Jennifer Hudson Heads to Smash for Multi-Episode Arc
Jennifer Hudson
Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson is joining Smash for a multi-episode arc, NBC announced Friday.
Hudson, 30, will play a Tony-winning Broadway star who has a big impact on the lives of Karen (Katharine McPhee) and Ivy (Megan Hilty). She'll make her debut in the musical drama's Season 2 opener.
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"We're thrilled to have Jennifer Hudson coming to Smash," NBC Entertainment's chairman, Robert Greenblatt, said in a statement. "This series is a showcase for some of the best musical talent in the business and that's a fitting description for Jennifer Hudson. Her character will represent someone who reached their Broadway dream but also paid a price for it."
Added executive producer Steven Spielberg: "First Dreamgirls, now Smash. I have no doubt Jennifer will continue to deliver even more inspiration to the audience responsible for giving us a second season on NBC. It's wonderful to be reunited with her at DreamWorks Television and NBC."
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The gig marks Hudson's first major appearance on the small screen since she came in seventh on Season 3 of American Idol — the same show on which Smash star McPhee was named the runner-up in Season 5. Hudson subsequently rose to household fame for her Oscar-winning performance in Dreamgirls as Effie White — her acting debut. Since then, she has acted in Sex and the City and The Secret Life of Bees.
The Grammy winner has also released two studio albums and earned widespread critical acclaim for her moving tribute to the late Whitney Houston during this year's Grammy Awards.
Smash's second season will premiere sometime midseason on NBC.
Are you excited to see Hudson on Smash? Who do you think she'll play?