Shy nerd-girl, cool singer-guy? Should I tell him how I feel?

I'm too confused about this guy who is a good friend of mine. We do a lot of things together. Go to the mall together (or w/ friends), movies, out to eat, play video games, just talk, etc. But we've only met at the beginning of this school year. (2nd year high school right now) The thing is that I've liked him since last year, before we even talked. The only problem is that if I tell him my feelings now, and he doesn't like me in that way, it will completely ruin our friendship. I don't know if I'm willing to take that risk! He's just so popular because he sings and a lot of girls want to go out with him. But when some of those girls bully me he always comes to defend me and walks away grabbing my hand. Is he doing this as a friend? I don't know if it's even possible for him to like me though, I'm just an ordinary nerdy girl with glasses who gets bullied while he's this cool, popular singer. Should I tell him? Although I'm hesitant in using this site because I think he goes on too. :SShy nerd-girl, cool singer-guy? Should I tell him how I feel?
im pretty sure that he is not a type of guy who would care about the "popular" blonde girls ;)... IF you have liked him for so long then you should tell him... but also let him know that if he doesn't feel the same way, you wouldn't want anything to change between you guys. If he is a smart guy, hes not gona let that affect your friendship. Give it a go, sounds like he has something for u..