The cast of Ugly Betty are now testing their vocal chords as a musical episode of the highly watched series is in the making. Surely, Emmy-nominated actress and singer Vanessa Williams will have no problem taking on this exciting episode, but as for other cast members who do not normally use their vocal chords for musical purposes, it may well be quite a challenge. This is the case for Ashley Jensen, who plays designer Christina McKinney on the show.



The 38-year-old actress already warned the viewers of the show that she will definitely not be as good as Williams, who has garnered musical success throughout the 1980s. Despite that, Jensen hopes that the fans of Ugly Betty would appreciate her efforts.

"Most people have got a wee voice inside them. It might not be Vanessa Williams' standard," Jensen said. "But I think what will be part of the charm is that it will be the characters singing."

Apart from the various characters breaking into a song every now and then, fans will also have the opportunity to hear music from multi-award winning composer Marc Shaiman, the man responsible for the Broadway production of Hairspray.

Despite all the buzz, fans will have to hold on to their excitement as it will take some time before the muscial episode of Ugly Betty actually gets taped and aired. In fact, it was just on the idea stage when the writers' strike took place in early November. Currently, there are four new episodes of Ugly Betty left, and hopefully the writers' strike would be resolved as to further the production of Ugly Betty episodes.

The strike also caused Gabrielle Union's appearance on Ugly Betty to diminish as the Bring It On actress is to play Wilhemina Slater's (Williams) younger sister. Her former status as a recurring character was shortened to a one-episode appearance.