With the passing of iconic pop and R&B artist Whitney Houston, the music community paid their respects by releasing a string of musical tributes. One of the most widely received was "Glee" star Amber Riley's rendition of the 1992 hit "I Wil
With the passing of iconic pop and R&B artist Whitney Houston, the music community paid their respects by releasing a string of musical tributes. One of the most widely received was "Glee" star Amber Riley's rendition of the 1992 hit "I Will Always Love You," which aired on the show's Valentine's Day episode. Reuters

"Glee" diva Mercedes (Amber Riley) has found a new beau following the departure of the show's Chord Overstreet. "Friday Nights Light" star LaMarcus Tinker has been signed on as a regular for the musical series' season five, TheWrap has confirmed.

Tinker, who also appeared on last season's ABC comedy "Cougar Town" as Travis' college roommate Kevin, will play the creatively named Marcus, a lovable linebacker for McKinley High who hits it off with the high-note-hitting New Directions member.

He will make his first appearance in the show's season September 21 premiere.

"Glee" executive producer Brad Fulchuk promised audiences at a July 24 Comic-Con panel that Mercedes' significant other would be "a man who lifts her up, a big bubba kind of guy who encourages her to want more for herself, which will drive her arc for the first half of the season."

"Think Cuba Gooding Jr. and his wife in "Jerry McGuire," Fulchuk told the crowd.

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