Ariana Grande news: Singer to return to acting, stars in a new animated film with Katie Holmes

 Facebook

After her successful venture into the music industry, former Disney Channel star Ariana Grande is reportedly back to her acting roots after being cast in a star-studded new animated film entitled "Underdogs."

The 21-year-old pop princess is joining a power-house cast of actors who will lend their voices to the upcoming animated film, including Glee's Matthew Morrison, Nicholas Hoult, as well as Katie Holmes.

According to reports, the film centers on the life of talented foosball star Jake (Morrison) who is in love with Laura, Grande's free-spirited character. With the help of Laura's cheers, he manages to beat the town's resident baddie Ace (Hoult) in a foosball game. However, Ace returns to town as the world's most successful soccer player, and is hell-bent on taking revenge over his loss to Jake by kidnapping Laura and destroying everything around him.

The upcoming film's director and TWC co-chairman Harvey Weinstein is reportedly proud of their casting decision.

"This talented cast takes our script and enhances it, with brilliant improvisation and wonderful chemistry. I'm so proud of these super talented actors and comedians," he stated.

The film is scheduled to be released on April 10, 2015.

Meanwhile, Grande wowed her British fans while singing her hit single "Problem" during Sunday's BBC Radio One Teen Awards 2014 at the Wembley Arena.  The singer, who donned a metallic silver mini-dress and cat-ears, took London by storm by pairing her powerful vocals with impressively fluid dance moves.

Grande is one of the many celebrities who graced the stage during the annual teen awards in London, including another pop superstar Rita Ora who reportedly gushed about her adoration for the former "Sam and Cat" star.

"I love her for many reasons," Ora exclaimed. "One because she could live in someone's pocket, and two she's a real girl and she works really hard. And she deserves all the awards. Especially this year you can tell she's a real great, great, great artist."

News
Pope seeks prayers for peace in Christmas Day message
Pope seeks prayers for peace in Christmas Day message

The Pope asked people to pray in particular for the "tormented people of Ukraine" in his Christmas Day 'Urbi et Orbi' message. 

Who was St Stephen and why is he remembered on December 26?
Who was St Stephen and why is he remembered on December 26?

The carol says, “Good King Wenceslas last looked out on the Feast of Stephen.” In many countries, December 26, also known as Boxing Day, is better known as St Stephen’s Day. Stephen was the first Christian martyr. This is the story …

King Charles reflects on pilgrimage, reconciliation and hope in Christmas Day address
King Charles reflects on pilgrimage, reconciliation and hope in Christmas Day address

King Charles III used his Christmas Day speech to reflect on the significance of pilgrimage as he appealed to the nation "to cherish the values of compassion and reconciliation". 

2 Timothy 3:16 is Logos' Bible verse of the year, Matthew was the most studied book
2 Timothy 3:16 is Logos' Bible verse of the year, Matthew was the most studied book

One of the most-studied Bible verses of the year is from 2 Timothy in the New Testament, according to an analysis of millions of Bible study sessions that tracked how believers worldwide are engaging with Scripture.