Pitbull, the global musician and actor, is set to make a guest appearance on FOX’s hit series Empire. Announced at the Television Critics Association press tour, Pitbull will appear as himself and perform alongside Jamal, the character played by Jussie Smollett. The performance will feature the song “No Doubt About It” and is scheduled to air during the upcoming fall season.
This appearance adds Pitbull to a growing roster of high-profile guest stars joining Empire. The show has become known for integrating real music industry figures and well-known actors into its storylines, both in present-day episodes and through flashbacks. Bringing a global artist like Pitbull onto the series reinforces Empire’s ongoing connection to contemporary music culture and helps generate buzz among viewers who follow mainstream music and pop culture.
Several notable guest stars have already been confirmed for the season, creating a diverse cast of recurring and one-off roles. Academy Award–winning actress Marisa Tomei will appear as Mimi Whiteman, described as a billionaire venture capitalist with refined tastes. Kelly Rowland, pop singer and former judge on The X Factor, will also make an appearance, portraying the mother of Lucious in flashbacks. From dramatic television, Andre Royo of The Wire has been cast in a recurring role as Thirsty Rawlings, an ethically ambiguous lawyer who becomes entangled with the imprisoned Lucious Lyon. Rapper Ludacris is slated to portray a character who appears to be involved in law enforcement, while rising artists like Becky G. and Yani Marin have been added to guest appearances as well.
Creator Lee Daniels has confirmed additional major names will appear, including pop icon Mariah Carey. Other high-profile entertainers set to guest star include Chris Rock, Alicia Keys, and Lenny Kravitz. These casting choices reflect the show’s strategy of blending established music superstars and acclaimed actors to enrich the series’ dramatic and musical narrative arcs.
For viewers, guest appearances like Pitbull’s provide memorable moments that highlight the show’s musical roots while also offering opportunities for character development and storyline twists. Performances within the show often serve multiple purposes: they showcase the musical talent of the guest star, advance the plot, and create cultural moments that attract media attention and social media conversation.
Pitbull’s participation continues a trend of major contemporary musicians appearing on television dramas to perform and act, bridging mainstream music with scripted storytelling. His appearance on Empire should appeal to fans of his music as well as regular viewers of the series who appreciate high-profile musical cameos. With the season’s lineup of celebrity guests, expectations are high for several standout episodes that combine dramatic stakes with notable musical performances.
Ultimately, Pitbull joining the cast for a performance with Jamal is another example of how Empire leverages guest talent to build momentum for its storylines. As the fall season approaches, fans can look forward to this episode and the other guest appearances that promise to expand the world of the Lyon family with fresh faces and memorable musical moments.