Jennifer Hudson will be the second "American Idol" alumni expected on the next season of NBC's musical drama "Smash," alongside Idol's Katherine McPhee. She will be in the premiere episode of the new season, and also seen later on in the show as she has agreed to appear in multi-episodes.

This will be Hudson's first professional shift outside of music and her Weight Watchers spokesmanship, since her former brother-in-law was convicted of murdering her mother, brother, and nephew four years ago.

Hudson will play the role of Veronica Moore, an award winning stage actress who will change the lives of the show's Marilyn, Karen, and Ivy. "Her character will represent someone who reached their Broadway dream but also paid a price for it," said NBC's Robert Greenblatt in a statement.

Executive producer Steven Spielberg adds, "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."

Fans are also sure that the Grammy winning actress will be a great addition to the cast, as she has already won an Oscar and Golden Globe for Best Supporting actress for her role as Effie White in Dreamgirls.