Lucious invites Tariq to a tense dinner with the Lyons. Shyne's protegee, Nessa Parker, impresses Lucious at the Empire-X-Stream Launch Event. Andre starts having hallucinations of Rhonda.
Cookie is willing to focus on anything besides Lucious. Lucious uses Empire's new music-streaming service, Empire-X-Stream to pursue his music legacy and clashes with Tariq, who leads a federal task force to investigate him. Anika gives birth to a girl named Bella Lyon, while Hakeem heads drunk to Tiana's house. In episode 13, Estelle will reprise her season 1 role as Empire recording artist Delphine.įollowing the events of "Past is Prologue", Hakeem leaves the altar, and a rooftop fight between Anika and Rhonda leads to Rhonda crashing down to a car, killing her. On February 21, 2017, Demi Moore was announced to be joining the cast of the series, making an appearance in the season finale, before recurring in Season 4. On January 30, 2017, it was announced Eva Longoria would guest star. On November 22, 2016, it was announced Nia Long would appear in a recurring role as Giuliana, a night club owner. On August 29, 2016, it was announced that Phylicia Rashad had joined the cast. In August 2016, it was announced Mariah Carey would appear as Kitty, a superstar who collaborates with Jamal. She will be playing Nessa, Shyne's loyal protege whom Lucious is eager to sign. The Hollywood Reporter announced on July 13, 2016, that Sierra McClain will join the show in a recurring role. Birdman will also appear on the show as himself. On July 8, 2016, Entertainment Weekly announced that rapper French Montana will appear in the third-season premiere, playing music mogul Vaughn, a member of Lucious Lyon's powerful inner circle.
TVLine announced on June 18, 2016, that Xzibit who plays Shyne Johnson, Lucious’ drug-dealing adversary, was upgraded to a series regular for the third season after being a recurring role in the second season.
Fox released a promotional poster on July 14, 2016, for the season, showcasing both Lucious Lyon and Cookie Lyon. It was later announced that the season will premiere on September 21, 2016. The show centers around a hip hop music and entertainment company, Empire Entertainment, and the drama among the members of the founders' family as they fight for control of the company.Ĭast and characters Main cast Įmpire was renewed for a third season on January 15, 2016.