by Gina Scarpa

 

On the season premiere of The Glee Project, 12 finalists were narrowed down over 40,000 hopefuls to compete for a multi-episode guest starring role on the hit FOX show written just for them. In order to reach their goal, they'll have help from Glee's vocal coach, choreographer, and casting director as they record songs, music videos, act out scenes, and more.

 

Each week, the contestants will be given a theme and a homework assignment. Their first one is "Individuality" and their song is Stevie Wonder's "Signed, Sealed, Delivered". Hopefully, they've all at least heard it a few times because they only have until the next day to be ready to sing it.

 

This week's guest judge is Darren Criss, who plays Blaine on Glee. He and mentor/casting director Robert Ulrich meet with the 12 to hear what they've been working on. Whoever wins the Individuality challenge will win a starring role in the group challenge and will work with Darren one on one, which is a nice advantage. Early vocal favorites, for me, are Alex, Cameron, Marissa, McKynleigh, and Samuel.

 

Matheus wins the challenge, because Darren felt that he really made it his own. Fair enough. He'll be featured in the group song, Katy Perry's "Firework". The concept of the video will be a high school photo shoot and first up, the group heads to dance with mentor/choreographer Zach Woodlee. I can't get over the silliness in the room as they try to learn the dance - Zach had to tell them repeatedly to be quiet! Why would you ever fool around and talk during this?

 

Next, it's time for a recording session with mentor/vocal coach Nikki Anders. Ellis is particularly difficult during her time in the studio, refusing to really sing out. Hannah doesn't feel that she impressed Nikki but she can't dwell on it because it's time to shoot the video.

Bryce argues with Zach at the shoot that the choreography doesn't go with what he envisions for his character. Well, he's the expert so I guess he should tell the people who work on Glee what they should do. No one has seen Damian really jump out at them yet but it could be because he's used to being part of a group (he toured with Celtic Thunder from a fairly early age).

 

Zach and Robert meet with the group to let them know that Damian, Ellis, and Bryce will have to do a Last Chance Performance for Ryan Murphy in order to keep their spot in the competition. Ellis is given "Big Spender" from Sweet Charity, Bryce is given "Just The Way You Are" by Bruno Mars, and Damian is assigned "Jesse's Girl" by Rick Springfield. Damian's in the most trouble, as he's neve even heard the song before.

 

Damian does an okay job in his performance but he bails out of most of the high notes and seems like he's thinking too much about the lyrics. It seemed that Bryce was given the song most suited for his voice and it seems not going anywhere. Ellis looks pretty ridiculous singing a song about dance hall girls and trying to be sexy, given how young she looks.

 

After Robert and Zach consult with Glee creator Ryan Murphy, it's time to deliver the news: Bryce has been eliminated from the competition. I guess it just goes to show you that this is not just about who looks good or can sing, dance, and act. It's about how you present yourself as well. Everyone else better take note!

 

The Glee Project airs Sundays at 9/8c on Oxygen.

 

(Image courtesy of Oxygen)

 

 

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