by Gina Scarpa

 

This week's theme on The Glee Project is "theatricality" and Broadway star Idina Menzel mentors the guests. For those unfamiliar with the woman who originated the role of Elphaba in Wicked, she is also known to Glee fans as Shelby, Rachel's birth mother.

 

Perfectly fitting the theme of "theatricality" is the task to perform Lady Gaga's "Bad Romance", except it's often a contest to see who can be the weirdest and/or sexiest. It's a lot of posing and reaching for... well, nothing.

 

Idina singled out Ellis, Samuel, Alex, and Cameron but felt Alex grabbed her attention the most. He'll get to work with her one on one and be featured in the group video, "We're Not Going to Take It" by Twisted Sister.

 

It's really clear in choreography that Damian and Ellis are struggling. It doesn't seem that tough to do and that makes other people feel they should step in and try to help. The only person who should be giving direction is Zach. Ellis just complains and complains and complains...

 

Samuel and McKynleigh both struggle in their vocal performances but he does better on the shoot than she does. I have high hopes for her but she needs to step it up and stand out - quick!

 

One person really rubbing people the wrong way is Lindsay. It's starting to feel like the only part Ryan Murphy will be able to write for her is either the girl everybody loves to hate or just the girl that everybody hates.

 

When the video is all said and done, Cameron, Alex, Samuel, and Lindsay reallys tand out. I honestly forgot Marissa was still in the competition until I caught a quick glimpse of her riffing in the video. Somehow, the mentors saw her because she's safe this week.

 

Damian, Emily, and Hannah narrowly escape last chance performances while Ellis, McKynleigh, and Matheus find themselves singing to stay in the competition. McKynleigh is assigned "Piece of My Heart" by Janis Joplin, Matheus is given "Gives You Hell" by the All American Rejects, and Ellis is asked to sing "Mac The Knife" by Frank Sinatra. That choice seemed odd, until she reminded us that she loves jazz.

 

Ellis tries to put on her nicest attitude following her performance, but Ryan isn't totally buying it.  Matheus is a really good singer, but he spends a hell of a lot of time trying to be cool and sexy that I don't feel like I know the guy at all.  McKynleigh's voice sounds great but she doesn't really have a performance power to it that makes me stop and say, "Wow!"

 

When the callback list is posted, Ellis finds out that she's not called back.  For the second week in a row, the mentors and Ryan Murphy send a clear message to the contestants that winning this show is about more than just talent.  It's how you present yourself, too.

 

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

 

(Image courtesy of Oxygen)

 

Follow Gina @ginascarpa