'Smash's' Star-Struck Karen Gets a Wise Word From Jennifer Hudson (Exclusive Video)

After Bombshell's successful run in Boston, Katharine McPhee's Karen has a new mentor on NBC's Smash: Veronica "Ronnie" Moore, aka American Idol finalist Jennifer Hudson.

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When the second season of the series returns Feb. 5, Karen and company will have returned to New York following a solid test run of the Marilyn Monroe musical, Bombshell as the production eyes a run on Broadway.

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As Eileen (Anjelica Huston), Julia (Debra Messing) and Tom (Christian Borle) work through both personal and professional obstacles, Derek (Jack Davenport) takes Karen on a tour of the town -- including meeting his successful Broadway diva pal, Ronnie.

While Karen is still very wide-eyed about the success that awaits her as Bombshell continues to build its buzz, Ronnie imparts a few wise words of advice for the Broadway star in training.

Check out The Hollywood Reporter's exclusive first-look clip from the season premiere below, and hit the comments with your thoughts on the vibe between McPhee and Hudson -- and why Derek seems to be hitting the booze.

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Season two of Smash premieres in its new night on Tuesday, Feb. 5 with a two-hour episode starting at 9 p.m.

Email: Lesley.Goldberg@thr.com; Twitter: @Snoodit