Oscar-winner Jennifer Hudson (Dreamgirls) will star in a multi-episode arc in the upcoming second season of NBC's Smash. That will make two American Idol alumnae appearing on the show as star Katharine McPhee is also set to return.  Hudson will play Veronica Moore, a Tony Award-winning Broadway star whose presence impacts the lives of Karen (McPhee) and Ivy (Megan Hilty).   Smash, a Television Critics Award nominee for Best New Program, needs to recoup some losses after axing a good portion of the cast earlier this year.  Hudson is certainly a worthwhile addition, even if it's only for a short time.  Hit the jump for more on Hudson and the second season of Smash. The Live Feed reports that Hudson will make her Smash debut in the second season's premiere, which is on the midseason schedule. NBC Entertainment Chairman Robert Greenblat said the following about Hudson's addition to the show:

"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."

Executive producer Steven Spielberg also chimed in, saying:

“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."

Hudson also joins Tony Award-nominee, Jeremy Jordan, who plays a self-destructive, Brooklyn-born singer.