Julianne Hough has been cast as the female lead in the movie adaption of the Broadway musical, 'Rock of Ages.' The former 'Dancing With the Stars' beauty will play the role of Sherrie, a small-town girl who leaves Kansas and moves to Hollywood to chase her dream to be an actress.

Director Adam Shankman describes Julianne's audition as "jaw-droppingly good."

"She came in and when she left, everybody stood around looking at each other with chills and said, 'We found our girl,'" the director tells E! Online.Laura Bell Bundy originally played the role of Sherrie when the musical premiered for a six-week run in Los Angeles in January 2006.

Julianne's love interest has yet to be cast in the role originated on Broadway by 'American Idol' alum, Constantine Maroulis, who earned a Tony nomination for his work.

"The character is 25 and gorgeous and a huge rock star," the director explains. "I need to find that person who has no baggage, is unencumbered and is just a fresh person that will pop off the screen."

Tom Cruise will play musician Stacee Jaxx, the arrogant star who is enamored with Julianne's character.

This will be Julianne's third time in front of the movie camera. Most recently, she appeared in the 2010 musical, 'Burlesque,' starring Cher and Christina Aguilera. She'll also star in the 2011 remake of the film, 'Footloose,' which began filming in September 2010. Her first role was an uncredited turn as a Hogwarts schoolgirl in 2001's 'Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone.'

Shooting for 'Rock of Ages' begins May 19 in Florida. The film is due to be released in 2012. Julianne's second album for Mercury Nashville is scheduled to be released next year.

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