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You'll Completely Understand Why Zac Efron Wore Glasses on The Kelly Clarkson Show

No, he's not getting in character.

By Elizabeth Logan

No, he's not getting into character as a hip jazz musician. And no, he wasn't trying to look too cool for school. Zac Efron appeared on The Kelly Clarkson Show wearing sunglasses for a simple reason. Read on to find out what it was.

Why Zac Efron wore glasses on The Kelly Clarkson Show

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"I’m sorry man. I feel weird being in shades," the Iron Claw star said during a December 20 appearance on Today, explaining, “I just have a bit of an eye infection. But I really wanted to be here. It’s such a good movie, and I want to come see you guys and tell everyone about it.” He still had them on when he visited former The Voice Coach Kelly Clarkson's set later that day along with his Iron Claw castmates Stanley Simmons, Harris Dickinson, and Jeremy Allen White.

Zac Efron talks High School Musical

Efron shot to fame in 2006, starring as Troy Bolton, a basketball player with a secret yen for the stage in the Disney Channel musical High School Musical, which spawned two sequels and a Disney+ series. And millennials have never forgotten it.

During the chat with Clarkson, Efron's co-star in the wrestling drama Simons revealed that he brought a little HSM to the Iron Claw set, saying, "I think it would be a disservice to anyone from my generation if I didn’t do something."

Zac Efron wears dark sunglasses on The Kelly Clarkson Show

He got his opportunity during a scene in which the central brothers are listening to live music. Said Simons, "I was playing music, and I was fretting about the scene, and the night before, I learned the chords to 'Breaking Free,' and I gave a little rendition in front of Zac." In case you somehow missed it, "Breaking Free" is the uplifting duet that ultimately lands Troy and Gabriela (Vanessa Hudgens) the lead roles in their school show.

Stanley Simons, Harris Dickinson, Kelly Clarkson, Jeremy Allen White, and Zac Efron

Though the serenade was "well-received," Efron had to add, "It was right before my coverage!" meaning that the camera was about to be on him, and he had to keep it together.

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Efron doesn't mind being reminded of his Disney roots. When people tell him they remember him when, "It means the world. It’s so fun," he said. Clarkson agreed, adding that she's still grateful to everyone who voted for her on the first season of American Idol.

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During Efron's recent Hollywood Walk Of Fame ceremony, he noticed, "There were so many wildcats jerseys out!" (the Wildcats were the East High School mascot in the films.) Ever the gentleman, Efron concluded, "I love it. Very grateful."