American Idol alum Jennifer Hudson is set to join fellow Idol Katharine McPhee for a multi-episode arc in the second season of NBC’s hit musical drama “Smash.”

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The 30 year-old actress/singer, who won a Golden Globe and Oscar for her role in “Dreamgirls” back in 2006, will play Veronica Moore, a Tony-winning Broadway star.

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“We’re thrilled to have Jennifer Hudson coming to Smash,” Robert Greenblatt, Chairman of NBC Entertainment, says 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.”

Steven Spielberg, executive producer of Smash who worked with Jennifer on “Dreamgirls,” is also very pleased with the new addition to the cast, which includes stars like Katharine, Debra Messing, Jack Davenport and Megan Hilty.

Steven Spielberg adds, “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.”

“Smash” season 2 will premiere in early 2013.

[image: PNP/ wenn.com]