Jennifer Hudson joins cast of 'Smash'

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UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif., June 22 (UPI) -- Actress-singer Jennifer Hudson is to appear in a multi-episode arc on Season 2 of the Broadway-themed drama series "Smash," NBC said.

Hudson will portray Veronica Moore, a Tony Award-winning Broadway star who impacts the lives of Karen, played by Katharine McPhee, and Ivy, played by Megan Hilty, the network said.

"We're thrilled to have Jennifer Hudson coming to 'Smash,'" Robert Greenblatt, chairman of NBC Entertainment, said in a statement Friday. "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."

Executive producer Steven Spielberg said: "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."

Hudson won an Oscar for her work in the movie musical "Dreamgirls."