Superstar Ariana Grande will play the role of Penny in the upcoming NBC production of 'Hairspray! Live' and she has revealed that landing the part meant the world to her because she values theatre more than she does music. 

Speaking to reporters at the Television Critics Association press tour this week, the 'Into You' sensation admitted it's nothing short of an honour to be involved:

"I don’t want to change anything about the role or how she develops. I just love Penny and it’s such a great honour to play her. I don’t want any special icing or parts. This is such a dream come true for me because at heart, theatre is everything to me. Pop music is so fun, but this is way much more fun. So much more.”

The production's executive producer, Neil Meron, added: "One of the thrills is that Ariana wanted to play that role as written. She felt it. Basically, she loved the fact that Penny held off those powerful pipes until the very end.”

Follow us: @Pressparty on Twitter / Pressparty on Facebook.

Watch Grande performing live here: