World renowned operatic tenor Placido Domingo will voice the cartoon version of himself on the upcoming season of The Simpsons.

Al Jean, producer of the long-running animated series, described the episode entitled “The Homer of Seville” to ComingSoon.net, saying, “Homer becomes an opera star, and he has these groupies who are these middle-aged matrons that chase him around and Marge is really jealous.”  Being an accomplished opera singer, Domingo encourages Homer in his chosen career path.

Although The Simpsons has had at least one opera-themed episode in its 18-year-run, Domingo is the first opera singer to actually appear in the animated series.

"I have seen episodes and I see how people react to the shows," the tenor told the Chicago Sun-Times, "and so I say, why not?"

Nancy Cartwright, the voice behind Bart Simpson, shared her thoughts about Domingo on her personal website.

“Although he and Bart didn't have any scenes together, watching the 'King of Opera' take singing lessons from Homer was definitely one of the highlights of working on the show,” she said.

Domingo is not the only celebrity whose been tapped to appear on the upcoming season of The Simpsons.  Stars like Stephen Colbert (The Colbert Report), Jon Stewart (The Daily Show), Steve Buscemi, Jack Black, Matt Dillon, Topher Grace (That 70s Show) and Maya Rudolph (Saturday Night Live) will also be appearing on the animated series.

British Soccer star David Beckham was also asked to appear on the series, but the 32-year-old turned down the offer.  Sources have claimed that Beckham has not forgiven the show's producers for referencing his alleged affair with Rebecca Loos during a Christmas Special.

"Beckham didn't want to take part, but never mind,” Groening said.

The 19th season of The Simpsons will premiere on September 23, while Domingo's episode will air on or around September 30.


-Lisa Claustro, BuddyTV Staff Columnist
Source: Playbill
(Image Courtesy of NNDB)