Ariana Grande Returns to Broadway With Role in 'Hairspray Live!'

Pop superstar Ariana Grande will make her return to the Broadway stage with an upcoming part in Hairspray. The "Dangerous Woman" previously appeared on the Great White Way as cheerleader Charlotte in Jason Robert Brown's 2008 musical, 13.

As reported by Vanity Fair, the chart-topping 23-year-old unveiled the news of her upcoming performance on Thursday via social media:

"The tiny chanteuse announced on Twitter today that she's taken a part in NBC's upcoming live production of Hairspray. Grande will co-star in the special as Penny Pingleton, pigtailed best friend of heroine Tracy Turnblad (played here by newcomer Maddie Baillio, a college student making her screen debut)."

Grande, who began her entertainment career as a stage starlet before dominating the popular music sphere, has been a mainstream media fixture of late. She released her latest album, Dangerous Woman, back in May. As a singer, she is well known for her collaborations with the likes of Iggy Azaela, Nicki Minaj and The Weeknd. Grande's latest single, "Into You," peaked at No. 44 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

Speaking to Backstage in a 2010 interview shortly after her 13 debut, Grande made clear her Broadway appreciation and theatrical aspirations:

"I was in a Broadway show before, and I have to say that nothing would replace that feeling. It's one of the most amazing things in the entire world. [...] I know this is so expected of me, but I would to play Elphaba in Wicked on Broadway. I have a lot of dream roles, but that's like my main one because of the vocal track. I love belting high things!"

Grande came under fire last year when a surveillance video exposed her public exclamations of "I hate Americans" and "I hate America" at a Wolfee Donuts shop in California. The singer has since apologized for the statements.

Below, watch Grande's arresting vocal impersonations from an appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.

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TagsAriana Grande, Hairspray, Maddie Baillio, Jason Robert Brown, 13, Dangerous Woman, Wicked