When Will Grey's Anatomy End? And Why Is the Cast Singing Again? Scoop From Boss Shonda Rhimes

Exclusive! Get the latest on how contract negotiations are shaping up the current season

Grey's Anatomy fans, say a little prayer for your favorite couples and characters, 'cause executive producer Shonda Rhimes is deciding their season-ending fates right now!

So how do you go about writing a season finale when you don't yet know if some of your stars (Ellen Pompeo and Patrick Dempsey) are sticking around for another year? Contract negotiations have been taking place for season nine, and Shonda reveals…

"It has been tremendously challenging. I've never started a season not knowing how it's going to end…In a weird way, it's been oddly more creative because you don't know where you're going."

It certainly can make for unpredictable and exciting television. And although ABC has yet to give Grey's an official pickup for season nine, Shonda tells us, "The show will be going on next season, no matter what. I am hopeful that it goes on with all of our originals [actors] still in tact. I love them…Whether or not the show is going to be picked up next season is not the concern, it's who's coming back. I know the show is going to go on without everyone we currently have on the cast." She adds, "I have been told not to make any other plans." Phew!

Shonda is certainly keeping busy with Grey's, Private Practice and Scandal (a thrilling new ABC drama starring Kerry Washington, premiering April 5). And she's also preparing for a Grey's Anatomy concert (yes, the actors will sing!) taking place this Sunday at Royce Hall (UCLA) in Los Angeles, which will benefit the Actors Fund.

The Grey's and Private Practice casts put together a similar event during the writers' strike, and Shonda explains they've wanted to do another one for quite some time. "We did a musical episode which sort of reminded us all again of how much fun we had. We liked the idea of raising money for the Actors Fund, which helps people who are not working in this town anymore who need help. It was exciting to us."

Tickets are still on sale through the Actors Fund website, so snatch them up now!

Check back later for some smoking-hot couples scoop from Shonda on Grey's Anatomy and Private Practice, including which fan-favorite pairing is about to get more heart-breaking…Noooooo!