'American Idol's' Paul McDonald joins 'Parenthood' Season 4 as Amber's new love interest

"Parenthood" has snagged several high-profile guest stars going into Season 4, ranging from the kind of weird to the super awesome. This one falls somewhere in between.

"American Idol" alumnus and Nikki Reed's husband Paul McDonald has been cast in early episodes of this season as Nick, the charismatic lead guitarist of a band who is recording at the Luncheonette. Given that Amber (Mae Whitman) has snagged a job in the recording studio, it's no surprise that she falls hard for him.

Unfortunately for Amber, things move a little more quickly than they should, and things get seriously awkward around the office -- which is only exacerbated by the fact that her uncles are her bosses.

McDonald, who came in 8th place on his season of "Idol," is making his acting debut in the season premiere on Sept. 11 on NBC. The casting was first reported by TVLine.