THE GLEE PROJECT Week 2: The Good, The Bad and the Ugly

This week’s theme on THE GLEE PROJECT? Theatricality! And boy, was it demonstrated to the highest degree. From the contestants’ rendition of Lady Gaga’s “Bad Romance” to guest mentor Idina Menzel (AKA Broadway diva/former Vocal Adrenaline coach/Rachel’s birth mother, Shelby Corcoran), to a glam rock music video set to “We’re Not Gonna Take It,” this episode was pure fun!

THE GOOD

• As I mentioned above, I loved “Bad Romance.” You could tell the contestants were having fun singing it and they sounded great. Although I loved the performance, once again I didn’t agree with the mentor’s choice of a winner. Idina chose Alex. My favorite was Samuel, followed closely by Matheus.
• I loved the music video concept. It was much tighter than last week and just made more sense. It didn’t try too hard to have too many things going on like the “Firework” video. Set to “We’re Not Gonna Take It,” the idea was a dream sequence in which the contestants were rock gods who ruled the school and not the nerdy kids they actually are. In it, the kids got all glammed up in their best David Bowie/KISS/Adam Lambert looks. I swear Cameron was wearing boots Adam Lambert actually owns! Overall, I loved the costumes, I loved the makeup, I loved the song – I loved it all!
• Speaking of Cameron, how adorably dorky was his dancing in the choreography session? He was in his own little world jamming away! It kind of reminded me of Paul McDonald from this past season of AMERICAN IDOL.
• While I did not agree with her placement in the bottom 3, I though McKynleigh’s “Last Chance Performance” for Ryan Murphy, Robert Ulrich and Zach Woodlee was flawless. She sang Janis Joplin’s “Piece of My Heart” and blew the other two that were in the bottom with her out of the water. Heck, I’d download that performance if it were possible!

THE BAD

• Lindsay’s attitude was getting on my nerves! I liked her last week, but this week, she seemed cocky. Yes, it’s OK to say you sang well, but you shouldn’t announce it to the other contestants that you set the bar.
• Many of the kids were having trouble picking it up the choreography, especially Ellis. Maybe it’s because I wasn’t dancing it myself, but it didn’t seem that hard – it just looked like jazz squares and pivot turns! Heck, if Cory Monteith can do these dances, the GLEE PROJECT kids should be able to do them, too.
• I did not enjoy Matheus’ bottom 3 performance of All-American Rejects’ “Gives You Hell.” I thought he was yelling it, but obviously the mentors didn’t feel the same way since he was the first one shown to be safe.
• Speaking of the mentors, one thing that bothered me is that Ryan Murphy kept talking about how he wants these kids to inspire him to write a character. That’s your problem – you want them to do the work for you! He, Robert and Zach clearly have their early favorites, which I think is unfair. For example, I feel like we know nothing about Marissa. There have been bits and pieces of soundbites and talking heads from the other contestants, but hardly anything from her. Let us get attached to these kids and hear their backstories so when they leave, it’s heartbreaking.

At this point, Robert, Ryan and Zach should be concentrating on who should be there and who has the potential to succeed and be a star. Ryan, pick your winner first and then write them a part. Don’t sit in the audience while they’re singing for you and try to write their storyline in your head.

THE UGLY

• Alex’s scarves. I swear he has a new one for every outfit. And none of them are particularly cute. Couple that with his diva attitude and you’ll see why one of my best friends and I have nicknamed him “Sassy Scarves.”

So what did you think of this week’s episode? Did the right contestant go home? Who were your favorites and least favorites? Leave a comment and let me know!