Rising Star: Jonathan Groff

“Glee’s” Rachel Berry might have met her match in Jesse St. James, a member of rival choir group Vocal Adrenaline – or has she met her new true love? Only time (and a slew of catchy pop songs sung choir style) will tell.

Rachel’s new rival/boyfriend is played by Jonathan Groff, but this isn’t the first time that Lea Michele has starred alongside AccessHollywood.com’s newest rising star.

Jonathan made his “Glee” debut on Tuesday night’s spring season premiere of the hit FOX show, but Broadway fans will recognize the 25-year-old Pennsylvania native from “Spring Awakening,” where he starred alongside Lea in the original off-Broadway and Broadway production.

In 2007, he was nominated for a Tony Award for his “Spring Awakening” role as Melchior Gabor in the Best Leading Actor in a Musical category.

When Access caught up with Jonathan last month at PaleyFest 2010, the actor revealed that his relationship with Lea’s character is sure to be a recipe for excitement.

“I think that it’s the first time that Rachel Berry has met a peer that wants to be a star just as much as she does, where the ambition is equal,” he told Access. “So, that certainly provides a lot of conflict and drama.”

Though Jonathan has only been with the “Glee” gang for a short time, he said the material he gets to work with continually amazes him.

“Expectations are always blown every time you open a script,” he said at the time. “It’s mind blowing what [the writers] think up.”

Following his debut, it appears Jonathan already has a fan in Nicole Richie. After singing Lionel Richie’s “Hello,” with Lea, Nicole Tweeted, “OH SNAP @lionel_richie the cast from GLEE just sang “Hello” & gave you a run for your money! Dancing on the WHAT! All Night WHO!?!”

As for his thoughts on a romance between a New Directions member and a Vocal Adrenaline member – Jonathan said, “The heart wants what the heart wants,” coyly not giving away any major plot details.

In addition to the stage and the small screen, Jonathan has his sights set on the big screen as well.

He appeared in 2009’s “Taking Woodstock” and he will star opposite Robin Wright Penn and James McAvoy in the Robert Redford-directed “The Conspirator,” which is slated for release sometime in 2010.

See more of Access’ interview with Jonathan, HERE!

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