Empire fans have gone through a week without the TV drama through the help of Lucious and Cookie Lyon, when they hosted the Fox holiday special, "Taraji and Terrence's White Hot Holidays."
Taraji Henson and Terrence Howard led the hour long music and variety show especially brought to Empire fans by Fox. The special was packed with big stars including John Legend, Patti LaBelle, Mary J. Blige, wil.i.am, Chris Brown, and of course, the cast of the hit musical drama.
The variety show opens with Jussie Smollet singing a slow version of 'Joy to the World.' The crowd goes wild as the beat picks up, and the rest of the Lyon family joins Smollett.
Among the performances, Chris Brown's was bashed in different social media because his voice seemed a little off from his usual vocal prowess. Henson defended the artist through her Twitter account saying, "Y'all know what @chrisbrown is capable of vocally. HE SHOWED UP W/LOVE IN HIS HEART PERIOD Happy #WhiteHotHolidays."
Meanwhile, Chris Brown responded to Taraji thanking her for allowing him to perform on the show. He also revealed that he is feeling under the weather. In a separate tweet, Brown justifies his performance saying, "MJ didn't score 50 every night. I'm just glad I was given the opportunity. #HappyHolidays ❤"
Aside from the big numbers, the highlight of the show includes Henson and Howard exchanging Christmas gifts. Taraji gave her 'ex-husband' an ugly sweater, and Terrence gave the Empire matriarch a cute puppy named Terrence.
The holiday special ended with Terrence and Taraji sending out a very meaningful message that the true meaning of Christmas is coming together despite the wars that the world is currently experiencing. The final number which is a mash up of 'Where Is the Love' and 'All You Need Is Love' was sang by will.i.am and Mary J Blige, along with the Empire cast.
