Well looks like SMASH is upping the ante for season 2.  Not only did they get a new showrunner and got rid of the ever annoying Ellis, but now it is confirmed that an Oscar winning songstress is headed to the bright lights of Broadway. 

Jennifer Hudson, former American Idol contestant and Best Supporting Actress Academy Award winner for DREAMGIRLS will appear in a multi-episode arc when the show comes back in spring for 2013.  According the THR Hudson will play Veronica Moore, a Tony-winning Broadway star who will have a major impact on the lives of Karen (Katherine McPhee) and Ivy (Megan Hilty)

NBC Entertainment chairmanRobert Greenblatt said ”We’re thrilled to have Jennifer Hudson coming to ‘Smash.’” “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.”

Hudson will join a several Broadway stars including recent Tony Winner Christian Borle (he won for his role in the play ‘Peter and the Starcatcher’) and Tony nominee Jeremy Jordan.