Pop icon Pink was set to perform for Barack Obama at a LGBT fundraiser gala being held for the President in Los Angeles on June 6; however, the singer has confirmed on Twitter that she is too ill to perform. Her understudy? Glee‘s Darren Criss.

While Darren’s character Blaine has made somewhat of a trademark of performing Pink covers on the show, he seems a bit of an odd choice as a replacement. We love him to bits, but he’s not necessarily the artist we’d first think of if we were asked to think of a fill-in act for a superstar like Pink at a benefit for the President of the United States.

However, take a closer look at the event and it all begins to make sense – the gala is being followed by a benefit dinner hosted by Glee creator Ryan Murphy, so perhaps when no one of Pink’s status could be found, Murphy called in Darren as a last-minute favor. Darren certainly has the experience – the majority of his live performances as a solo artist since joining Glee have been for fundraisers and benefits, and he has a reputation for being able to charm any crowd with his covers of the classics and earnest original tunes.

The Glee cast performed for the President and his family at the White House Easter Egg Roll in 2010, prior to Darren joining the show. Darren attended the White House Correspondents’ Dinner earlier this year. It is unknown if he met the President at this event. However, it’s likely that he will this Wednesday! This is a very exciting opportunity and we wish Darren the best of luck!

What are your thoughts as Darren Criss as a stand-in for Pink at the Obama benefit?