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Fox's Empire has beenthe breakout hit since last year, and one of the keys to the show’s success hasbeen the string of appearances by major stars such as Jennifer Hudson, Naomi Campbell and Mary J. Blige. In season two, we canexpect plenty more surprises starting with Marisa Tomei in the season premiereas investor Mimi Whiteman.
Gabourey Sidibe, who plays the ambitious Becky onthe show, does have a favorite in terms of those future guest stars. “Wehaven’t seen it yet, but I really like Kelly Rowland on the show this season,”she told HELLO! at the preview party for the new social entertainment platform Go90 in L.A..“I really like her role, and I think it’s an interesting twist into, gosh Idon’t want to say what she is yet, but it’s amazing.” (In a preview for nextweek’s episode, Kelly is shown as young Lucious’ mentally ill mother).
Gabourey was among the guests at the Go90 launch Photo: Getty Images
Of course, thebiggest cameo of the season will be by the only diva who could give Tarji P. Henson’s Cookie a run for her money, Mariah Carey. Jussie Smollett previouslyconfirmed to HELLO! that she will be on the show, appearing in a role with hischaracter Jamal. Unfortunately, Gabourey hasn’t worked with her Preciousco-star yet in this season.
Gabourey has, however,seen her own character make a rapid ascent in Lucious Lyon’s music empire. Shebegan as his personal assistant but has since moved up to the executive ranks. “Nowshe’s like the head of A&R so now she works with artists. I guess at somepoint she gets a love interest. Whatever. No biggie,” the 32-year-old continuedduring the party that also featured a special Kanye West performance. “You getto see what she’s like outside of the office. You get to see her as a morewell-rounded character.”
16 million viewers tuned in to the premiere of Empire's new season Photo: Getty Images
So who’s the luckyguy that will play her love interest? “They already cast him. I’ve already beenshooting with him,” she said. “The role of J-Papa who is Becky’s boo is MoMcCrae, who is super talented and a super nice guy.”
Over 16 millionpeople tuned in to watch the Empire season two premiere on Wednesday night, and if theopening episode, which also featured an appearance by Chris Rock, is anyindication, it’s going to be a wild season.