Award-winning singer Jennifer Hudson arrives at Fox’s ‘Empire’ with a role expected to have a significant impact on her already successful career.
In the music drama TV series, Hudson will be portraying the role of a music therapist named Michelle, who has been called on to work with Andrei, played by Trai Byers, who is also a devoted Christian.
Appearing in her first episode, ‘Sins of the Father,’ the 33-year-old singer asks Andre to say a prayer with her, which she recognized as something that could cause trouble for her at work.
Because of his dishonest acts, Andre may not seem as a typical Christian; however, Michelle will be leading him to a new and better direction, as pointed out by Hudson.
“It showcases to Andre that he can potentially be in a way that steps away from the needs of Empire Entertainment. It's a beautiful thing,” Byers previously shared.
In an interview with Hollywood Reporter, Hudson further revealed that although she has not looked into music therapy as a concept that has different aspects, she has always considered music as a therapy in some ways.
“Music is a form of therapy, and it makes perfect sense. I know music has helped me, but now, it can be used to help [a lot of others]. Music is powerful; music can change you,” Hudson shared.
When asked about playing deeply religious characters on TV, the Academy-award winning singer opened up about ‘Empire’ becoming a combination of both reality and TV. She referred to her character Michelle as a positive influence on the youth- being young, educated and religious all at the same time.
"I love to see that representation for our youth on television — having a steady foundation and then also being a spiritual girl but being very aware of herself [too],” she added.
On Wednesday, the first season of ‘Empire’ reached its final episode as the two-hour event showed shocking revelations, including an unexpected arrest and death. As such, fans are looking forward to a second season that is much more intense.
For those who missed the season finale, several key scenes showed Lucious (Terrence Howard) learning that he was not dying but was diagnosed with a chronic yet treatable disorder. Following the appointment of Jamal (Jussie Smollett) to take over Empire in the future, Andre together with Hakeem (Bryshere Gray), Cookie (Taraji Henson) and Anika (Grace Gealey) have something devious up in their sleeves. Meanwhile, secrets about the murder of Bunkie (Antoine McKay) were also revealed.
For those looking forward to season two of ‘Empire’, they can only expect that Oprah Winfrey will make an appearance. Series co-creator Lee Daniels said that they have only started working on the next season, hence the announcement of more details in the coming months.
