More big stars are expected to join FOX's groundbreaking hip hop musical "Empire" when it returns for season 2.
The musical soap opera that focuses on the drama happening in the fictional hip hop royal family and their thriving Empire Entertainment company enjoyed a highly successful and well-acclaimed first season, which is why it is not surprising to see stellar celebrities joining the cast in "Empire" season 2.
The latest list of guest stars who is expected to add more drama to the show includes Grammy Award-winning recording star and actor Lenny Kravitz, best-selling singer Alicia Keys, and stand-up comedian Chris Rock. There is no information yet about the possible roles that they will be playing, but they would probably appear in the season as themselves. Rumors about Oprah Winfrey's possible appearance in the show has also been going around for a while.
FOX ordered an extended 18-episode season 2 after the astounding critics and viewers reception to the show's premiere season. It will bring back Terrence Howard as Lucious Lyon, the ruthless drug dealer turned highly successful hip hop magnate who eventually turned murder convict at the end of the season 1 finale.
He will be joined by Taraji P. Henson, who will reprise her role as the outspoken Cookie Lyon, Lucious' former wife and the mother of all his sons Andre (Trai Byers), Jamal (Jussie Smollett), and Hakeem (Bryshere Y. Grey).
The Lyon family is expected to continue their endless cycle of drama, betrayal, and trust issues when the series returns in fall. While the plot details remain to be a guarded secret, Smollett recently teased Billboard about what fans should expect in "Empire" season two.
"I've heard some things...end of quote," Smollett playfully stated. "I am impressed, intrigued and shocked and extremely turned on by the story. It's setting my soul on fire."
"Empire" season 2 is expected to return on a Wednesday slot in fall.
