WEDNESDAY, APRIL 18

[EDITOR'S NOTE: Audio descriptions (AD) for tonight's episodes of EMPIRE and STAR are available on the SAP Audio Channel.]

- "EMPIRE" - (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) CC-AD-HDTV 720p-Dolby Digital 5.1

COOKIE FIGHTS FOR AN OLD FRIEND ON AN ALL-NEW "EMPIRE" WEDNESDAY, APRIL 18, ON FOX

Although Lucious pressures Cookie to take it easy, she can't help but take matters into her own hands when she receives unsettling news about an old friend. Meanwhile, Tiana's new 20 for 20 single takes off, leading to an unexpected change in her demeanor. Also, Jamal struggles to rebrand his image, Hakeem adopts a new role as musical mentor and Andre recruits Lucious to help him uncover the truth about Eddie's intentions in the all-new "Of Hardiness is Mother" episode of EMPIRE airing Wednesday, April 18 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX. (EMP-413) (TV-14 D, L, S, V)

Cast: Terrence Howard as Lucious Lyon, Taraji P. Henson as Cookie Lyon, Bryshere 'Yazz' Gray as Hakeem Lyon, Jussie Smollett as Jamal Lyon, Trai Byers as Andre Lyon, Gabourey Sidibe as Becky Williams, Serayah as Tiana Brown, Ta'Rhonda Jones as Porsha Taylor, Andre Royo as Thurston "Thirsty" Rawlings, Rumer Willis as Tory Ash, and Alvin "Xzibit" Joiner as 'Shine Johnson.

Guest Cast: Ptosha Storey as Chyna, Da'Vine Joy Randolph as Poundcake and James Colby as Burleson, Claudette Burchett as Juanita, Mary Ernster as Joyce, Erica Faye Watson as Ruth, Ryan Michelle Bathe as Celeste, Kevin Banas as Armando, Chester Marlon Hanks as Blake, Raj Bond as Calvin Moore and Paolo Nieddu as Paolo.