key figures involved. Director Kenny Ortega clarified in a 2024 interview that the songs for the first movie were written before Efron was cast. "So although he could sing, and he had a lovely voice, it wasn't the voice that the songs were written for," Ortega stated.
Fan reactions to the leak have been largely understanding. One social media user commented, "While it is just a demo, he's very vocally weak. I think what they did for the movie was the best choice." Another wrote, "Thank God they didn't choose these vocals, but he got a lot better though eventually."
Seeley, who is now 43 and also auditioned for the role of Troy, has previously expressed his support for the casting. He noted that Efron, then 19, was a more age-appropriate match for his on-screen love interest, Vanessa Hudgens, and credited him as a "very talented actor" who was "great in the role."
From Stand-in to Star: The Aftermath
This early demo stands in stark contrast to Efron's subsequent musical career. Following the first film, his real singing voice was used in High School Musical 2 and 3, and he went on to showcase his vocal talents in major Hollywood productions like Hairspray and The Greatest Showman.
Drew Seeley's involvement didn't end with the studio recording. He co-wrote 'Get'cha Head in the Game' and later portrayed Troy Bolton in the High School Musical stage tour. Reflecting on his limited time with the main cast, Seeley explained, "I was really only brought in when he was unavailable or not around."
This leak, emerging almost 20 years after the film premiered on the Disney Channel, serves as a fascinating 'what if' for one of the most successful musical franchises of the 2000s, confirming that the polished final product was the result of very deliberate creative choices.
