After a surprising Metropolitan Opera debut, Rafael Davila will step in once again for Marcelo Alvarez, who is ill.

Davila will sing the Jan. 31 and Feb. 3 performances of Bizet’s “Carmen” at the Metropolitan Opera. The tenor, who was covering the role of Don Jose stepped in during the opening night performance when Alvarez cancelled an hour and a half before. Although he did not get much time to prepare, he received rave reviews. Critics stated, “it was a fine performance” and  “he put in a robust and hot-blooded performance.”

Davila is a rising star and he already has 60 roles under his belt. Recent highlights include his debut as Des Grieux in Puccini’s Manon Lescaut under Maestro Plácido Domingo in Valencia, Dick Johnson in Puccini’s “La Fanciulla del West” and Don Jose in “Carmen” for the Minnesota Opera. He also made his debut with the Chicago Lyric Opera in the world premiere of the opera “Bel Canto.”

The Met’s current production of “Carmen” saw one major cancellation earlier this month. Sophie Koch was originally scheduled to perform the lead role but stepped out due to illness. As a result, Clementine Margaine took over and made her Met debut earlier than expected.

Alvarez is scheduled to return to the production for the last four performances.