Smash -- Liza Minnelli to appear in season two

Season two of NBC's Smash continues to bring out the big guns in order to lure more viewers: EW has learned that icon Liza Minnelli will appear as herself in the second season, set to begin airing in February 2013; Minnelli's episode is titled "The Surprise Party" and will air sometime in the spring. The actress will sing an original song, penned by Marc Shaiman and Scott Whittman, alongside series star Christian Borle who plays Broadway composer Tom.

"Liza Minnelli is the essence of a multi-talented, singular show business sensation, particularly for her extraordinary contributions to Broadway," said NBC Entertainment Chairman Bob Greenblatt. "So what could be more fitting than to have her legendary talent on a show that celebrates a world Liza has dazzled for decades? I had the pleasure of working with Liza when we restored her landmark television special Liza With a Z at Showtime, and to see her artistry up close and personal is a thing to behold."

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