Season 2 of "Smash" premiered to low ratings and bad press, leading many viewers to question the future of "Smash." But star Megan Hilty (Ivy) said she can't worry about things like that.
"Listen, as an actress I realized a long time ago there are a lot of things out of my control," Hilty told HuffPost TV at a CD signing for "Smash's" "Bombshell" soundtrack at the NBC Experience Store in New York City. "Those are the things I can't let affect me because what can I do? All I can do is show up and do the best work that I can and the rest is in everybody else's hands."
Still, Hilty seems to realize that cancellation is a possibility for the NBC musical drama. When HuffPost TV asked if she'd be touring for her upcoming album "It Happens All The Time," the actress said with a laugh, "I don't know. It depends on if I have time ... I might have a lot of time."
Read on for a what's coming up for her character Ivy, details on her album and much more.
What's ahead for Ivy this season?
It's all about change in Season 2. Both personally and professionally -- everything. She wants to be a better person.
She left last season a little ... weirdly. Now she's going for redemption, but doing it her way. That must be fun to play.
Oh, absolutely. It's great, she's still Ivy. She's still got that fire in her, but she really is trying to do better.
Is there a little Marilyn coming up in her life?
Maybe. But before that can even be an option there are other things in the way.
"Liaisons"?
Yes, with Sean Hayes.
How was that?
Unbelievable. I cannot wait for people to see him in this show. He's going to shock everybody.
Does he play against type?
Yeah, he plays a complete jerk. A complete jerk and it's hilarious. I've never been so unprofessional in my life because I just couldn't stop laughing at some of the things he was coming up with.
And I know Liza Minnelli sang Ivy a song for her birthday. That must have been crazy to watch happen.
Yeah, dream come true. Check that off the list.
How are the other guest stars this year?
They're unbelievable. They're all ridiculously talented and some of them are living legends and they all bring such a really great energy to the show in different ways. Jennifer Hudson was spectacular and our new series regulars are great ... It's all about the fresh faces.
I got a lot of questions from fans after the Season 2 premiere when the ratings weren't super great and they're worried. Are you guys worried about the future of the show while you're filming it?
Listen, as an actress I realized a long time ago there are a lot of things out of my control. Those are the things I can't let affect me because what can I do? All I can do is show up and do the best work that I can and the rest is in everybody else's hands.
Is it the same with the reviews and press that came out before Season 2 even aired? It must have been hard on set to keep your head in the game.
I personally don't really pay attention to much. Everybody's got opinions. If I listen to the good ones, I have to listen to the bad ones. It's hard to not change your performance once you start listening to things like that. I have to keep trusting what we're doing and trust that I'm in the best hands possible.
Do you have a favorite Season 2 song?
I think "They Just Keep Moving The Line" was one of my favorites. I have a duet with Kat [McPhee] later in the season that I don't think I can say the name of --
Is it an original song?
No, it's not an original one.
I saw in the promo you're singing Robyn.
Yes! It was the only song I asked Josh [Safran, the new showrunner] to cover this season. The first time I met him I was like, "Listen, I want to sing one of her songs. I think this song would be perfect if we break it down. The words work so well for her character." He loved it. He's worked with her before on "Gossip Girl." He actually had her on the show. She's unbelievable. I love her. Josh's [Bergasse, the Emmy-winning choreographer of "Smash"] choreography of it is breathtaking.
You mentioned Josh the new showunner. How have all the changes been for you guys as actors?
Oh, it's been great. There's a lot more music in the show and a lot more singers in the show, so the work's been a little more evenly distributed so it's not just me and Kat doing all that ... that's been really wonderful. Everybody looks very glamorous this season.
Do you get in on any of the more pop songs this year or are you sticking to ballads?
Not really. I'm you're go-to standard gal. That's kind of what I do. [Laughs.]
Anything you want to say to fans?
Oh gosh, I just hope they enjoy this album. It's so awesome that they're doing this and compiled all these amazing songs on to one album. And I have my album coming out too!
I saw the album art on Twitter.
It's so crazy. It's actually happening, so that's exciting. Lots of music.
Will you be touring?
I don't know. It depends on if I have time ... I might have a lot of time. [Laughs.] I might not.
What's your album like?
It's not anything anybody would be expecting. It's not musical theater at all. It's like the other stuff I do on "Smash" ... It's half covers, half originals and I'm really proud of it. It's the first time I've ever done anything that's not connected to a character. It's just me.
"Smash" airs Tuesday at 10 p.m. EST on NBC.
