Jennifer Hudson Cast in NBC 'Smash' Musical Drama

Jennifer Hudson just secured herself a role in NBC's Smash next season.  She who will be playing the role of "Veronica Moore" joins another American Idol alum Katherine McPhee who plays Karen, and Megan Hilty who plays Ivy.

Chairman of NBC Robert Greenblatt said, "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."

The talented songstress and actress Hudson earned a Grammy for her self-titled debut, and the coveted Oscar for her performance on the Dreamgirls album.

"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," stated Steven Spielberg, executive producer of the show.