'WHITE HOT' HOLIDAY SPECIAL FOR 'EMPIRE'

Empire may be taking a few months off after the upcoming Dec. 2 mid-season finale, but Fox is not altogether done with its mega-hit for this calendar year. The network announced Monday that stars Taraji P. Henson and Terrence Howard are getting their own holiday specials.

Taraji and Terrence's (wait for it) White Hot Holidays will air in Empire's regular time slot on Wednesday, Dec. 9, and feature performances by Mary J. Blige, John Legend and Jamie Foxx among several other unannounced special guests. The hour-long special will also feature a special duet by the hosts.

It's a fitting end for Empire's blockbuster year. The drama's exceptional January premiere and its ensuing rise has seen the two stars become the face of the network.