Oscar Winner Jennifer Hudson On How Smash Is Helping Get Her 'Feet Wet for Broadway’

“Honey, you got one shot!” That’s how Jennifer Hudson's new Smash character describes the thrill of being in a live Broadway production, a longstanding desire of Hudson's own that the Oscar winner recently revisited in an interview with Entertainment Weekly. Appearing on the winter TV preview cover of EW, Hudson took the time to explain how she’s learned to appreciate the theater now that she’s playing a Broadway star on Smash’s upcoming sophomore season (which premieres on February 5).

“It’s not easy being on the stage on Broadway. I take my hat off to those people,” said Hudson, who plays a Tony-winning superstar struggling to hold on to fame on NBC’s Broadway dramedy. “Doing the show has helped me get my feet wet for Broadway,” she continued. “I like to take one step at a time, and I felt like [Smash] was a huge leap, but it was a great start into walking into that world, which is something I definitely want to do one day.”

Hudson has never shied away from revealing her desire to star on the New York stage, telling Broadway.com last year, “[Broadway] is something on my list. I’m coming to Broadway eventually!”

With Smash under her belt, we can’t wait to see what show or role Hudson will tackle on the New York stage. Hurry up and come to Broadway, Jennifer!