'Smash': Liza Minnelli Sings A Special Birthday Song For Ivy On First Saturday Episode (VIDEO)

'Smash' Settles In On Saturday With Liza Minnelli

"Smash" saved one of its biggest guest stars for its premiere in its not-so-coveted Saturday night time slot. After alienating Ivy by hiring her mother for "Bombshell," Tom tried to make it up for her by writing her a birthday song. And he brought in one of Ivy's idols, Liza Minnelli, to sing it for her.

The move worked, in breaking the ice between the new director and his star, but it didn't completely return them to the close friendship they once had. As Ivy explained, it simply wouldn't work with him as her director and close friend.

Vulture loved Minnelli's guest spot as herself, writing that "it’s incredible to see Liza Minnelli being Liza Minnelli like this, turning a simple dining room into a place of total magic."

Unfortunately, Minnelli's magic didn't create a ratings miracle for the beleaguered show. "Smash" was a bit of a bomb -- no shell -- in its Saturday debut, bringing in less than 2 million total viewers. NBC has, however, vowed to show the full second season in this slot, so fans should at least get to enjoy the show for that long.

"Smash" continues in its new Saturday home at 9 p.m. ET on NBC.

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