We’ve been getting bits and pieces of Hit List every week on Smash this season, but on the April 2 episode, the fame-focused pop opera is finally going public! In this sneak-peek video, obtained exclusively by HollywoodLife.com, Karen (Katharine McPhee) and Jimmy (Jeremy Jordan) take center stage for a new performance of “Broadway, Here I Come” at the Manhattan Theatre Workshop’s annual benefit — and it seems very well received.

The episode, appropriately titled “The Parents,” finds Karen’s dad making a surprise visit to the big city, which is sure to make things more complicated for the other men in his daughter’s life. Not only is Mr. Cartwright seen exchanging uncomfortable pleasantries with Derek (Jack Davenport) in this clip, but the promo for the episode reveals we’ll be learning about Jimmy’s “bad news” history. Needless to say, papa doesn’t approve — and he will preach.

Also on the “parents” front, Ivy (Megan Hilty) will also have to deal with the awkward repercussions of her mother (Bernadette Peters) coming to town to co-star in Bombshell. If you thought Marilyn Monroe had a rough relationship with her mom, just you wait.

WATCH Karen Perform ‘Broadway, Here I Come’ Below:

HollywoodLifers, what did you think of Karen’s rendition of the song? Do you like it better than when Jimmy sang it? And let’s draw some battle lines: Are you Team ‘Hit List,’ or Team ‘Bombshell’? Drop a comment below!

— Andy Swift

Follow @AndySwift

More Smash on HollywoodLife.com:

1. ‘Smash’ Season 2 Scoop: Inside Karen & Jimmy’s ‘Tumultuous Love Affair’
2. ‘Smash’ First Look: Jennifer Hudson Performs ‘I Got Love’ — Watch
3. ‘Smash’ Scoop: Katharine McPhee Previews New ‘Love Triangles’ Ahead

Smash may have taken a break last week — thanks a lot, State Of The Union Address! — but NBC’s hit musical returns with an all-new episode Feb. 19, and Katharine McPhee told us there’s big drama to come, both on and off stage. “It’s not just going to be about Bombshell,” she told HollywoodLife.com  on Feb. 10 at the DVF Fall 2013 show at Lincoln Center during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. ”There are going to be quite a few different shows going on. And maybe perhaps a couple love triangles.”

Hmm… Could one of those love triangles include the ongoing saga of Karen, Ivy (Megan Hilty) and Derek (Jack Davenport)? It was clear after the season premiere that Ivy’s not sure where she stands with the womanizing director, nor is she sure what’s going on between him and Karen.

But while we wait for that mess to sort itself out, we’ll have plenty to keep ourselves entertained, like a few show-stopping performances by Jennifer Hudson!

“Jennifer was great,” Katharine told us. “She got to do these big musical numbers, and I wasn’t there when she was shooting them, but it was fun to watch them back.”

Karen’s Romance With Jimmy In Season 2

“You’ll see Karen trying to focus on what it is that she’s professionally working on, but also being torn by being attracted to somebody, and how that balance affects her life,” Katharine added.

That, we assume, was a nod to Jeremy Jordan‘s Brooklyn songwriter character, Jimmy. When HollywoodLife.com visited the show’s NYC set earlier this year, Jeremy told us all about Jimmy and Karen’s love story, though he urged us not to think of it that way.

“It’s more of a chemistry story,” Jeremy explained during our recent visit to the show’s NYC set. “It’s this constant tug and pull; just when you think something might happen with them, something gets in the way.”

Watch a preview of tonight’s all-new episode of Smash below, then drop a comment: How do YOU think the show’s love triangles should play out?

— Andy Swift, reporting by Katrina Mitzeliotis

Follow @AndySwift

More Smash on HollywoodLife.com:

1. ‘Smash’ Season Premiere: Karen Finds New Life After ‘Bombshell’
2. ‘Smash’ Star Krysta Rodriguez Teases ‘Trouble’ With Karen In Season 2
3. ‘Smash’ Season 2 Scoop: Inside Karen & Jimmy’s ‘Tumultuous Love Affair’

The Alice + Olivia by Stacey Bendet Fall 2013 presentation blew us away with a hot new collection flaunted by some of our favorite fashionistas on Feb. 11 at the Highline Stages in NYC. From Victoria Justice to Katherine McPhee, this line definitely has something in store for everyone. We LOVE that these girls were able to portray their respective styles while all wearing the same designer — but which look did you like best?

Victoria Justice, 19, diverged from her usual fun and flirty style in a tight, peplum cocktail dress. The floral pattern and conservative neckline made her appear sophisticated and chic. A classic middle part, red lips, and pointed heels created an appealing, timeless look for our young beauty.

24-year-old Vanessa Hudgens also pulled off Alice + Olivia effortlessly with a classy spin to her youthful glow. A white short sleeved top tucked into a full, flowing skirt screams innocence on the Spring Breakers star, who often dresses boho chic. The butterfly-print skirt was accented by an adorable matching Peter Pan collar. Thick, black pumps and stackable Stella & Dot Moraley Flower Stackable Bands were the perfect accessory to add some edge to the feminine ensemble.

“I’ve never been able to find a piece of Stacey’s that I didn’t like. It’s so sophisticated and it covers a large age range,” says AnnaSophia Robb of Stacey Bendet‘s Alice and Olivia line. The 19-year-old donned a modern frock with blue polka dots and a sheer hue at the event. The age-appropriate piece was dressed up with a pair of black tights and red, pointed toe shoes. Nice touch, AnnaSophia!

Katharine McPhee, 28, went for a more posh look than the other girls in a form-fitting white peplum dress. The strapless piece was simple but still displayed the perfect amount of sexy, especially when paired with black high-heeled booties. With her hair falling naturally to her shoulders and no bold jewelry in sight, we love that this star went with the “less is more” look.

So, HollywoodLifers, what’s your opinion? We can def agree that all these stars rock the new collection, but who wore it best? VOTE on your pick and leave a comment below!

Courtney Dunn

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Bombshell may have been a hit in Boston, but when the Smash gang returned to New York for the Feb. 5 season premiere, their Broadway dreams proved to be as alive as Marilyn Monroe herself. (Sorry, too soon?)

Not even a special performance by Jennifer Hudson, as Broadway star Veronica Moore, could save Bombshell after someone *cough* Jerry *cough* tipped off the feds about where Eileen (Anjelica Huston) was getting the funding for the show. The brief hiatus forced everyone to look for a future outside of Bombshell — which, for Derek, (Jack Davenport) meant taking long hard look at his miserable, womanizing existence.

But because every good musical has a happy ending — except West Side Story, and all the other ones that don’t — the creative team was able to get Bombshell back on track for a Broadway opening.

Karen & Jimmy Hit A ‘High’ Note

Seriously, Dev who? A newly single Karen (Katharine McPhee) spent most of the season premiere making nice with two charming Brooklyn hipsters, Jimmy (Jeremy Jordan) and Kyle (Andy Mientus), who just so happen to be writing the next Rent. Though Jimmy was initially apprehensive about sharing his music, Karen convinced him to loosen up by traveling all the way to Brooklyn — you’d have thought she was crossing the ocean, the way they described it — and performing a sexy serenade.

They also kissed, but Jimmy was stoned off his ass, so he probably doesn’t remember any of it. I, however, will never forget it. I’ll also never forget the way his tricep wobbled about while he was performing “Broadway, Here I Come,” which was basically a moving duet between Jimmy and his tricep. Behold:

Ivy Finally Catches (Slash Steals) A Break

Ivy (Megan Hilty), who totally didn’t end up killing herself on the season finale, spent the premiere trying to claw her way back into everyone’s good graces — starting with Karen, who wasn’t exactly quick to forgive her for sleeping with Dev. After Derek officially fired her from Bombshell, her future with the show was looking bleak, until a chance performance at an American Theatre Wing gala put her back in the game!

Karen was quick to note that Ivy only got to sing because Karen was on the subway when they tried to call her. And so the rivalry continues.

Julia’s Life Gets Even Worse

Bombshell took a backseat to Julia’s (Debra Messing) scarf-adorned train wreck of a personal life — doesn’t it always? — as she and Frank hammered the final nail into the coffin of their marriage. After the pot accused the kettle of seeing another woman behind her back, Frank blurted out the entire cast’s sexual secrets in a room full of press. And, of course, that little s**t Michael Riedel was there to yuck it up.

Her lyrics also got slammed in the reviews for Bombshell, so she spent the second half of the two-hour premiere hiding in Tom’s apartment with only a jar of Fluffernutter to keep her company. But wait, there’s good news: She actually said goodbye to the scarves. Like, for real!

A new season means a new Julia, and thankfully, a new wardrobe.

What did you think of the Smash season premiere? Are you a fan of the new characters? Drop a comment with your personal review of the double episode!

— Andy Swift

Follow @AndySwift

Smash season 2 scoop on HollywoodLife.com:

1. ‘Smash’ Star Krysta Rodriguez Teases ‘Trouble’ With Karen In Season 2
2. ‘Smash’ Season 2 Scoop: Inside Karen & Jimmy’s ‘Tumultuous Love Affair’
3. ‘Hairspray’ Star Nikki Blonsky Joining ‘Smash’ Season 2 — Confirmed

If you’ve already watched the first hour of Smash‘s second season premiere, you’re probably asking yourself who Karen’s (Katharine McPhee) new roommate is, and where the heck she came from. Not to worry; HollywoodLife.com recently paid a visit to the NBC musical’s NYC set to get the scoop on Ana from Krysta Rodriguez, herself, and she was more than happy to help fill in our many blanks.

“I’m a dancer, singer and an actress,” Krysta told me, speaking in character. “[Karen] and I knew each other from our waitressing days, but I was ‘on tour’ last season, which is why I wasn’t around. When she breaks up with her boyfriend, I have a room open, because my roommate goes on the Disney cruise. We’ve been friends, and then she moves in with me, and we navigate theater together.”

If you’re wondering why none of this is addressed on the premiere, the answer is simple: the scene was cut.

“We were about six minutes over in the episode,” Krysta explained.

Will Karen & Ana Clash?

As much as I love the idea of Karen actually getting along with a fellow performer, I couldn’t help but ask Krysta if Ana will butt heads with her roommate.

There’s “a little bit of tension between her and Karen because they’re friends and performers,” Krysta said, but was quick to clarify that they’re not going to be “rivals” like Karen and Ivy (Megan Hilty). That said, Ana might find herself in a bit of hot water this season.

“I get in a little bit of trouble,” Krysta revealed. “I have a thing for musicians, and there’s a little twist that causes problems.”

Of course there’s a guy involved! Just like Taylor Swift sings, guys are always trouble… trouble… trouble.

Watch the first hour of Smash‘s second season below, then check out the full two-hour premiere Feb. 5 at 9 p.m.

— Andy Swift

Follow @AndySwift

More Smash on HollywoodLife.com:

1. ‘Smash’ Season 2 Scoop: Inside Karen & Jimmy’s ‘Tumultuous Love Affair’
2. Megan Hilty Reveals She Does Her Own Nails For TV & More Secrets
3. ‘Smash’ Season 2 Trailer: New Faces Battle For The Spotlight

Dev is so last season! When Smash returns for its second season Feb. 5 on NBC, Karen (Katharine McPhee) will find herself very much involved with up-and-coming composer Jimmy (Jeremy Jordan) — but don’t call it a “love story” just yet. “It’s more of a chemistry story,” Jeremy explained to HollywoodLife.com during a recent visit to the show’s NYC set. “It’s this constant tug and pull; just when you think something might happen with them, something gets in the way.”

Katharine, meanwhile, chooses to look at Karen and Jimmy’s relationship in a much more romantic light, describing it as a “tumultuous love affair.”

Jimmy’s a tough nut to crack, and it sounds like Karen is just the squirrel he’s been looking for. (Does that make sense? Squirrels crack nuts, right?)

“He doesn’t trust anyone — except maybe his best friend Kyle, played by Andy Mientus — until Karen comes in,” Jeremy said. “She sort of starts to open him up a little bit, but it’s very hard work on her part.”

And Karen doesn’t exactly mind putting in the extra effort.

“I think she she — as many theater girls are — is a sucker for men that are incredibly talented,” Katharine admitted.

What’s The Deal With Jimmy?

After chatting with Jeremy about his bad-boy character, I think it’s safe to say that Karen has no idea what she’s getting herself into.

“He’s a very angry young man,” Jeremy said. “He’s had a lot of really bad things happen to him in his life. … It’s difficult for him to trust anybody with his [music], so you’ll see a lot of contention between him and the characters. He’s a tough one to like, but hopefully you’ll see glimpses of why he is that way and how good he can be.”

And even though drugs play into Jimmy’s story line a bit, Jeremy “wouldn’t say he’s a drug addict.”

“It’s sort what gets him through tough times … his denial,” Jeremy explained. “Whenever he doesn’t understand how to deal with something, or doesn’t want to face it, that’s where he goes.”

Watch the first hour of Smash‘s second season below, then drop a comment with your initial reactions: How do you feel about Karen and Jimmy as a potential couple?

— Andy Swift

Follow @AndySwift

More Smash on HollywoodLife.com:

1. ‘Smash’ Season 2 Trailer: New Faces Battle For The Spotlight
2. ‘Hairspray’ Star Nikki Blonsky Joining ‘Smash’ Season 2 — Confirmed
3. ‘Smash’: Katharine McPhee Previews Karen & Ivy’s New Season 2 Rivalry

Katharine McPhee, 28, is quickly becoming one of Hollywood’s hottest stars! The earthy beauty is also coming into her beauty. “Music was pretty much all I did growing up,” she says. “But I loved clothes. On Idol, I was very strategic with my look. I specifically wore very little makeup, did very little with my hair. I wore beat-up jeans and a simple jacket that covered my body up because I knew that viewers like seeing transformation,” says McPhee.

“As a viewer myself, it was one of those things I looked forward to. It’s like when people watch Dancing With the Stars: They love to see the stars lose weight and start to feel confident. So I wanted to create that story—actually to push the story that I had no idea about fashion—which was not actually true.”

Katharine moved to New York for her role on Smash, but revealed it was tough settling in to city life:  “I don’t want to sound ungrateful, but I hated living in New York for the first six months,” said McPhee. But after a while, she started adjusting. “I couldn’t really put my finger on it. There’s so much diversity on the streets here. You get to leave work behind when you leave; not everyone is an actor.”

One place you won’t find the star is out partying: “When you’re on a show like this [Smash], one that requires so much singing, you have to be really protective of you instrument. You don’t get to just, like, go out and party all night.”

HollywoodLifers, do YOU love Katharine’s gorgeous Lucky cover beauty look? Sound off below!

– Jennifer Tzeses

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Jennifer Hudson, 31, is joining gorgeous singers Katharine McPhee, 28, and Megan Hilty, 31, in the cast of Smash, and she flawlessly blends in to the show’s glamorous Broadway diva style. Each of these hot gals is giving Marilyn Monroe’s iconic style a try- and pulling it off seamlessly.

Though these talented ladies are all glammed up for their cover look, this style is far from being costume-y — it’s actually completely wearable! Jet black winged liquid eyeliner is the key trick that gives the ladies’ styles a completely retro glam nod. Thickly lined upper lids with softer underlined lower lashes instantly wake up your look with a wide-eyed feel.

Take a break from the heavy red lipstick and cake foundation if you are trying out this look. Paired with shimmering nude lip color and luminous, perfect skin, the singers show us how to keep the look modern and fresh. Edgy black lacquered nails offer a great finishing touch for this look: sleek and simple, the color adds drama without detracting from the sophisticated style.

Jennifer, Megan, and Katharine also show off bombshell waves that go on for days! Their long locks are soft and flowing, easily making for a sultry, modern style. Brush out your curls to get looser waves packed with sexy volume.

HollywoodLifers, who do YOU think wears retro hair and makeup best?

– Kristine Hope Kowalski

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