by Gina Scarpa

Yes, Samuel was intense and serious this season on The Glee Project but he was also focused, driven, and performed consistently well throughout the competition. After singing Dolly Parton's "Jolene" for his final performance for Glee creator Ryan Murphy, he was announced as the winner - along with fellow contestant Damian McGinty. We caught up with Samuel today in an exclusive interview to hear more about his experiences on The Glee Project.

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: When did you first start performing and what brought you to The Glee Project?
A. Samuel: I think I started performing and playing music around 2. I got my first drumset at 3 and joined my first band when I was 7. I've been playing ever since. I started trying to do acting when I was 8, little things. I originally tried out for a role on Glee two years ago, for the role of Sam, and I didn't end up getting it. Robert kept me in mind and called me back. I decided to do it and never thought I'd be here. Obviously, I was crushed two years ago but I'd much rather have it be this way!

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Choosing "Jolene" for your final song was pretty gutsy but it paid off. Did you see it as a risky move?
A. Samuel: Oh definitely! I think everyone that I told thought it was risky. I think what was going through my head was remembering watching Jack White sing that in a video when I was 12. I forgot that it was a country song, and from the point of view of a woman. I was captivated and I was only 12.

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: On the finale, Nikki sort of criticized you, saying that you're very serious and intense a lot of the time. Is there a more fun side to you?
A. Samuel: I think what the viewers need to keep in mind is that you're under a lot of pressure. I told Nikki, "I can't wait to go to a studio and feel like I'm not being judged." I was intense because I felt stressed out and felt I needed to prove something all the time. Of course there's a softer side to me. If I'm playing a character and it doesn't call for intensity, I'd be lighthearted.

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: What was your favorite video shoot this season?
A. Samuel: I think "Don't You Want Me" was a really fun one because I felt really connected to the song. I liked working with Marissa, it was a really good time. It worked.

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Are the friendships that you formed with the other contestants real? Will you carry them outside of the show?
A. Samuel: Definitely, oh yeah! We really did become a family. There was that element of "I wanna beat you", but you can't help but fall in love with these people. I fell in love with all of them.

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: What's the fan reaction been like?
A. Samuel: The fan response has been immense. A lot of people love it, are loving me, what I stand for, and what I am. There's gonna be haters but not a lot. Controversy is a good thing. People won't really know if they love something unless they're tested and still love it at the end.

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: What are you up to now and what's next for you?
A. Samuel: Now, I've been writing a lot of music since the show ended. I'm taking acting classes and focusing on what's to come and now, it's the waiting game. Waiting for Ryan to write me in. When I get that script, that'll become my life.

(Image courtesy of Oxygen)

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