Ariana Grande joins the cast of 'Hairspray Live!' as Penny

LOS ANGELES, July 8 (UPI) -- Ariana Grande announced Thursday that she landed the role of a lifetime.

"I AM NOWWW A CHECKERBOARD CHICK," Grande tweeted with the hashtags #HairsprayLive and #Penny.

Grande shared on social media that she was cast in the role of Penny Pingleton, Tracy Turnblad's nerdy, lovable sidekick in the upcoming NBC production of Hairspray Live!

"Penny has been a dream role since Hairspray opened on Broadway," she tweeted .

Also signed on for the project are Martin Short, Derek Hough, Harvey Fierstein, Kristin Chenoweth, and Jennifer Hudson.

NBC chairman Robert Greenblatt said they are "absolutely thrilled" to have Grande on board, calling her "one of the biggest recording artists in the world."

"I'm so honored to and beyond excited to be a part of this dream cast," Grande said. "I will for sure pass out at the table read."

Hairspray Live! is scheduled to air Wednesday, Dec. 7 at 8 p.m. on NBC.