When I initially heard about The Glee Project, I assumed that it would be full of precocious stage schooled teens that looked and sounded like they has just stepped out of a Disney casting – but boy-oh-boy was I wrong!
Last night’s touching episode dug deep to unleash the ten remaining contestants' inner emotions by confronting their insecurities. Initially, I frowned upon the challenge that was given to the wannabe Gleeks. It seemed a bit undermining and downright cruel to make them wear billboards stating their weaknesses and vulnerabilities.
However, it appeared to be a surprisingly beneficial task for all involved. The majority of the Glee wannabes seemed to gain a newfound confidence after disclosing their most intimate secrets, while others felt like a weight had been lifted off their shoulders – well apart from Cameron who Ryan Murphy claimed was a "cool cat" and "normal" to begin with.
I really do hope that these youngsters were offered some kind of therapy after disclosing such personal and private information. From Emily’s traumatic experience with record producers to Marissa’s battle with anorexia, it is clear that some of these teens really have been through the mill.
I was delighted when Dot-Marie Jones who plays coach Beiste in Glee picked Matheus as the stand out performer based on the Please Don’t Leave Me group sing-song. He has blended into the background in the last few episodes but his sweetness and raw talent shone through during the emotional song. On the other hand Lindsay hit the nail on the head when she described herself as being "fake" which she said was a repercussion of having "trophy" features.
It was such an empowering moment watching Alex talking about his sexuality so openly. He is only in his junior year at high school, but already Alex is showing all the signs of being an amazing role-model for his peers. I really do hope he stays in the competition for as long as possible.
I have always been intrigued by Samuel (the dark horse of the competition), and as expected that mysterious glint in his eye was the backdrop to an incredible story. When he choked up telling his tale about the girl he was supposed to marry I just wanted to give the poor boy a big hug.
Emily’s sense of humour appeared to be her biggest downfall this week as she fell in and out of character during the Mad World video.
Overall, the final production was very moving, and Alex’s facial expressions really captured the overall tone that the director was looking for. As much as I love quirky Cameron and our charming Irish boy Damien, I wasn’t surprised with the three contestants that made it to the sing-off.
Why oh why do the judging panel insist on giving Damien ridiculously vintage and cheesy songs? He is a young boy and I think it is about time he gets a more contemporary and modern song to belt out. It couldn’t have been cuter when he admitted that he cried for over twenty minutes when he heard his selected tune Are You Lonesome Tonight for the first time, as it reminded him of his sweetheart that he left behind to pursue his singing career.
Based on Emily’s outstanding performance of Bruno Mars' Grenade, I never expected her to be departing the show (once the judges learned how to adapt the song for the show they booted her out!).
I couldn’t help but think that the Cameron ordeal of making him sing a second time without the suit was all for the cameras and to create a bit of suspense and unnecessary drama. I thought he looked very dapper in his suit, and it was adorable how he tried to impress Ryan with his new attire – since when is it a bad thing to look like a Paul Smith model?
It was possibly one of the hardest weeks to pick someone to leave the show. I didn’t want anyone to leave, but I was surprised when Emily was sent home - who will crack all of the jokes now?
Will the gleek wannabes be able to kick it for next week’s rap session?
Better yet, who will become the biggest diva or should I say divo?
Laura Delaney
