Pop star Alicia Keys, actor-comedian Chris Rock, and singer Lenny Kravitz. (AP Photos)
Fox’s breakout hit “Empire” is set to stake an even greater claim on TV land this fall. Fox executives recently announced A-list entertainers who will guest-star on the hip-hop drama’s newly-extended second season.
Pop star Alicia Keys, actor-comedian Chris Rock, and singer Lenny Kravitz will take part in season two, Fox TV chairman and CEO Dana Walden told advertisers in New York on May 11, according to Entertainment Weekly.
It is still unclear how the big-name stars will be incorporated into the storyline of the scorching drama, which in its debut season featured cameos and performances from performers including Snoop Dogg, Gladys Knight, Estelle and Mary J. Blige.
The network also announced that music hitmaker NeYo will join Timbaland on the show’s music production team.
That music has been a large part of why viewers have flocked to the show—it averaged 17.3 million viewers per episode and a 7.1 rating among adults 18-49 including DVR viewings, according to Nielsen. The show’s soundtrack immediately shot to the top spot on the Billboard charts when it was released March 10.
Walden also said the number of episodes in the upcoming season will be bumped up from 12 to 18. Half will air this fall, and the other half in 2016.