Laura Benanti has joined the cast of Nashville for its third season.

The Tony Award winner will appear in several episodes as Sadie Stone, an up-and-coming country artist who befriends Rayna (Connie Britton).


Benanti expressed her delight at joining the show on Twitter, stating: "Anyone who knows me knows this is my favorite thing that could possibly ever happen to me!!"

Britton responded: "oh thank the lord... Honored to have you joining us!"

Benanti won a Tony Award for her portrayal of Louise in Gypsy, and her TV credits include Nurse Jackie, Law & Order: SVU and The Sound of Music Live!

The country musical drama series, which also stars Hayden Panettiere, was renewed for 22 episodes in May.

The third season will premiere with a live music broadcast on September 24 in the US.