In the FOXlight: The Road to Stardom Is Paved With 'Brutal' Lessons on FOX's Hit Series 'Star'

According to creator Lee Daniels, FOX's new series "Star" tells a "completely different story" than his previous hit "Empire."

They have their similarities, sure — namely, that they both deal with the trials and tribulations of making it in the music industry — but whereas "Empire" was about a take-charge family at the top of their game, "Star" is more about the journey.

"I just wanted to tell a different story," Daniels tells Michael Tammero in an exclusive "FOXlight" interview. "Whereas 'Empire' is based on my family — parts of my family — this is based on me leaving my family, and what it was like to get to where I'm at right now."

The series follows aspiring singer Star Davis (Jude Demorest), a former foster kid with her sights set on stardom. "She's rough around the edges," Demorest tells Tammero of her character. "The only soft spot that she has is for Simone, her little sister."

So, along with Simone (played by Brittany O'Grady) and their friend Alex (Ryan Destiny), Star sets out for Atlanta to start a career in the music industry — but not without further adversity.

"There's a lot of inspiration and excitement and hope, especially with these girls trying to chase this dream," says co-star Queen Latifah, who plays Star's godmother. "But there's also dark sides to it … really brutal [sides]."

Watch the rest of Tammero's interview above for more from the cast of "Star," then tune in for all new episodes Wednesdays at 9/8c.