Carrie Underwood to Star in NBC's 'Sound of Music'

By
Getty Images

Move over Julie Andrews -- Country star Carrie Underwood is set to take on the iconic role of Maria von Trapp in NBC's upcoming live broadcast of Rodgers and Hammerstein's The Sound of Music.

"To have a star like Carrie Underwood perform Maria in The Sound of Music – and in such a very special and unique production — is exciting beyond words," said Ted Chapin, president of Rodgers & Hammerstein. "Part of the magic of Rodgers and Hammerstein is how their work has adapted itself to so many different incarnations, and I am certain the fresh spirit Underwood brings to her own songs will transition into exciting versions of the classic songs we all know and love."

Pics: Carrie Underwood's Amazing Outfit Changes

NBC echoed Carrie's praises.

"Speaking for everyone at NBC, we couldn't be happier to have the gifted Carrie Underwood take up the mantle of the great Maria von Trapp," said NBC Entertainment chairman Robert Greenblatt in a statement. "She was an iconic woman who will now be played by an iconic artist."

Video: Remix! Carrie Underwood Sings Rap Tracks

Of course, Carrie has some pretty big shoes to fill. The Sound of Music broke box-office records and won the Tony Award for Best Musical when it premiered in 1959. The 1965 film version, starring Andrews, won the Best Picture Oscar.

NBC is partnering with the Smash producing team of Craig Zadan and Neil Meron for the revival of the beloved musical, and a date for when it will air has yet to be announced, though it's set for 2013.

Carrie's previous acting credits include a guest stint on CBS' How I Met Your Mother and a role in last year's Soul Surfer.