Smash won our annual fan-voted Save One Show competition, but alas, nothing could save this doomed series.

NBC officially announced the cancellation of Smash earlier this week, breaking the hearts of fans everywhere. But if it’s any consolation, stars Debra Messing and Megan Hilty were also super bummed to see it go. So when we caught up with them at an event hosted by BlackBerry at Catch Roof in New York City, we had to ask them about the series finale (airing May 26) and their reaction when they got the bad news.

“It’s unfortunate, but I learned a long time ago that there are lots of things out of my control and this is one of them,” Hilty tells us about getting the ax. “All I can do is be grateful for the experience and look forward to the future. I am really thankful for the doors that opened for me at Smash and had a really, really amazing time.”

Hilty also took the time to gush about costar Katharine McPhee, who she says will always be her favorite memory of Smash. “She turned out to be one of my greatest friends through all of this and we had such a great time together.”

As for the finale, Hilty promises no cliffhangers. “[Showrunner Joshua Safran] had actually wrote the season finale as it could be a series finale just in case so people won’t be left hanging,” Hilty reveals. “Things do tie up pretty nicely.”

Finally, Messing and Hilty have messages for the dedicated fans of Smash (that’s you!):

Hilty: “Thank you for watching and giving us all your support!”

Messing: “To all my most amazing craziest fans out there, thank you for all your support for me always on Will & Grace and Smash. I really love you and your dedication means so much.”

(Source)

The show is over for Smash, which has officially been canceled.

After a stunningly dismal return to the schedule, the rebooted drama under new showrunner Josh Safran was bumped to Saturdays in March. Despite the infusion of scores of Broadway stars and cameos from Rosie O’Donnell and Liza Minelli, among others, the series is averaging a measly 0.8 among adults 18-49 and just under 3 million total viewers — a far cry from its freshman run.

(Source)

Appearances: 2013: April 18 – Jekyll & Hyde The Musical Broadway Opening Night
Appearances: 2013: April 27 – 2013 White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner
Appearances: 2013: May 5 – Pre-Met Ball Special Screening Of “The Great Gatsby”
Appearances: 2013: May 9 – 2013 Joyful Heart Foundation Gala

Megan Hilty and Aaron Lazar have been tapped to star in a staged reading this summer of “Can-Can,” the Cole Porter tuner gearing up for a Broadway revival helmed by TV vet David Lee.

A thesp’s participation in a reading doesn’t guarantee his or her involvement in the final production, but it can always offer insight into casting possibilities. Hilty is a Broadway vet (“9 to 5,” “Wicked”) who became a TV face on NBC skein “Smash,” while Lazar’s Rialto credits include “A Little Night Music,” “Les Miserables” and “Mamma Mia!”

In the reading, Hilty will play the owner of a Belle Epoque dance hall where the scandalous dance of the title is performed, attracting the attention of a conservative judge (Lazar).

Lee (“Frasier,” “Cheers”) also co-pens a revised book for the 1953 musical, teaming with another tube veteran, Joel Fields (“The Americans,” “Rizzoli and Isles”). Rialto production of “Can-Can,” with choreography by Patti Colombo and music direction from Steve Orich, follows in the footsteps of Lee’s 2007 rejiggering of “Can-Can” at the Pasadena Playhouse in 2007.

Jonathan Burrows, nephew of the musical’s original book writer Abe Burrows, produces the revival, which aims for a Broadway berth in spring 2014. Industry-only staged reading is set for July 15-17 in Gotham.

(Source)

So here’s hoping you didn’t develop carpal tunnel syndrome in round one, ’cause your favorite show needs you now more than ever. And if your beloved show didn’t make the cut, you may be interested in our wild card nomination!

VIDEO: Exclusive sneak peek at The Vampire Diaries’ spinoff The Originals

The top 10 shows that made the cut are listed below, and we’re asking you to vote for the one you think serves to have E! Online and E! News campaign like crazy to save it from the TV graveyard. No joke, Save One Show has helped beloved series such as One Tree Hill, Felicity and Community in the past!

On Thursday, we’ll not only announce the top five, but the wild card round will also start. Twitter, prepare to become a battlefield.

This round closes on Wednesday, April 24, at 9 p.m. PT, with only five series advancing. The. Pressure. Is. On. Good luck and happy clicking!

Don’t forget to round up your fan bases by spreading the word on Twitter using the hashtag #SaveOneShow.