From Oscar to Empire! Jennifer Hudson is guest-starring on the season 1 finale of Empire, and Us Weekly has the exclusive first look at the American Idol vet’s appearance in the episode.
Hudson will play a music therapist who begins working with Andre (Trai Byers) in an arc that begins in the Wednesday, March 11 episode, “Sins of the Father.”
The two-hour finale event — epically titled “Die But Once/Who I Am” — follows Jamal (Jussie Smollett) and estranged dad Lucious (Terrence Howard) as they begin to form a music-centered relationship. But since this is Empire, the soapiest, juiciest drama to debut in 2015, that’s not all — Lucious has a secret that could very well change everything.
Meanwhile, Hakeem (Bryshere “Yazz” Gray) tries to plot the best move for his career (while also flirting with the enemy, because, again — drama!).
Don’t worry — Cookie (Taraji P. Henson) is also scheming throughout the double episode, as per usual, and will probably deliver at least eight to ten zingers that you’ll want to use on your friends and family immediately.
Other finale guest stars — who are playing themselves in the episodes — include Snoop Dogg, Rita Ora, Juicy J, Charles Hamilton, and Patti LaBelle, who you can also see in one of Us Weekly’s exclusive shots.
The Empire finale airs Wednesday, March 18 at 8 p.m. on Fox.