As if strong ratings, magazine covers and chart-topping CDs weren't enough proof of Glee's first-season success, Fox Entertainment President Kevin Reilly has provided the most powerful one yet:

The show has already been picked up for a third season!

“Everything about Glee – from the concept to the characters to the marketing – has been innovative and risky, but with [series creator] Ryan Murphy tapping into the zeitgeist, the risk has paid off with this truly remarkable series," Reilly said, adding:

"Glee has one of the most active, devoted fan bases I’ve ever seen, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to give Gleeks a third season of their favorite show.”

With three episodes remaining this year, Glee is the number-one new scripted show among adults 18-49 and adults 18-34. It has averaged 9.4 million total viewers/week.

Said Murphy in a statement:

“It’s been a whirlwind year – from shooting the pilot to performing at the White House to the concert tour that began last week – and yet we all feel like we’ve just begun this amazing musical journey. We think our Gleeks worldwide are going to love what we’ll have in store for them in seasons two and three.”

What's on tap for those seasons? A few Glee spoilers have already revealed love interests for Kurt and Mercedes in the fall.

It's also safe to assume that Brittany and Sue say many things that make us laugh, while the group performs a few songs that make us cry.

Matt Richenthal is the Editor in Chief of TV Fanatic. Follow him on Twitter and on Google+.