Gabourey Sidibe -- 'Empire' and Empowered ... Strollin' In The Spotlight

Gabourey Sidibe needs some fresh air ... especially with the "Empire" actress' star burning so hot.

Sidibe is definitely back on top again as Becky Williams in Fox's ridiculously popular new show, so it's good to see her out and about on a sunny Monday stroll in Studio City, CA.

Since her Academy Award nomination she's had pretty steady work ... including juicy roles in the last two seasons of "American Horror Story" ... but we have a feeling "Empire" is going to go the distance.

Strut yo stuff, girl.