By Phil Gallo

Hollywood Records is banking on Bridgit Mendler graduating from Disney Channel star into a recording artist. The Disney-owned label has signed Mendler with a plan to release her debut album early next year.
 
Mendler, 18, a star of the Disney Channel series "Good Luck Charlie," makes her onscreen singing debut on the Disney Channel movie "Lemonade Mouth" that premieres April 15. In the film, Mendler plays the lead singer of the fictional band Lemonade Mouth; the soundtrack's first single, "Someone," was released digitally on March 22 and sold 6,000 copies according to Nielsen Soundscan.

"Bridgit stands out as a new star and is the first to roll out" from the film," says Rob Souriall, VP, marketing of Walt Disney Records. "She has an amazing voice."
 
Mendler, who sings the theme song to Good Luck Charlie,"  is expected to start recording the album early this summer. She is also set to star in the TV movie of "Good Luck Charlie"  and as one of the voices  in "Arrietty" and the next Alvin and the Chipmunks feature, "Chip-wrecked."