Kristin Chenoweth

Kristin Chenoweth, the pint-sized musical goddess of stage and — when we're lucky — television, is the latest Broadway veteran to join the cast of NBC's latest live production, Hairspray Live!

The Tony and Emmy Award-winning actress will bless us with her magical voice when she takes on the role of Velma Von Tussle, the manipulative producer of The Corny Collins Show, a local TV dance program of which her daughter Amber is the star. Both women butt heads with Tracy Turnblad (newcomer Maddie Baillio), a fan who wins a role on the show, and who fights for the integration of the previously all-white program.

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On stage, Chenoweth is best known for originating the role of Glinda the Good Witch in Wicked, but TV fans will recognize her from her roles on Pushing Daisies — for which she won an Emmy — The West Wing and Glee. She joins a cast that includes Harvey Fierstein, who won a Tony for his performance as Tracy's mother Edna in the original Broadway production, as well as Jennifer Hudson, Martin Short and Derek Hough.

Since NBC won't telecast Hairspray Live! until Wednesday, Dec. 7 at 8/7c, get in the spirit now and help us celebrate this exciting news with some of Chenoweth's best TV musical performances over the years.

1. "Eternal Flame", from Pushing Daisies

When she was innocent as a newborn cherub.

2. "Hopelessly Devoted to You", Pushing Daisies

When she was all mad cause men ain't no good.

3. "Birdhouse in Your Soul", Pushing Daisies

When she was the only person you'd ever consider doing an extended sing-a-long road trip with.

4. "Hello", Pushing Daisies

That time she belted out a "Hello" that would make both Lionel Richie and Adele a little bit jealous.

5. "Maybe This Time", Glee

When she let those kids of Glee know it would be a long time before they grow up to slay like this.





6. "Home", Glee

That time she was like, "I know how sacred The Wiz is. Move, I got this."

7. "Fire", Glee

When she was like, "Oh, you thought I couldn't do sexy pop star? Watch this."





8. "Dreams", Glee

Who else could go from showtune to classic rock in the flip of a switch like this? Who?!





9. "Last Name", Glee

Just too adorable for words. LOOK AT HER! We can't even take it.

10. "One Less Bell to Answer" and "A House Is Not a Home", Glee

She's nailing a Luther Vandross classic y'all. Your favorite could never.

And as a bonus, if you feel like crying at your desk, this new recording of Chenoweth and Idina Menzel performing "For Good" from Wicked is must watch.