The Glee Project: Episode 1 Recap

written by BenRoss
DAM NATION, Contributor

You know what? I am glad The Glee Project is on because when you think about it, it bridges the gap between the summer/winter hiatus and also delivers somewhat of a Glee fix. When I first heard of the idea of 12 individuals not in the public eye to be up for the running of a 7 episode guest starring stint on Glee”, my first reaction was; “OOKKKK”, but now after watching the first episode I can safely say it is a very intriguing show.

Intriguing I say because it is a mix of popular reality shows into one. We have a main mix of Big Brother” (not kidding) and American Idol with a side serving of So You Think You Can Dance. It definitely is a unique show! Here’s why:

•  The judges are not celebrities, but the people behind Glee itself. Robert Ulrich (Glee Casting Director), Zach Woodlee (Glee Choreographer) and Ryan Murphy (Glee Creator) with Ryan having the final say into who goes that week. We also have Nikki Anders (Glee Music Producer) who helps the contestants record the songs for the week’s music video and music video director Erik White and a surprise Glee cast mentor every week.
• Every week focuses on a different theme that is central to the Glee universe and helps bring each person closer to winning the competition. Every week, there's also a different music video made highlighting the central theme.
• Focuses on house life. The Glee Project Campus is the nervous system for these 12 contenders’ cameras in their bedroom and living areas helps the public get to know them as a person, alongside their actor/singer/dancer persona.
• Each week the 3 weakest contestants are at risk of elimination and have to sing for their lives in front of the judges, with songs picked specifically for them. With the weakest not being called back for the next week. Interesting? I think so!!

This is not your normal reality show!

RECAP after the jump!!

At the beginning of the episode we are introduced to the 12 contestants:

 Alex, Bryce, Cameron, Damien, Ellis, Emily, Hannah, Lindsay, Marissa, Matheus, McKynleigh and Samuel.

Upon starting Robert Ulrich joins them and gives the contestants the theme for week 1, Individuality and their homework assignment. The homework assignment entailed singing “Signed, Sealed, Delivered” demonstrating the individuality in your voice and the way you express the line of the song you are given.

The judge for this assignment was Glee cast member Darren Criss who chose Matheus (who has dwarfism) as the winner of this competition due to his use of musicality and knowing his limits in the song. Matheus wins a mentoring session with Darren Criss and a heavy appearance in their music video for the week, which is Firework by Katy Perry.

Working towards the filming of the video, each contestant goes through heavy choreography learning and recording sessions. All contestants put in effort and are willing to learn and cooperate except for contestant Bryce who seems to butt heads with choreographer Zach Woodlee numerous times with disagreements that followed. His lack of confidence in my opinion is what led him to doubt his dancing ability, when other who knew they were bad dancers tried and succeeded. Each contestant after learning their roles succeed strongly in the filming and execution of the song Firework.



After the music video, contestants convene in the judging theatre for the announcement of who is call backed for the next week. Unfortunately Damien, Ellis and Bryce are put in the bottom 3 with all other contestants getting through to the next week.

Now the bottom 3 must sing for their lives with songs picked by the judges.

Damien 

Jessie’s Girl
In the clip before he sings, he comments on the fact that he doesn’t even know the song Jessie's Girl. HOLD UP!! You are competing for a spot on the show Glee and you don’t even know the song? That alone should get you kicked off but alas... Shining brightly singing for his life, Irish singer Damien delivered with his interpretation of the song. Humorously he had a confusion in lyrics with him constantly repeating “I wish I was Jessie’s Girl” instead of “I wish I had” which for the judges was refreshing and showed Damien’s character upon further reflection which to me could go at least Top 6. My verdict: Safe

Bryce 

Just the Way You Are
In the clip before Bryce was expressing disbelief in the fact that the song was too high for him and that he couldn’t do it. That right there for me demonstrated his lack of musicality and effort. If you were in that position wouldn’t you make it at least lower and make it your own. It is INDIVIDUALITY after all no? Bryce singing this song was a monotonal, hand waving mess, producing a high note at the end was, yes, refreshing but couldn’t save him for me. The judges commented on his nerves and the fact he didn’t really know how to sell it (cue irritating hand movements). All in all it was an ok performance for the judges. My verdict: Not safe

Ellis 

Big Spender
Ellis’s performance was the strongest of all three, it had spunk and as young looking as she is (she jokes about looking like a 10 year old) her voice made her seem mature and confident for a role on Glee. The judges liked her performance and encouraged her to be who she wants to be and not what she thinks people want to see. After she walks off, Ryan expresses confusion in being able to write for her as he does not know who she really is yet. I suppose all will be revealed in time? My verdict: Safe

After the contestants sing for their life they all brought back to the living room and wait for the call back sheet to be posted. Robert Ulrich comes in and tells them it is up. The bottom 3 leave together and individually walk up to the call back sheet. Damien is in awe and starts to smile, Ellis cries with looks of disbelief and Bryce looks at the sheet in dismay. Who went home? Unfortunately it was Bryce. In my opinion he was the weakest of three and after his backlash of attitude deserved to go. He was the least animated of the 12 and with Bryce leaving definitely shakes things up now with all contestants now realising it’s a competition. Game on top 11. The race to Glee Season 3 begins now.

See below links for a sneak peek of the rest of the season, meet the contenders and next episodes music video!!!!

SUPERTEASE!

NEXT WEEK'S PREVIEW