Smash: Jennifer Hudson To Guest Star - Access Hollywood

First Published: June 23, 2012 6:58 PM EDT Credit: Getty Images

LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- Caption Jennifer Hudson arrives to a book signing for her memoir ‘I Got This’ held at the Los Angeles Weight Watchers center on January 13, 2012 in Culver City, Calif. “Smash” is about to be graced by yet another “American Idol” veteran.

Jennifer Hudson will join the NBC musical series for a multi-episode arc, beginning with the Season 2 premiere, the network announced on Friday.

The Oscar winner will play Veronica Moore, a Tony Award-winning Broadway star who impacts the lives of Karen (played fellow “Idol” alum Katharine McPhee) and Ivy (Megan Hilty).

Steven Spielberg, who serves as executive producer on the hit show, is thrilled to have Jennifer guest starring with the talented cast.

“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,” he said.

Robert Greenblatt, Chairman of NBC Entertainment, also chimed in regarding the casting news, saying, “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,” he added.

“Smash” returns to NBC in early 2013.

--Erin O’Sullivan

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