{blackbabes} 'Smash' Season 2: Jennifer Hudson to share spotlight with Karen and Ivy

"Gossip Girl" producer Josh Safran has wasted no time in making some major changes in his new role as show runner of NBC's "Smash." First, he cut out some of TV's most-hated characters by ditching Ellis and Dev, and then brought Broadway star Jeremy Jordan on as a self-destructive Brooklynite.

Now, even more star power is coming in Season 2 as Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson returns to television for her first significant TV gig since "American Idol."

Hudson will play Veronica, a talented performer who has reached major Broadway star status. She's got a Tony Award on her shelf, but she didn't find success without making significant sacrifices along the way.

With "American Idol" behind her, Hudson has got some experience with facing major competition, and we're guessing that'll serve her well as Veronica faces off with Karen (Katharine McPhee) and Ivy (Megan Hilty).

"We're thrilled to have Jennifer Hudson coming to 'Smash'," says Robert Greenblatt, Chairman of NBC Entertainment. "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."

With an Oscar, a Grammy, and a Golden Globe under her belt, could "Smash" be Hudson's ticket to a guest star Emmy? We wouldn't be surprised.