NBC Chairman on Ariana Grande's 'Hairspray Live!' role: 'She's a Broadway baby'

Yesterday, it was announced that Ariana Grande will play the role of Penny in NBC's upcoming 'Hairspray Live!' production and the channel's chairman has nothing but praise for her involvement.

Robert Greenblatt, the Chairman at NBC Entertainment, issued a statement on the exciting news and said: "We’re absolutely thrilled to round out our all-star ‘Hairspray Live!’ cast with Ariana Grande, one of the biggest recording artists in the world."

"She’s also a Broadway baby at heart, having debuted on Broadway when she was 15, and will be fantastic in the delightful role of Penny Pingleton. We look forward to her millions of fans seeing yet another side to this multifaceted performer and we welcome her to this incredible ensemble of artists."

Grande tweeted about the news last night and told her fans that she has never been this excited about a work commitment: "Penny has been a dream role since Hairspray opened on Broadway. At 9, I was (and still am) in LOVE w @KerryButlerNyc. hope to make u proud. anyway... I’m so honored and beyond excited to be a part of this dream cast...... I will for sure pass out at the table read. #HairsprayLive."

Watch Grande in action here: