Warning: major Glee spoilers and casting news ahead! Do not be operating heavy machinery while reading this...

Producers have revealed a number juicy casting and music nuggets for the episodes ahead, giving fans plenty to buzz about until the show's return on February 6. To wit:

• Tentatively scheduled for February 15, the show will dedicate an entire episode to Justin Bieber. According to TV Line, the singer himself is not currently set to appear (although Ryan Murphy offered him a spot months ago), but the cast will cover a number of the teen icon's songs.
• Kristin Chenoweth will return as April Rhodes. Look for her to appear in a number of installments toward the end of the season.
• Gwyneth Paltrow will definitely reprise the role of Holly Holiday for two episodes this winter, and she'll also definitely be dating Will.

"She’s coming back as a sex education teacher," Murphy tells EW. "We’re trying to do something fantastic. So she’ll be  [in episodes] 15 and 16. She comes back [to film] in January and she’s with us for three and a half weeks I think.”

April? Holly? Bieber?!? Sounds like a lot to discuss on our Glee forum!

UPDATE: Murphy has released a statement that reads: "Glee is NOT doing a Justin Bieber tribute episode. We are not doing any more of those this season. Those are reserved for artists with a big catalogue, ala Madonna and Britney, etc."

However, Sam WILL be singing a Bieber song in order to impress Quinn on episode 13.

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