Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Glee Project 2 - Tuesday, August 14th - Finale


I am a little disappointed I decided to blog at the end of the summer.  It means that I missed out on so many hours on great summer TV!  However, tonight is the season finale of the Glee Project 2, so here’s what you have missed! 
A diverse group of 14 hopefuls moved into a house and started competing in weekly musical competitions in order to get a 7-episode story arc on the 4th season of Glee.  Each week, they have worked with Glee writers, choreographers, vocal coaches, and guest mentors, and 3 competitors have managed to stay on Ryan’s callback list.  Ali, who is paralyzed from the waist down, has competed in a wheel chair, and she has been a positive force in this competition.  Unfortunately, I think her voice can become a little grating and forced at times.  Blake has personified the typical All-American, who has proven to a great singer and a better actor.  I find him to be a bit boring at times, but I think he would be a good addition to the cast.  Aylin is by far the most interesting of the three remaining competitors.  She is a Muslim-born American, and she has professed that before the show, her mom didn’t even know she has kissed a boy.  She had some trouble at the beginning of the season, but I think she is slowly finding her way, and I am glad she has made the finale.  Now that you are up to speed, let’s begin!
Robert begins by giving the final 3 their final homework assignment, “You Can’t Stop the Beat”.  He tells them that this week’s theme is “Gleeality”, which is apparently defined as the ability to sing, dance and act!  Of course the entire cast from this season, except for Taryn who left the show the second week, joined them in vying in the last HW challenge.
Chris Colfer, aka Kurt Hummel, is introduced as the judge/mentor for the last homework assignment.  I thought the musical number was kind of boring, and I didn’t think it held up to the Glee version performed in last season’s premier.  I could have/do sing it better in my shower…. J However, I did think this song was perfect for Ali, who you can’t watch without feeling a little peppier!  Chris gives the exciting news that they all performed fantastically (boring!), and they will all win a group mentoring session with him.  Robert then announces that the for the final group music video, they will be performing Hot Chelle Rae’s hit song “Tonight, Tonight”.  As an aside, the lead guitarist for Hot Chelle Rae is Nash Overstreet.  His brother, Chord plays Sam on Glee. 
The final three are given their characters for the music video.  Ali will be the flirty mean girl, Aylin will be the girl who sneaks out against her parent’s wishes, and Black will play the popular, but humble, prom king.  Robert also informs the three that they will all have a last chance performance for Ryan Murphy, and they will actually get to choose their own songs!
They are then immediately shipped off to learn choreography with Zach.  The whole group will be in the video, but he advises the final three, they will have to carry the video.  After a brief lesson, they then meet with Nikki in order to record their lines for the shoot.  Blake seemed to have some trouble hitting the higher notes of the song, but Nikki praised him for his good performance.  Aylin had some great vocals, but she had some trouble remembering the lyrics.  Ali felt that since she struggled a little with the choreography, that she needed to hit her vocals.  Nikki again had nothing but positive comments for her.  The music video was a “wild” prom party scene, and Erik praised all of the performers. 
The final 3 chose their songs to sing for Ryan, and I think their song choices are appropriate for the characters they would like to portray on Glee.
Ali – “Popular” from the musical Wicked – I definitely think she looked and acted the part of Glinda.  Her vocals were on key, and Ryan noted her bright and positive attitude.  Will it be enough to secure first place?
Blake – “I’ll Be” by Edwin McCain – He chose this song in order to show another side of himself, but I feel like he chose the type of song he’s been singing and excelling at all season.  Again, he is a great singer, but I don’t think he can represent a new and different character that hasn’t already been shown on Glee.  Ryan does call him out for not showing anything new.  He then orates his own poem about who he is, and why he deserves to be on the show. 
Aylin – “Rolling in the Deep” by Adele – I really like this song, even though it been playing nonstop on the radio for the past 18 months.  I thought she chose the most difficult song of the finalists, and she gave me chills during her performance.  Ryan praises her confidence and inspirational aura. 
The cast of Glee loved Ali, the writers and most of the other staff loved Blake, and the only one who seemed to stand up for Aylin was her crazy showmance Charlie.  Amber Riley and Damien both loved her voice, and they thought she could give a unique perspective to the show.  Ryan seemed split in his decision, but stated at the beginning of the season, there will only be one winner.  Considering there were four winners last season, I am pleased with that particular decision.   And the winner is……Blake!  I think his poem probably put him over the top, and although he wasn’t my first choice, I hope he gets a great story arc this season. 
Are you happy with the winner?  Do you think he will be fun and exciting to watch next season?  As always, leave your comments below!

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