NBC Joins With Columbia Records for ‘Smash’ Soundtrack

Move over “Glee”: NBC just signed a deal with Columbia Records for the soundtrack to their hit musical drama “Smash.” Deadline reported that the record label also inked an agreement with star of the series Katharine McPhee, whose name might sound familiar thanks to “American Idol.”

The deal, which was obtained after a bidding war, gives Columbia Records Worldwide digital and physical rights to the first season of “Smash” and any subsequent seasons. This includes original songs written for the show and renditions of hit songs performed during the series.

This is similar to the strategy used by Fox’s “Glee,” which boosted the show’s revenue and played a major role in its success.

“Smash,” which follows the creation of a Broadway musical about Marilyn Monroe, is scheduled to air in mid-season on Mondays after the vocal competition reality show “The Voice.” 

This could hurt or hinder the show’s potential for success- it may stand out to viewers given its delayed premiere, or it could lose fans that are already invested in other shows.

NBC is also mirroring Fox in another aspect- a national vocal talent competition with a celebrity panel of judges debuting in the winter sounds suspiciously familiar.

Pictured: Katharine McPhee (Photo: Getty Images)