McPhee signs new record deal with Columbia

UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif., June 10 (UPI) -- NBC and Columbia Records say they have agreed to a recording rights deal for the soundtrack of the new U.S. musical series "Smash," starring Katharine McPhee.

McPhee also signed a solo recording deal with Columbia Records, the label said.

"Smash," a musical drama set in the competitive world of Broadway theater, is to start mid-season on NBC. It will co-star "American Idol" Season 5 runner-up McPhee and actresses Debra Messing and Anjelica Huston.

The announcements regarding the music projects were made Thursday by Robert Greenblatt, chairman of NBC Entertainment, and Rob Stringer, chairman of Columbia/Epic Label Group.

"A musical series should naturally be accompanied by a soundtrack deal, and NBC is very excited to be working with the best. Our Columbia Records partners will guide the soundtrack of 'Smash' into a big component of the show's success," Greenblatt said in a statement. "The music will be a driving force of what promises to make a tremendous impact for NBC in January and we couldn't have asked for better expertise and strategy than this company will provide."

"We are thrilled and proud to be chosen by NBC to work on their amazing new show," added Stringer. "Music is at the heart of 'Smash,' and with our wonderfully creative broadcast partners, we will develop innovative strategies to present this music to a huge audience."