American Idol's Katharine McPhee Signs On for NBC's TV Musical

American Idolrunner-up Katharine McPhee has been tapped to co-star in Steven Spielberg's TV musical drama Smash, Deadline.com reports.

Report: Debra Messing to headline NBC's musical pilot

The NBC pilot centers on a cross section of characters who join forces to put on a Broadway musical inspired by Marilyn Monroe. McPhee will play a struggling actress who is determined to win the Monroe role.
Debra Messing and Jack Davenport (FlashForward) have been cast as the show's lyricist and choreographer, respectively. The pilot will be directed by Spring Awakening's Michael Mayer.

McPhee's other acting credits include a role in the film The House Bunny, as well as guest spots on Community and  CSI: NY.