The Empire star has been on the frontlines supporting her Color Purple Co-star Fantasia Barrino since her days on American Idol.

The Cast for The Color Purple attended the Critics Choice Association’s Celebration of Cinema & Television on Monday; In honor of Black, Latino, and AAPI Achievements at the Fairmont Century Plaza Hotel in Century City, California.

Taraji constantly showed her love and support for Barrino. She describes it as something that runs deeper than the surface as her grandfather, who had passed away 20 years ago, was a huge fan of hers. As a result, her actions replicate the love he had for her.

In May 2004, Barrino won American Idol, and she was only 19 then. The host at the time, Ryan Seacrest, revealed a record-breaking 65 million votes had been called in to make the selection.

After being chosen as the Winner, Barrino tearfully revealed that she had been through a lot and had worked very hard to get the position she was in, as she also thanked her fans and supporters.

All her hard work finally paid off as her vocals will be featured in the upcoming musical, The Color Purple, based on the 1982 novel by Alice Walker.

The cast features a star-studded collection including Halle Bailey, Taraji P. Henson, Jon Batiste, Danielle Brooks, Louis Gossett Jr., Corey Hawkins, David Alan Grier, Colman Domingo, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, H.E.R., Ciara, and Deon Cole.

Oprah Winfrey, who is a producer on the film, appeared in the 1985 version of the film as Sofia. She described the experience as the biggest most important thing that had ever happened to her and continues to be.

The Color Purple is set to be in theaters on Dec. 25.

#Clique, throw in your two cents on this.