If you’re wondering why the lights on Broadway are dimmed, it’s because NBC has officially announced that Smash will not be returning for a third season. Though the writing has been on the wall for a while — moving the show to Saturdays, following disappointing ratings, was not a good sign — the network finally confirmed our suspicions May 10.

‘Smash’ Series Finale Spoilers

The good news is that fans won’t be totally left hanging once the curtain fall on Smash. Showrunner Josh Safran recently told HollywoodLife.com‘s sister site TVLine that the season’s final hour “was constructed as a series finale.”

Josh also teased that we can expect the following ‘twists’ from the series finale:

1. Someone finds out she’s pregnant. My guess is either Ivy (Megan Hilty) or Julia (Debra Messing).

2. Someone gets arrested. Is Jimmy (Jeremy Jordan) too obvious a guess?

3. A gay guy kisses a straight guy — and the kiss is reciprocated! All of my fingers and toes are crossed for Tom (Christian Borle) and Derek (Jack Davenport).

HollywoodLifers, what do you hope to see on the Smash series finale? Drop a comment with your theories and predictions!

— Andy Swift
Follow @AndySwift

More ‘Smash’ On HollywoodLife.com:

1. ‘Smash’ Video: Katharine McPhee Performs ‘Broadway, Here I Come’
2. ‘Smash’ First Look: Jennifer Hudson Performs ‘I Got Love’ — Watch
3. ‘Smash’ Season 2: Inside Karen & Jimmy’s ‘Tumultuous Love Affair’

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

If you haven’t been watching the second season of Smash — shame on you, by the way — allow me to show you what you’ve been missing: Next Tuesday’s episode finds Derek (Jack Davenport) in charge of a major televised concert, so naturally he calls in the big guns for help. Enter Jennifer Hudson, who rounds out her multi-episode guest stint as Broadway legend Veronica Moore with an incredible performance of “I Got Love” in this clip, obtained exclusively by HollywoodLife.com.

Of course, Veronica’s greatest performance will be finally standing up to her overbearing mother (Sheryl Lee Ralph), who remains determined to call every shot in her daughter’s career. Think of her as the Kris Jenner of the Broadway world; I know I do.

And even though the episode is titled “The Song,” Veronica’s show-stopping number — originally from the musical Purlie — is not the track being referenced. That honor goes to the last-minute song Jimmy (Jeremy Jordan) is forced to conjure up, with the help of Kyle (Andy Mientus) and Karen (Katharine McPhee). Needless to say, we’ll learn a lot more about the mysterious Brooklyn bad boy as we work our way through his song-writing process.

Elsewhere, Julia (Debra Messing) continues to lock creative horns with Peter (Daniel Sunjata) as they attempt to work together — with varying degrees of success — while Eileen (Anjelica Huston) arrives at a “moral crossroads with huge ramifications for Bombshell.”

Never a dull moment on Smash!

Watch Veronica’s performance of “I Got Love” below, and be sure to catch the full episode Feb. 26:

— Andy Swift

Follow @AndySwift

More Smash on HollywoodLife.com:

1. ‘Smash’ Scoop: Katharine McPhee Previews New ‘Love Triangles’ Ahead
2. ‘Smash’ Season Premiere: Karen Finds New Life After ‘Bombshell’
3. ‘Smash’ Star Krysta Rodriguez Teases ‘Trouble’ With Karen In Season 2

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’

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

Megan Hilty, 31, is a beauty fanatic. “I have to confess, I look for anything that has that little Allure sticker on it. I’m like, ‘Yup! Ok! Put it in my basket.’ I love trying new things all the time. I live on top of a Sephora so it’s bad,” she says.

Her faves: “Dry Shampoo. Klorane is my hands down favorite but Rene Furterer is great too. Neutrogena face wipes. L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Original Mascara. Boom. Or Maybelline New York Great Lash. You know what I just found? There’s this thing at Sephora called [Perfect Forumula] Pink Gel Coat. It’s like 30 bucks and instead of going and getting a gel manicure, you just put a couple coats on your polish and you’re not ruining your nails. You get to skip the UV rays and you don’t have to file the gel off, it just comes off easily. That’s my big beauty find.”

The biggest surprise: Megan does her own nails for TV! “I love doing nails. I used to do my mom’s and sister’s every Sunday night, just sit down and do everyone’s. So now I do it in the morning in my trailer while they’re working on my hair or something. Nail Polish has been a big thing because on set, they want to make a big thing about our nail polish. Every episode we have a new color. [Whips out iPhone and presents a picture of her hand, each finger done in a different polish.] I just did my nails at Sephora and sent my makeup artist pictures and was like, ‘Which ones can I get? Which ones do you like!?’”

Do you do any spa treatments or are you all DIY? “I love to go and get a facial or a massage. But there’s no time for that anymore so I try and do whatever I can at home, and anytime I need to go get a pedicure, then I’ll spring for the back massage they do there. There’s a place on the Upper West Side that I always go to. It’s amazing.”

HollywoodLifers, do YOU use any of Megan’s beauty faves? Sound off below!

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