Alicia Keys, Lenny Kravitz and Chris Rock Set to Guest Star on ‘Empire’

News about Empire‘s second season has been steadily rolling in thanks to the FOX upfronts that are taking place today, which judging from the sound of, aims to meet if not top last season’s record-breaking debut.

Empire will return early, with a season 2 premiere happening in the fall as opposed to winter, when it premiered this year. The news was announced this morning with Fox Fox co-chairman and CEO Gary Newman admitting, “We’d be crazy to move it.”

The second season is not only returning sooner, but longer as well. It will consist of an extended order of 18 episodes, up 6 from the 12 episode premiere season. As far as how the season will air, it will be split in two parts, with part 1 in the fall, ending with a cliffhanger, and part 2 picking up in the spring.

It was also announced today that new guest stars would include Chris Rock, Lenny Kravitz, and Alicia Keys. Common and Oprah were previously rumored to appear, but there’s been no confirmation on the pair yet.

Finally, rounding out the big Empire news, musician Ne-Yo has joined the team and will be writing music for the upcoming season, along with the series’ music producer Timbaland.

Let us know what you think of what’s ahead for Empire in the comments below!

Photo Credit: FOX