Photo Flash: NBC Announces Winner of HAIRSPRAY LIVE's Dance-Off; Maddie Baillio Performs National Anthem

On September 15th, NBC held a dance contest at the Hippodrome Theater in Baltimore to find one lucky dancer who will be part of the network's live telecast of HAIRPRAY LIVE! on Wednesday, Dec. 7 at 8 p.m. ET/PT.

HAIRSPRAY LIVE star Maddie Baillio, who plays Tracy Turnblad, joined an array of producers and lead choreographer Brooke Engen to serve as judges for the competition. Prior to the auditions, contestants were asked to watch a video featuring HAIRSPRAY LIVE's Derek Hough who explained the step-by-step dance moves for the number they would be asked to perform. After watching hundreds of talented hopefuls, the judges selected Unissa Cruse-Ferguson of Baltimore, MD as the winner!

While still in town, Baillio performed the National Anthem at Camden Yards before the Baltimore Orioles game on Saturday, September 17th. Check out photos from both events below!

Based on the Tony Award®-winning Broadway musical, "Hairspray Live!" takes place in 1962 Baltimore. Tracy Turnblad, a plus-sized teen with really big dreams, becomes an overnight sensation after appearing on a segregated Baltimore TV dance show. With her newfound popularity, she twists and shakes her hometown, teaching them a thing or two about racial equality -- and of course, the power of big hair!

The stellar cast includes Harvey Fierstein, Jennifer Hudson, Kristin Chenoweth, Martin Short, Derek Hough, Ariana Grande, Dove Cameron, Garrett Clayton, Andrea Martin, Rosie O'Donnell, Sean Hayes and exciting newcomer Maddie Baillio.

Craig Zadan and Neil Meron (producers of all of NBC's live musicals and the upcoming "A Few Good Men Live!") serve as executive producers of "Hairspray Live!" Live television director Alex Rudzinski will join director Kenny Leon ("The Wiz Live!") for "Hairspray Live!" Harvey Fierstein will provide a new teleplay and Jerry Mitchell ("Kinky Boots," "On Your Feet") will serve as choreographer for the live production with music and lyrics by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman ("Smash" and Broadway's upcoming "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory").

Photo by: Leigh Vogel/NBC

Photo by: Todd Olszewski/Baltimore Orioles