Here’s Everything We Know About ‘Empire’ Season 2

“Empire” is adding even more star power to its impressive roster next season.

Chris Rock, Alicia Keys and Lenny Kravitz have all signed on for guest-starring roles during season two of the Fox hit, the network confirmed during today’s (May 11) Upfront presentation. No word on whether “Empire” co-creator Lee Daniels’ super-famous BFF Oprah will show up, but we’re still crossing our fingers for an “Oprah’s Next Chapter” starring the Lyons.

While we don’t have the deets on how the confirmed guest stars will fit into the storyline of the show just yet, we do have some intel on the anticipated second season, including how many episodes of Lyon family drama you can expect.

Fox will keep it movin’ with 18 episodes.

Fox

The show’s second season will be expanded from 12 to 18 episodes, split into two cycles with a winter break in between. This means you don’t have to wait until January to get your fix: Cookie and co. will be back this fall.
Ne-Yo might pen the next “Drip Drop.”

Fox

“Empire” has signed Ne-Yo to write new original music with Timbaland for the second season. While we’re sure nothing could ever replace the magic that is “Drip Drop” in our hearts, we’re looking forward to hearing a Ne-Yo/Jussie Smollett R&B collaboration.
Prepare to be blown away.

Fox

“The stories we’ve heard already for season two will blow away the audience,” Fox chairman and CEO Gary Newman reportedly told reporters ahead of Monday’s presentation, via EW.com. With Lucious locked up at the end of the first season, Jamal has now taken over his father’s billion-dollar empire and severed his relationship with Cookie. So when we pull back the curtain on season two, the Lyon family will be more disjointed than ever.
Expect more Becky and Porsha.

Fox

Gabourey Sidibe and Ta’Rhonda Jones were promoted to series regulars for season two, which is great news for humanity in general because Porsha is freakin’ fabulous. Becky can get it, too. Everyone wins!