Marc Malkin

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Chace Crawford could be playing footsies with Hayden Panettiere.

The Heroes starlet has auditioned for director Kenny Ortega's updated remake of the classic '80s flick Footloose.

Panettiere, my source says, recently sang for filmmakers (the new Footloose is being turned into a full-blown musical à la the Broadway version). "They were really impressed," the insider gushes. "No one realized what a good singer she is."

Panettiere actually has a slew of musical credits to her name. Not only did she release a pop single, "Wake Up Call," last year, but she's recorded several tunes for various soundtracks.

If she makes it the next round, Panettiere will likely have a dance audition followed by a read with Crawford. Her rep did not immediately comment for this story.

While Crawford isn't officially on board to star as Ren McCormack (originally played by Kevin Bacon), sources tell me the gig is pretty much a done deal.

Ren is a city boy who moves to small town where rock music and dance are prohibited. Ren heads up a revolt of sorts to overturn the oppressive laws. Panettiere would play Ariel Moore, who falls for Ren much to the chagrin of her boyfriend and her Bible-thumping father.

The original flick included hits like the title track and "Let's Hear It for the Boy."

The remake was supposed to star Zac Efron, but he dropped out to pursue non-song-and-dance projects.

As I first told you, Dancing With the Stars beauty/country singer Julianne Hough is also being considered for Ariel.