"Empire" quickly became the hottest show on TV this season, growing its audience ever week since its premiere on January 7. Ten weeks later, the Fox series' two-hour season finale promises to leave viewers wanting more from the Lyon family in season two.
"Empire" stars Jussie Smollett, who plays middle brother Jamal, and Bryshere "Yazz" Gray, who plays younger brother Hakeem, previewed the final two hours of the buzz-worthy show for reporters including Headlines & Global News.
The two stand-out performers couldn't reveal too much about how the first season will end, but they did reflect on what the show's success has meant to them and the feedback they've received from the fans.
"The brothers have been clashing, but also experienced a lot of success," Yazz said. "And in the finale you'll see if they want to stick together through the new adventures going on in life - it's going to be crazy!"
One thing that doesn't have Smollett crying is Jamal's budding on-screen romance with Ryan, played by Eka Darville. With the departure of his ex-wife Olivia (Rave-Symone) and her child with Jamal's father Lucious (Terrence Howard), he can re-focus on his new relationship.
"It's not a big part of the finale," Smollett revealed. "But with my baby back with her momma, Jamal can at least have sex."
Yazz said he's "happy" where he leaves his character Hakeem in the season finale, but Smollett teases that fans will be left with more burning questions for season two.
"I'm excited because there is so much more to come," he said. "Season one set it all up and season two will clean up the Lyon's stuff. But everyone turns out to be an enemy in the finale. Everyone is a villain and no one is safe on 'Empire.'"
In addition to all the Lyon family drama, the two-hour finale packs in a ton of guest stars including Snoop Dogg, Jennifer Hudson, Rita Ora, Juicy J and Patti Labelle.
"I thought Patti Labelle was going to bring me some chicken," Yazz joked about the legendary singer. "She's phenomenal and a great person, it was an honor to meet her."
Production on season two is scheduled to begin in early summer, but Fox has not announced when it will premiere the new season or how many episodes it will order. Co-creator Danny Strong has said that he would prefer another short season rather than a regular season order of 22 episodes.
In the meantime, Smollett and Yazz will continue promoting the show and gather more material for their own albums.
The two-hour season finale of "Empire" airs tonight, March 18 at 8 p.m. on Fox.
