In the pilot episode, McPhee sings "Beautiful," made famous by "The Voice" judge Christina Aguilera. The series recently released the full music video of the "Beautiful" cover.
Although McPhee performs a cover of the Aguilera hit, "Smash," created by Theresa Rebeck (Seminar), will also include original songs written by Tony-winning duo Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman (Hairspray, Catch Me If You Can).
The pilot was directed by Tony Award winner Michael Mayer (Spring Awakening, American Idiot) and was shot in New York City.
The series, according to NBC, "centers on a desire to create a Broadway musical based on the life of Marilyn Monroe—written by the successful songwriting duo of Tom (Christian Borle) and Julia (Debra Messing). Julia recently began the process of adopting a child with her husband of many years, but her focus is torn when she has the opportunity to write another Broadway hit. A rivalry soon forms for the lead role between a youthful, inexperienced Midwestern beauty (Katharine McPhee)—who is trying to find fame in the big city against all odds—and stage veteran (Megan Hilty), who's determined to leave the chorus line and finally get her big break. A tenacious producer Eileen (Angelica Huston) discovers the 'Marilyn' project and jumps on board with a brilliant director (Jack Davenport)—whose talent is matched by his cunning and egocentric amorality."
"Smash" will launch on NBC Feb. 6, 2012, at 10 PM ET. To watch the music video of "Beautiful," look below: