Thoughts on The Glee Project Season Two

Tonight August 14, 2012, the winner of the Glee Project season two was announced. The program aired ten episodes in their second season. Below are my thoughts on the show.

The final three were Ali, Aylin and Blake. All three of the contenders had very different aesthetics. Ali's very Broadway, and I mean that in a good way. She's in a wheelchair, but that doesn't get her down or effect her energy levels. Aylin's family is from Turkey and she's from an Islamic family. Just trying out to be on Glee would be controversial even if she is not traditional like many of her relatives. Blake, as the only boy left, was the most traditional actor. He had a certain likability and was even able to play the bad boy. I am curious what kind of character he ends up playing in his seven episode stint on Glee.

On the last episode, the three contestants each got to perform the song of their choosing. Ali went with Perfect from Wicked, Aylin chose Adele's Rolling in the Deep, while Blake sang I'll Be by Edwin McCain. What was interesting was it seemed like they edited that the current Glee actors really appreciated Ali, while Amber Riley (who plays Mercedes) loved Aylin's take on that song. Everyone in the audience seemed touched not by Blake's singing, but his poetry. He wrote out his feelings about where he has been in his life and who he is today. Many people ended up in tears including judges Nikki and Robert.

What I liked this year, was how they actually had more of a focus on acting. I also appreciated that Nikki was added to the judges panel. I liked that because of her gender, but due to what happened in the booth should be a factor in casting. People singing talent and abilities within a recording environment are important for a program like Glee. The others in the top five Lily and Michael also were different than contestants from last year. Lily while a heavier girl wasn't written a comedian, but a ballsy theater-loving chick. Michael, a math geek, improved throughout the competition. Shanna who was sixth was memorable, but got dumped after not impressing Ryan Murphy, who never got to know her. I think those of us watching the series, had a better idea of her talents than Mr. Murphy.

In the end, I really enjoyed this season of the Glee Project. Even though this season, only one person won the title, I hope Ryan Murphy keeps some of the other performers in mind for future characters. I feel a lot of the performers within the top five could appear on the show as compelling characters. I hope those who fell short of the win continue with their creative pursuits.