Photo Coverage: Bailey Hanks Makes Debut As Elle Woods- Curtain Call and After Party

Bailey Hanks won the MTV competition "The Search For The New Elle Woods" making her the new successor to Laura Bell Bundy in the role of Elle Woods. On July 23rd, 2008 Bailey took the stage for the first time along surrounded by new faces and old favorites.

On Monday, June 2, 2008, MTV premiered the reality show "Legally Blonde The Musical: The Search for Elle Woods" to find a talented singer/actress/ dancer to take over for Broadway star and Tony Nominee Laura Bell Bundy. Thousands of talented young women came from across the country to make their dream a reality—as MTV and Legally Blonde The Musical teamed up to find Broadway's new Elle Woods.  After what might have been the toughest audition in Broadway history—comprising two months of workshops, training sessions, challenge after challenge and arduous eliminations—one remarkable rising star stood out from the crowd: Bailey Hanks, the 20-yr old Southern charmer with the complete package of extraordinary dancing, singing and acting skills. Not only was she cast in her dream role, she also recorded the hit single "So Much Better", produced by Ghostlight, now available on iTunes.com and Amazon.com.

For more information on Bailey or Legally Blonde The Musical please visit www.legallyblondethemusical.com

Photos by Peter James Zielinski

Bailey Hanks

Bailey Hanks

Bailey Hanks and Paul Canaan

Bailey Hanks and Bruiser

Christian Borle and Bailey Hanks

Christian Borle and Bailey Hanks

Christian Borle and Bailey Hanks

The runner ups from Legally Blonde: The Search For The New Elle Woods

Jerry Mitchell, Paul Canaan and Legally Blonde crowd

Legally Blonde: Search For The New Elle Woods Contestants

Jerry Mitchell and Bailey Hanks give a toast

Jerry Mitchell and Bailey Hanks give a toast

Bailey Hanks

Jerry Mitchell and Bailey Hanks

Bailey Hanks

Bailey Hanks and her younger sister

Bailey Hanks and her younger sister

Bailey Hanks and Family