Debra Messing is headed back to prime time TV with the drama Smash.

NBC has picked up the pilot, which stars Messing, Anjelica Huston, Katherine McPhee, Megan Hilty and Jack Davenport as a group of writers, directors and actors putting together a play based on Marilyn Monroe’s life.

The show will feature musical numbers each episode, but Messing is quick to point out – it’s not Glee.

“I think Glee is extraordinary and original and fabulous,”  the Will & Grace actress told EW. “I think Smash is similar in that there is singing, but I think that’s where the similarities end”

“Glee is a comedy and ours is a drama,” Messing continued. “And Glee is in a fantastic sort of elevated world and Smash is completely naturalistic, a very real look at life in New York as an actor, producer, composer, lyricist, what have you.”

Here is the synopsis:

The series centers on a desire to create a Broadway musical based on the life of Marilyn Monroe — written by the successful songwriting duo of Tom (Tony Award nominee Christian Borle, “Legally Blonde: The Musical”) and Julia (Emmy Award winner Debra Messing, “Will & Grace”). Julia recently began the process of adopting a child with her husband of many years, but her focus is torn when she has the opportunity to write another Broadway hit. A rivalry soon forms for the lead role between a youthful, inexperienced Midwestern beauty (Katharine McPhee, “American Idol”) — who is trying to find fame in the big city against all odds — and stage veteran (Megan Hilty, “9 to 5: The Musical”), who’s determined to leave the chorus line and finally get her big break. A tenacious producer Eileen (Oscar winner, Anjelica Huston, “Prizzi’s Honor”) discovers the “Marilyn” project and jumps on board with a brilliant director (Jack Davenport, “Pirates of the Caribbean” films) — whose talent is matched by his cunning and egocentric amorality.

Produced by Steven Spielberg, the show lands on NBC’s midseason 2011/2012 schedule.

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Happy Birthday to everyone celebrating today, March 25th, including:

1934 – Gloria Steinem, activist
1942 – Aretha Franklin, singer
1943 – Paul Michael Glaser, actor
1947 – Elton John, musician
1948 – Bonnie Bedelia, actress
1955 – Daniel Boulud, restauranteur
1962 – Marcia Cross, actress
1964 – Lisa Gay Hamilton, actress
1965 – Sarah Jessica Parker, actress
1966 – Tatjana Patitz, model
1971 – Sheryl Swoopes, basketball player
1976 – Juvenille, rapper
1976 – Wladimir Klitschko, boxer
1979 – Lee Pace, actor
1982 – Danica Patrick, race care driver
1982 – Sean Faris, actor
1984 – Katherine McPhee, singer
1989 – Aly Michalka, actress

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Katharine McPhee chose a  short, salmon-colored frock for the Global Action Awards Gala and I’ve got to say, there are so many reasons that I should hate this dress.  The color, the cut, the shoulder strap that looks like it was attacked by a Beadazzler…. need I go on?

Except I don’t.  Granted, the way it drapes looks like it was designed by a maker of tablecloths, but it completely WORKS on Katharine.  This color is fabulous for her.   The fabric is slinky and clings in the right places.  And who knew she had such great legs?    Nope, I’ve got to say – I totally click “like” on this one.

So what do you think, Cuddlers?  Click through to see more pics of Katharine and then drop a comment and tell us whether you give this dress a thumbs up or down.

And don’t forget to check out other photos from the event:  Joely Fisher, Miley Cyrus and Rebecca Romijn.

(Read the article)

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American Idol finalist, Katharine McPhee has returned to the dark side. She busted out as a platinum blonde last summer for her album Unbroken. I loved the new look on her and thought she looked amazing.  But, McPhee needed her brunette locks back for a TV role she’s taking on.  She’ll be playing a girl-next-door pharmaceutical rep in the NBC comedy pilot The Pink House.

McPhee told People,

“It’s always nice to have a reason to go back.  I loved having blonde hair–it’s so much fun.  Blonde was pretty hard on my hair.  I guess my hair is thanking me now!”

Well, she’s gorgeous either way.  I am anxious to see this pilot!  Can the girl act and sing?!

[image Albert Michael/Startraks]

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American Idol alum, Katherine McPhee has her new album, Unbroken hitting stores on January 5th.  Meanwhile, we get to enjoy Kat’s latest music video, Had It All (below) and get pumped for the album’s release.

So, what do you think?  Are you loving Kat’s style? I am still loving her blonde bob! Talk about a night and day difference!  It’s HOT!   Are you going to buy, Unbroken?  Drop a comment below and give me your critique!

[video Yahoo]

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I am thinking that American Idol runner up, Katharine McPhee knows that blondes have more fun because she just went all the way with her hair and it looks fabulous!

“I’ve never dyed my hair before so this was a pretty drastic change,” Katharine said. “I’ve always been known as a brunette but I’ve been thinking about it for a long time and it kind of just fit with all of the searching with the music and experimenting that I would do the same thing with my look.”

Honestly, Kat looks like a completely different person.  She has lost that innocent, small town girl look.  This sexy new style gives her a whole new edge that I think is going to sell more albums for her when her latest one, Unbroken hits stores on October 6th.

What look do you like better on Katharine McPhee? Blonde or brunette?

[images by WENN.com, AccessHollywood]

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Katie Holmes joins a calvalcade of stars appearing in PBS’s National Memorial Day Concert.   Katie will appear alongside her All My Sons Broadway costar Dianne Wiest.   They will

be paying tribute to José Pequeño, a Staff Sergeant severely injured during a tour of duty in Iraq, by sharing his story and that of his mother Nellie Bagley and his sister Elizabeth.

PBS says

“this year’s special tributes are to the veterans of World War II, Korea and Vietnam and the sacred war memorials built in their honor in the Nation’s Capital. Actor Charles Durning, a highly decorated World War II veteran and 14-year National Memorial Day Concert participant, will be recognized for his bravery and sacrifice as part of the “Greatest Generation.” The valor of the newest veterans will be honored as the program examines the lasting bonds that buddies form on the battlefields of Iraq.”

Other celebrities scheduled to appear include Laurence Fishburne, Katharine McPhee, Trace Adkins, General Colin Powell.  The concert will be hosted by Gary Sinise and Joe Mantegna.   The show airs on PBS at 8:oo pm Eastern.  Check your local schedule here.

[ Images by WENN.com ]

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American Idol runner-up Katharine McPhee frolicked in the Hawaiian surf while shooting her new film “You May Not Kiss the Bride” yesterday. Her co-star David Annable lost his shorts and she got ahold of them, tossing them in the air.

I don’t know what she’s been doing for work-outs, but that chick has got a rockin’ body! And apparently she is turning into an actress now, as she will also be appearing on CSI:NY in April. Good luck to her in all her success!!

[images: pacificcoastnewsonline.com]

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OK! is reporting that American Idol runner-up Katharine McPhee has married her boyfriend, actor Nick Cokas in a ceremony in LA on Saturday.

In September, OK! was the first to reveal that Kat and Nick, who is 19 years older than his new bride, were engaged. And only a few weeks ago, the singer confessed to OK! that she was desperately trying to get in shape for the wedding.

“I do 20 to 30 minutes of cardio three times a week if I�m lucky, four times if I�m really lucky,” Katharine told OK!’s Red Carpet Confidential blog. “I just started doing lunges with dumbbells, and I just started doing shoulder stuff, arm stuff, back stuff.�

Congrats to the cute couple!

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�

This just in:� Guys dating older women are out!� To Catch a Predator:� Celebrity Edition, in!

Here are a few of the latest creepy celebrity couplings (deny all you want, Lance; it’s still gross):

• Entourage star Kevin Connolly & Dancing with the Stars’ Julianne Hough–33 and 19
• Lance Armstrong and Ashley Olsen–36 and 21
• Katharine McPhee and actor Nick Cokas–42 and 23
• Heroes stars Hayden Panettiere and Milo Ventimiglia???–30 and 18
• Hugh Hefner and his bunnies–407 and 21

Someone, keep the babies from the dinosaurs!� Where’s Chris Hansen?

Photo Source:� Wikipedia

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