Three of the biggest stars on hit musical TV comedy Glee will graduate high school next year and won't be back on the show for a fourth season in 2012, the show's creator said on Wednesday.

Lea Michele (Rachel), Chris Colfer (Kurt) and Cory Monteith (Finn) are not going to be back at all for Season 4.

Glee has become a pop culture phenomenon since its debut in 2009, propelling its young stars to red carpet fame, producing several hit albums of songs used in the show and spawning two nationwide concert tours by cast members.

Lea Michele Charice
Rachel runs into foreign exchange student Sunshine Corazon with the purpose of recruiting her for glee club. Fox
Rachel Finn
Unable to deal with Mercedes, Quinn and Finn ask Rachel to be head of talent relations. Rachel relates to Mercedes so she accepts the position. Fox
Rachel Finn
After performing "Don't God Breaking My Heart" Rachel tells Finn they should throw the competition to shore up Sam's confidence so he'll help get them to Nationals. Fox
Rachel Kurt
Rachel reminds Kurt that he isn't alone and together they perform a mash-up of "Happy Days are Here Again" and "Get Happy" Fox
Rachel
After the party, Rachel calls Blaine and asks him out on a date. Kurt is amused until he realizes that Blaine accepted. Fox
Rachel
Rachel performs "Merry Christmas, Carling" hoping Finn will finally forgive her. Fox
Rachel
Rachel has finally made it to New York City Fox