Michael Jackson, Paul McCartney, U2, 50 Cent, the Rolling Stones, Elton John, Lady Gaga and James Brown. And now, Justin Bieber.
The "As Long As You Love Me" singer let the cat out of the bag on Tuesday about his upcoming cameo on the 24th season of "The Simpsons," which would put him in league with some of the biggest rock, pop and hip-hop stars of all time. As sure a sign of arrival as a #1 single and album or sold-out tour, getting animated and joining Homer, Marge, Bart and the gang in Springfield is perhaps one of the highest honors in all of showbiz.
Though the tweet has since been deleted, Entertainment Weekly reported that Bieber, 18, broke the news to his nearly 27 million followers on Tuesday, writing, "just did a voice over for the SIMPSONS!!! #swaggy." The news was scrubbed, but show executive producer Al Jean confirmed for the magazine that the singer will play himself in an upcoming episode.
"He tries to get into a talent show that Bart is playing piano in and they won't admit him," explained Jean. "Draw your own conclusions." Jean warned fans that they should have their Tivo set to stun, since the drop-in is more like a cameo than a starring role. "But all of his fans should watch every minute of the show, before and after he's on," Jean joked of the episode titled "The Fabulous Faker Boy."
No specific air date has been announced, but the Bieber episode is slated to air in 2013 as part of the show's 24th season, which begins on September 30.