'Empire' season 3 release date, spoilers & cast news: Mariah Carey to guest-star; showrunner talks potential spin-offs

Mariah Carey is entering the world of "Empire" in the show's upcoming season 3.

The singer-songwriter is set to guest-star in "Empire" season 3 in the role of Kitty, a songstress who will be working with Jamal (Jussie Smollett) on an "explosive new tune." Carey's casting was announced on Monday, Aug. 8, at the Television Critics Association's (TCA) summer press tour in Los Angeles.

According to the casting announcement, Kitty will help Jamal through some personal obstacles when their collaborative project hits a snag. Jamal eventually reaches a musical breakthrough thanks to Kitty's guidance.

The "Empire" episode featuring Carey will air on Oct. 5.

At the show's TCA panel, it was revealed that Carey's participation in "Empire" was something Fox had been discussing with the musical diva for more than a year.

At Carey's Hollywood Walk of Fame induction ceremony in August 2015, "Empire" co-creator Lee Daniels announced that Carey will be appearing in the series. But the singer's casting didn't push through until a year later.

"We've been talking to Mariah about doing the show for a couple of years," Fox Television Group co-chairman and CEO Dana Walden said at the press tour. "She always makes a point of coming over and talking about her passion for the show."

"Empire" star Taraji P. Henson also spoke about Carey's guesting.

"She was great," the actress said. "She's fabulous, she's beautiful to look at. I wish I could wear a leotard like that. She brings a sense of what Mariah brings to the music industry. I'm grateful that she spent time with little old us."

In season 3, Carey will be joining fellow newbies Taye Diggs, French Montana, Kid Cudi, Sierra McClain, and Birdman. In the show's second season, the guest stars included Alicia Keys, Marisa Tomei, Chris Rock, and Rosie O'Donnell.

Meanwhile, "Empire" showrunner Ilene Chaiken has acknowledged the rumors of a possible spin-off of the popular musical drama. Speaking with reporters at the TCA press tour on Monday, she said, "There certainly could be and we talk about it."

"I think the show offers so many opportunities," she explained. "There are potential spinoffs with Lucious [Terrence Howard] and Cookie's [Henson] characters, sure."

"Empire" season 3 premieres Wednesday, Sept. 21, at 9 p.m. ET on Fox.