The Glee gods have spoken: After cementing his status as the show's biggest breakout star of season two—thanks to beloved versions of "Teenage Dream," and "Bills, Bills, Bills," not to mention his knack for rocking a well-tailored suit—Darren Criss is officially a series regular on Glee. While Ryan Murphy explained his plan for much of his cast to graduate next season, Fox has announced the promotion of Criss as well as Harry Shum Jr. (Mike "Other Asian" Chang) from their current guest star status. Overall it's a completely sensible move given Criss' role as Warbler standout (and Kurt's other half), as well as his growing number of duets with other cast members and cameos in Katy Perry videos, while Shum fills the role of the one guy on the team who can keep up with Brittany S. Pierce's moves. (Maybe the writers can throw Mike Chang a few more lines and a backstory to boot?)
But while Criss and Shum can celebrate their promotions, Chord Overstreet's contract as a series regular was not renewed by the network. (Ashley Fink, who plays the sharp-tongued Lauren Zizes, remains a guest star.) Looks like even singing Justin Bieber couldn't seal help his fate with the rest of his New Directions crew. (Is The Bieb losing his power?) Since his character Sam—a transfer to McKinley at the beginning of season two—revealed his parents' financial struggles, there will likely be some job-related move for the Evans family on the horizon. While Overstreet will have the option to return as a guest star, this could also mean an early death for the budding relationship of Samcedes. (Mercedes: Always a Kelly Rowland, never a Beyoncé.) Let's hope she at least gets to reprise her rendition of "And I Am Telling You" leading up to his departure. As sad as you might be about Overstreet's exit, just think about how happy the Darren Criss news will make this little guy.
