Ryan Murphy announced that Adam Lambert is set to join Glee in the fall via Twitter Wednesday, surprising fans of the season eight American Idol finalist and the FOX hit show.

Neither Lambert nor Murphy revealed information about the role Lambert would have in Glee’s upcoming season or how long Lambert’s appearance on the show would last. In January of 2012, though, Lambert expressed interest in making an appearance on Glee as himself. “I want to just be me. Why do I have to be a fictional character?” Lambert told The Hollywood Reporter when asked what kind of role he would like to play on Glee.

It wouldn’t be the first time Lambert had to play himself in a scripted television show. In October 2012, Lambert appeared on ABC Family’s Pretty Little Liars, performing as himself in the Halloween themed episode "This Is a Dark Ride."

Some speculate that Lambert has been cast in an effort to fill the gap being left by cast members Heather Morris, Amber Riley, Harry Shum Jr., and Mark Salling, who are all taking a step down from series regular next season.

Glee’s fifth season premieres September 19 at 9 P.M. on Fox.

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