Ariana Grande and Jennifer Hudson, recording artists and cast members of NBC’s Hairspray Live!, will duet on the show’s finale, “Come So Far (Got So Far To Go),” when the musical is broadcast live December 7.
The news was announced on the set of Hairspray Live! at the November 16 press junket for the live broadcast. The creative team told press that they wanted to use the song, originally penned by songwriters Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman for the 2007 musical film, for this incarnation. “What if we made that the big finale of the show?” original star and screenplay writer Harvey Fierstein suggested. “We came up with two of our cast members to sing it,” said producer Craig Zadan, “and when you hear it you will fall on the floor.”
Additionally, it was announced that Derek Hough, who will play Corny Collins in the musical, will sing “Ladies Choice” in this version of Hairspray. The number was originally created for the 2007 musical film adaptation for the character of Link, played on film by Zac Efron. Fierstein said that the number will be performed on The Corny Collins Show, and it will replace the “Madison,” which was used in the original Broadway production.
Choreographer Jerry Mitchell said that he will be utilizing Hough’s dance skills in the number.
Read MUSICAL NUMBERS FOR HAIRSPRAY LIVE! REVEALED
As for the recently announced cameos that will be made by former Tracy Turnblads Ricki Lake and Marissa Jaret Winokur, additional details were not revealed. “Don’t we want to surprise you?” Mitchell responded to the press.
It was also announced at the Hairspray Live! press junket that co-stars Kristin Chenoweth and Sean Hayes will host a pre-show leading into the 8 PM live broadcast.
