Shonda Rhimes

Grey's Anatomy/Private Practice creator Shonda Rhimes has plenty to sing about. Her new ABC series, Scandal, debuts April 5; she's got several pilots in the works; and most of the Grey's cast is taking part in the March 18 musical charity event (held at UCLA): "Grey's Anatomy: The Songs Beneath the Show," benefiting The Actors Fund. Even more exciting, she's confident all our favorites (yes, that includes Patrick Dempsey and Ellen Pompeo) want to return for Season 9.

TV Guide Magazine: How did "Grey's Anatomy: The Songs Beneath the Show" come about? Rhimes: When we did the musical episode last season, we discovered we had way more singing talent than we ever imagined. The entire cast with the exception of Patrick and Ellen and Jesse Williams, who has a prior commitment is on board and pretty excited.

TV Guide Magazine: Why no Patrick and Ellen? Rhimes: I'm not sure. I threw it out there "If you're free and available, this is what we're going to do." Sara Ramirez, Kevin McKidd, Justin Chambers, Chyler Leigh and Jessica Capshaw are all going to sing. Sandra Oh has stated she's not a singer, so she'll do a couple special things. [Eric Dane, Sarah Drew, James Pickens Jr., Kim Raver and Chandra Wilson will also take the stage.]

TV Guide Magazine: You must know by now if Patrick and Ellen will be back next season. Rhimes: I have no idea. I have my fingers crossed. What I think is really lovely is that everybody wants to come back. There's [money] stuff happening. I am [confident], but I have a plan in place for the finale that can occur regardless of who is staying. Our goal is to have Derek and Meredith move in to the completed dream house. [A real L.A. home will be used.] And our residents will be interviewing for jobs all around the country.

TV Guide Magazine: Katherine Heigl recently said she wants to come back to "see where Izzie is." Is she welcome? Rhimes: I think it was really nice to hear her appreciating the show. We are on a track we have been planning, and the idea of changing that track is not something we are interested in right now.

TV Guide Magazine: Switching gears to Private Practice, tell me you're going to finally give Addison a baby? Rhimes: That journey is going to be completed by the time the season is over, and I think fans will be very satisfied.

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Keck's Exclusives: Grey's Anatomy Boss on Who'll Be Back – and Who Won't!