‘Empire’ star Jussie Smollett talks Taraji P. Henson, Terrence Howard, Mariah Carey

Before the airing of “Empire” Season 2 Episode 9, titled “Sinned Against,” main cast member Jussie Smollett talked about his co-stars Taraji P. Henson and Terrence Howard and the upcoming guest-star Mariah Carey.

In an interview with The Associated Press, Smollett said he does not know if Henson is going to sing in “Empire” Season 2. He said they have been trying to get the award-winning actress to sing on the show, and he has complimented her over her singing voice, but she is scared to enter the recording studio.

According to Smollett, Henson does not take herself seriously but she is “the real deal” and she takes her craft very seriously. On the other hand, he described Howard as a “deep” person who is “slightly misunderstood.”

Smollett said that Howard is a brilliant man, adding that he is one those who are lucky to have a conversation with Howard every once in a while.

Speaking about Carey's upcoming guest appearance, Smollett said he has yet to film with Carey. He also said that he knows that he will be working with the estranged wife of Nick Cannon soon but he is not sure when.

An “Empire” tour has yet to happen, and for Smollett, a tour would have to be “so next-level” and as “dope” as the Fox hit series if it happened. He said that he is set to visit Japan in December with Henson and their “Empire” Season 2 co-star Bryshere Gray for a tour.

Smollett, Henson and Gray will do a United Service Organisations tour during the holidays. The three “Empire” Season 2 stars will perform for the troops in Japan and meet their families.

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