‘Empire’ taps actress and singer Sierra McClain for recurring role

Actress and singer Sierra McClain has been tapped for a recurring role on the hip-hop drama, The Hollywood Reporter has learned.
McClain will play Nessa, Shine’s (new series regular Xzibit) loyal protégé who, upon first glance, is merely a timid follower to Lucious’ former partner in crime. A second listen, however, reveals she is a rare talent with a killer voice whom Lucious (Terrence Howard) is determined to sign to Empire’s roster.
McClain joins recently announced season three guest stars rapper French Montana and music mogul Birdman.
Xzibit made his Empire debut at the end of season two as a rough and tough figure from Lucious’ past who carries a chip on his shoulder for the Lyon family patriarch.
“Both of those men are going to feature in major stories in season three,” showrunner Ilene Chaiken told THR back in May about how Shine and fellow new character Tariq will figure into the story moving forward. “We’re talking about season three as a Godfather-style opus of crime and hip-hop. It’s going to be wall-to-wall music, but also all of Lucious’ demons coming back to roost.”
In addition to her acting credits, which include A.N.T. Farm and Daddy’s Little Girls, McClain is a member of the pop and R&B girl group McClain along with her two sisters. She is repped by ICM Partners and Morris Yorn. The third season of Empire returns on Wednesday, September 21.
Source: THR.com