Julianne Hough Reveals She Got Olivia Newton-John’s Blessing To Play Sandy, Shares ‘Grease Live’ Details

It is almost time for Grease Live on Fox and fans can’t wait to see it. Julianne Hough is getting the chance to play Sandy and the Dancing With the Stars pro and judge is now speaking out about getting the blessing of Olivia Newton-John for her playing the role and also about what viewers can expect to see. As Julianne explained, John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John made these roles “iconic,” which just adds to the pressure of playing them. Variety got the chance to talk to Julianne and get all the details.

How #GreaseLive will differ from the movie: https://t.co/ugLRNENnap pic.twitter.com/wWsiC4BC2y

— Entertainment Weekly (@EW) January 28, 2016

Hough admits to being a huge Grease fan and shared that she used to sneak to watch it when her parents were not home because they weren’t supposed to watch movies that were rated PG-13. When asked about how the reception has been for her playing the part, Julianne revealed it has been well explaining the details.

“I’ve had overflowing love and support from everyone, including Olivia Newton-John. I met her, and she was like, ‘Oh, you’re a perfect Sandy!’ That took some weight off my shoulders a little bit.”

True fans of Grease are very curious to see how Julianne Hough will play Sandy and if the live version will be a lot different than the movie. Hough explained that things will be a bit different, but hopefully not so much that fans won’t embrace it. They have combined the play and movie version. Julianne Hough shared that it is more like the film, but Hough revealed they do take more songs from the play. Hough also shared that one thing will be different from other live shows recently and they will have a live audience as well.

The Pink Ladies ???? @billboard @gogrease #3days pic.twitter.com/yjwRhIClXZ

— Vanessa Hudgens (@VanessaHudgens) January 28, 2016

There have been some rumors flying that Olivia Newton-John could make a cameo on the show, but Julianne Hough didn’t seem to know if this was true. Hough did admit that she would probably start crying right there if she showed up. You never know what they will decide to do. It is very possible that Olivia Newton-John could show up or at least be in the audience.

EW also shared a few details about how Grease Live will be different than the movie. Aaron Tveit, who plays Danny, did share that they don’t use cigarettes in their version. It will be interesting to see what Julianne Hough does instead as she says “Tell me about it stud.” Julianne Hough did share that she will have to change that up a bit.

“I’m like, ‘Should I chew gum and spit it out?’ No, I’m just kidding. I don’t know what I’m going to do — I’ m hopefully going to use my attitude.”

Julianne Hough is making it sound like they have found the perfect cast for Grease Live. Hough looks like the perfect Sandy and she shared that if she is perfect for that role, then Vanessa Hudgens is perfect for Rizzo.

“Well, everybody’s saying I’m the perfect Sandy — well, that girl is a perfect Rizzo. I couldn’t think of a better character and role for her to really showcase what she can do. The first day of rehearsal we came in, she was so prepared and so on it. She just already embodied the character. They were doing ‘Freddy My Love,’ just marking it, and we were standing there and Zach Woodlee, our choreographer, goes, ‘She looks like she’s gonna eat somebody!’ Her raw sexuality as Rizzo is so good.”

Don’t miss Grease Live when it airs on Sunday night on Fox. Are you excited to see this live show with Julianne Hough as Sandy? What part of Grease are you hoping doesn’t get left out in the live version of the movie? Sound off in the comments below on your thoughts.

[Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images]