The Satellite Awards were handed out on December 19th. Last year Matthew Morrison, Lea Michele, Jane Lynch, and Glee all won in their categories. Chris Colfer was also nominated last year but did not win. This year the same people were all nominated again, as well as the show, but unfortunately all were shut out. Matthew lost to Alec Baldwin from "30 Rock," Lea lost to Laura Linney from "The Big C," Jane lost to Brenda Vaccaro from "You Don't Know Jack," and Chris lost to David Strathairn from "Temple Grandin." Best Comedy went to "The Big C."
I don't know if the Satellite Awards could have any influence on the Golden Globes. All of the winners in these categories are also nominated for Golden Globes except for Brenda Vaccaro. I figured that Alec Baldwin and David Strathairn would be big competition for Matthew and Chris respectively. Lea's category is so tough. I think either Modern Family or 30 Rock will take Best Comedy, but it could be The Big C. I still think Jane has the best shot for a Golden Globe at this point, but since she was nearly a given this year and didn't win...who knows.
gleekette
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
"You Know You're a Gleek When..."
A new and recurring segment of this blog will be "You Know You're a Gleek When," or YKYAGW for short. This is when a Glee fan says or does something that alerts them to the fact that they are not just a casual viewer of the show...they have become a GLEEK. Here are my first three YKYAGW "aha!" moments...
1) Today my co-worker caught me chair-dancing in my cubicle, mouthing Artie's rap in "Billionaire" as I listened to my IPOD. She is a geek, but I don't think she's a gleek. She didn't say anything, just asked her question and left. Bless her.
2) When I refer to the people on Glee, I use both character names and real names, and I use them interchangably. I rarely know actors names on other shows, and even when I do know them, I often don't remember them. Since I'm usually talking, reading, or writing about Glee, I tend to remember the names.
3) I received several Glee guides for Hanukkah this year. I'm not only reading them...I'm taking notes on them.
Yep...I'm a gleek!! :)
gleekette
1) Today my co-worker caught me chair-dancing in my cubicle, mouthing Artie's rap in "Billionaire" as I listened to my IPOD. She is a geek, but I don't think she's a gleek. She didn't say anything, just asked her question and left. Bless her.
2) When I refer to the people on Glee, I use both character names and real names, and I use them interchangably. I rarely know actors names on other shows, and even when I do know them, I often don't remember them. Since I'm usually talking, reading, or writing about Glee, I tend to remember the names.
3) I received several Glee guides for Hanukkah this year. I'm not only reading them...I'm taking notes on them.
Yep...I'm a gleek!! :)
gleekette
Thursday, December 16, 2010
SAG Awards: The Nominees React
More exciting news for Glee! The show was nominated for a Screen Actors Guild award for best comedy ensemble. And Chris Colfer and Jane Lynch were nominated for best actor and best actress in a comedy! The show won the SAG for this year, but this is the first nomination each for Chris and Jane.
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/sag-awards-nominees-react-60849
Here are what the nominees are saying about their SAG Award nominations, which were announced Thursday morning:
Chris Colfer wasn't able to contain his excitement Thursday morning. The Glee star, who also received his first Globe nomination earlier this week, joyfully noted that he was on Cloud 9, though wasn't afraid to address the hardships he went thorugh as a teenager in high school. "It's fantastic!," he said about his first-ever SAG nomination as a supporting actor. "It's crazy because where I come from, peers is not necessarily a good word. People are mean to you and they throw things at you and they make fun of you in the hallway, so it's amazing." And to celebrate, Colfer said the Glee folks, who were also nominated for an ensemble award along with a supporting nom for Jane Lynch, won't be sparing any expense: "I think we're going to have a little pizza party [later today]." Colfer wouldn't spill any details on his character Kurt's relationship with Darren Criss' Blaine, only to say that "there have been some slight development there." But Colfer did discuss the anticipated Super Bowl episode, and hinted that viewers may be shocked. "Just the first paragraph alone in that script made me question how it was legal and how it was possible to do what they wrote," he shared. "Like, I'm telling you, there's some sentences in that script that are like, 'How is that possible?! How can they legally do this?!" -- Philiana Ng
[snip]
The accolades just keep coming for Chris, for Jane, and for the show. I couldn't be happier. I think they all have an uphill battle in their respective categories; they are up against seasoned veterans, past winners, and some sentimental favorites. For example, Steve Carrell is nominated for a Golden Globe against Matthew and a SAG against Chris, and he may win because he's leaving "The Office." Jane is pitted against Betty White for a SAG, and we all know how much everyone loves Betty White.
I'll be sad if the show and the actors don't win, but for now I'm just enjoying the excitement and the honor that these nominations bring to the talented and hard-working cast and crew.
Just had to add this snipet from etonline:
"Glee" star Chris Colfer is up for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series, and told ET of the nom, "Sometimes I take out my SAG card and just stare at it for large amounts of time. I'm completely shocked and honored! So happy for Jane [Lynch] and that our amazing cast was recognized too!"
His comment reminds me of a young singer who experienced sudden fame. He said he went from looking for loose change in his couch cushions to visiting ATM's so he could giggle at his growing account balances. :)
I just cannot imagine how much Chris' head is spinning these days. I love how he drew the comparison between his peer relationships in high school and the recognition he is now receiving from the entertainment industry. I wish it could be praise and nominations for him all the time, but unfortunately there are plenty of bullies in the business too.
gleekette
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/sag-awards-nominees-react-60849
Here are what the nominees are saying about their SAG Award nominations, which were announced Thursday morning:
Chris Colfer wasn't able to contain his excitement Thursday morning. The Glee star, who also received his first Globe nomination earlier this week, joyfully noted that he was on Cloud 9, though wasn't afraid to address the hardships he went thorugh as a teenager in high school. "It's fantastic!," he said about his first-ever SAG nomination as a supporting actor. "It's crazy because where I come from, peers is not necessarily a good word. People are mean to you and they throw things at you and they make fun of you in the hallway, so it's amazing." And to celebrate, Colfer said the Glee folks, who were also nominated for an ensemble award along with a supporting nom for Jane Lynch, won't be sparing any expense: "I think we're going to have a little pizza party [later today]." Colfer wouldn't spill any details on his character Kurt's relationship with Darren Criss' Blaine, only to say that "there have been some slight development there." But Colfer did discuss the anticipated Super Bowl episode, and hinted that viewers may be shocked. "Just the first paragraph alone in that script made me question how it was legal and how it was possible to do what they wrote," he shared. "Like, I'm telling you, there's some sentences in that script that are like, 'How is that possible?! How can they legally do this?!" -- Philiana Ng
[snip]
The accolades just keep coming for Chris, for Jane, and for the show. I couldn't be happier. I think they all have an uphill battle in their respective categories; they are up against seasoned veterans, past winners, and some sentimental favorites. For example, Steve Carrell is nominated for a Golden Globe against Matthew and a SAG against Chris, and he may win because he's leaving "The Office." Jane is pitted against Betty White for a SAG, and we all know how much everyone loves Betty White.
I'll be sad if the show and the actors don't win, but for now I'm just enjoying the excitement and the honor that these nominations bring to the talented and hard-working cast and crew.
Just had to add this snipet from etonline:
"Glee" star Chris Colfer is up for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series, and told ET of the nom, "Sometimes I take out my SAG card and just stare at it for large amounts of time. I'm completely shocked and honored! So happy for Jane [Lynch] and that our amazing cast was recognized too!"
His comment reminds me of a young singer who experienced sudden fame. He said he went from looking for loose change in his couch cushions to visiting ATM's so he could giggle at his growing account balances. :)
I just cannot imagine how much Chris' head is spinning these days. I love how he drew the comparison between his peer relationships in high school and the recognition he is now receiving from the entertainment industry. I wish it could be praise and nominations for him all the time, but unfortunately there are plenty of bullies in the business too.
gleekette
Fourteen Things You Need to Know About Kevin McHale
http://www.wetpaint.com/glee/articles/14-things-you-need-to-know-about-kevin-mchale
If you don’t love Kevin McHale (Artie), we’re seriously questioning your sanity. Seriously. So, because we know you DO love him, we’ve compiled 14 things you need to know about him, like, yesterday. Get ready, Gleeks! He’s kinda quirky (and we totally love it.)
1. He was a member of former boy band NLT, which stands for Not Like Them.
2. He counts everything, including ceiling tiles, floor tiles, and windows.
3. He loves shoes and has a ton of sneakers.
4. He paints, though he says not very well.
5. He has an aversion to other peoples’ feet.
6. He has to start every day with orange juice.
7. He hates it when people smack when they chew.
8. If there’s rice, chicken, and asparagus — he has to eat everything separately and in order.
9. He’s a pop culture freak.
10. He loves soccer.
11. He gets intense anxiety every time he has to park his car so he drives like an old person.
12. He’s the best dancer in the entire cast of Glee. [hmm... better than Harry Shum?]
13. He has made guest appearances on The Office, Zoey 101, and True Blood.
14. He (Mc)Hale’s (haha, get it?) from Plano, Texas.
End of article
Yea! He's a Texas boy! (which I already knew.)
About number 12 - the choreographer for the show, Zach, lamented at the beginning of Glee that Kevin was probably the best dancer in the cast, but he was playing a character who uses a wheelchair. He said this when there were only six kids in the glee club - Rachel, Finn, Artie, Kurt, Mercedes, and Tina.
I could add a number 15 - He's also a big Harry Potter fan.
And a number 16 - One of his sisters worked for Jay Leno, so Kevin first met Jay when he was very young.
gleekette
If you don’t love Kevin McHale (Artie), we’re seriously questioning your sanity. Seriously. So, because we know you DO love him, we’ve compiled 14 things you need to know about him, like, yesterday. Get ready, Gleeks! He’s kinda quirky (and we totally love it.)
1. He was a member of former boy band NLT, which stands for Not Like Them.
2. He counts everything, including ceiling tiles, floor tiles, and windows.
3. He loves shoes and has a ton of sneakers.
4. He paints, though he says not very well.
5. He has an aversion to other peoples’ feet.
6. He has to start every day with orange juice.
7. He hates it when people smack when they chew.
8. If there’s rice, chicken, and asparagus — he has to eat everything separately and in order.
9. He’s a pop culture freak.
10. He loves soccer.
11. He gets intense anxiety every time he has to park his car so he drives like an old person.
12. He’s the best dancer in the entire cast of Glee. [hmm... better than Harry Shum?]
13. He has made guest appearances on The Office, Zoey 101, and True Blood.
14. He (Mc)Hale’s (haha, get it?) from Plano, Texas.
End of article
Yea! He's a Texas boy! (which I already knew.)
About number 12 - the choreographer for the show, Zach, lamented at the beginning of Glee that Kevin was probably the best dancer in the cast, but he was playing a character who uses a wheelchair. He said this when there were only six kids in the glee club - Rachel, Finn, Artie, Kurt, Mercedes, and Tina.
I could add a number 15 - He's also a big Harry Potter fan.
And a number 16 - One of his sisters worked for Jay Leno, so Kevin first met Jay when he was very young.
gleekette
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Two Golden Globe Articles And Time Magazine
http://insidetv.ew.com/2010/12/14/glee-chris-colfer-golden-globe-interview/
Glee: Chris Colfer on his Golden Globe Nomination and his new big screen project
by Tim Stack
Glee‘s Chris Colfer now has more to be glee-ful about than a phenomenal second season: He’s been nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor in TV Series, Mini-Series, or Made-for-TV Movie. Shortly after finding out about his nod, Colfer rang EW to talk about the Globes, as well as his upcoming foray into movies.
ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY: So how did you find out? Were you awake?
CHRIS COLFER: I woke up with a phone call. I was not awake for the announcement. My publicist called me at 5 a.m., and I’ve been wide awake since.
Have you celebrated yet?
No not really! For one, all my friends are on the show and they’re working today! And all my family lives four hours away so I have no one to celebrate with. So I might go get some frozen yogurt and have a party by myself.
That feels kinda sad.
It’s sad, Tim. You can say it! [Laughs] It’s sad and pathetic.
Is it sweet to get nominated for the bullying storyline that’s been such a big part of this season?
Oh yeah. The storyline has been meaningful for so many people. It validates it as much as the feedback we’ve gotten from the people it’s affected and people that needed to see it.
Have you talked to your fellow acting nominees, Matthew Morrison, Lea Michele, and Jane Lynch?
I saw Matt, Jane, and Lea this morning and I tackled all of them.
Jane is like 6 feet tall! That’s impressive!
Oh yeah. She could take me and she has before. The only person I’m actually eligible to take down is Lea. She’s tiny but she’s powerful.
Are you working today?
I’m not, because I’m at the other school [Dalton Academy] so I only work once a week rather than everyday all day like the others do.
Is that weird now to not be working so much?
It was a nice break for the first two days, and now I feel like a housewife. I don’t know what to do with myself! I literally will sometimes sit at home and twitch. I’ve run all my errands, paid all my bills, seen all my doctors. There’s literally nothing else for me to do. I don’t think I could ever retire.
Maybe some pottery classes?
Oh, I’m already there.
You just wrote a screenplay, right? The teen comedy Struck by Lightning?
I did yes!
Can you tell me a little bit about it?
I can say that it’s probably not as good as Inception but it’s probably better than Sharktopus. It’s very strange that I’m actually talking about it now because it’s been a very secret project. I hate the whole taboo of actors that write and I never wanted to seem like that.
Will the character be different than Kurt?
It will be very different yes. It will be someone I wished I was in high school. And here will be no singing and dancing allowed.
End of article
http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1654260/20101214/story.jhtml
by Jocelyn Vena
"Glee" might be a show about a bunch of outcasts, but the show is anything but in Hollywood. On Tuesday morning (December 14), the show was nominated for five Golden Globes, including Jane Lynch's nod for Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role, Matthew Morrison for Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series - Comedy or Musical and the show's Best Television Series - Comedy Or Musical nomination.
"#GLEE has received 5 Golden Globe nominations!" the show's official Twitter reads. "Congrats Jane Lynch, Chris Colfer, Lea Michele, Matthew Morrison and the whole cast and crew!"
Chris Colfer, who is up for Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role, was overjoyed by the news. "I'm so excited to be nominated!" he said in a statement. "I've been extra high pitched and stutter-y all morning!"
"OMGG! I can't believe it! Am I awake? OUCH!" he also tweeted. "Yes, I'm awake! I'm going to obnoxiously tackle everyone I see today!"
Meanwhile, Lea Michele, who is up for Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series - Comedy or Musical, not only was excited for her own nom, but also her fellow castmates' nominations. "I am very grateful to the HFPA and honored to be included with this extraordinary group of actresses. I am so excited for Chris, Matthew and Jane and share this nomination with the entire cast and crew of 'Glee.' "
She also tweeted, "Oh my g-d!!!! So excited, happy, thrilled, and thankful this morning:) What amazing news!! So happy for our show, Jane, matt & chris too!!!!"
End of article
And finally, Glee was included in the Time Magazine Person of the Year issue:
http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,2036683_2036767_2036790,00.html
People Who Mattered: The Glee Cast
by Feifei Sun
Highs: As if its big and loyal fan base of "Gleeks" weren't recognition enough, the Glee cast dominated this year's awards season. In January, the cast picked up the top prize (Best Television Series — Musical or Comedy) at the Golden Globes, and again at the SAG awards, where the team won for best ensemble performance. Actors Jane Lynch and Neil Patrick Harris won Emmys later this year, in August, while director Ryan Murphy picked up a statue for his directing work. Glee, whose second season began this September, has also been praised for raising awareness of social issues such as homophobia and influencing the music industry by giving older artists a new life with the series' younger audience.
Lows: GQ magazine started a media firestorm when it put three flesh-flashing members of the Glee cast on its November 2010 cover. The racy image — which featured actress Dianna Agron in a belly-baring top and mini skirt, and Lea Michele in bright pink lingerie — and its equally provocative spread drew criticism from The Parents Television Council, which slammed GQ for "sexualizing the actresses" in a cover that "borders on pedophilia."
End of article
Glee: Chris Colfer on his Golden Globe Nomination and his new big screen project
by Tim Stack
Glee‘s Chris Colfer now has more to be glee-ful about than a phenomenal second season: He’s been nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor in TV Series, Mini-Series, or Made-for-TV Movie. Shortly after finding out about his nod, Colfer rang EW to talk about the Globes, as well as his upcoming foray into movies.
ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY: So how did you find out? Were you awake?
CHRIS COLFER: I woke up with a phone call. I was not awake for the announcement. My publicist called me at 5 a.m., and I’ve been wide awake since.
Have you celebrated yet?
No not really! For one, all my friends are on the show and they’re working today! And all my family lives four hours away so I have no one to celebrate with. So I might go get some frozen yogurt and have a party by myself.
That feels kinda sad.
It’s sad, Tim. You can say it! [Laughs] It’s sad and pathetic.
Is it sweet to get nominated for the bullying storyline that’s been such a big part of this season?
Oh yeah. The storyline has been meaningful for so many people. It validates it as much as the feedback we’ve gotten from the people it’s affected and people that needed to see it.
Have you talked to your fellow acting nominees, Matthew Morrison, Lea Michele, and Jane Lynch?
I saw Matt, Jane, and Lea this morning and I tackled all of them.
Jane is like 6 feet tall! That’s impressive!
Oh yeah. She could take me and she has before. The only person I’m actually eligible to take down is Lea. She’s tiny but she’s powerful.
Are you working today?
I’m not, because I’m at the other school [Dalton Academy] so I only work once a week rather than everyday all day like the others do.
Is that weird now to not be working so much?
It was a nice break for the first two days, and now I feel like a housewife. I don’t know what to do with myself! I literally will sometimes sit at home and twitch. I’ve run all my errands, paid all my bills, seen all my doctors. There’s literally nothing else for me to do. I don’t think I could ever retire.
Maybe some pottery classes?
Oh, I’m already there.
You just wrote a screenplay, right? The teen comedy Struck by Lightning?
I did yes!
Can you tell me a little bit about it?
I can say that it’s probably not as good as Inception but it’s probably better than Sharktopus. It’s very strange that I’m actually talking about it now because it’s been a very secret project. I hate the whole taboo of actors that write and I never wanted to seem like that.
Will the character be different than Kurt?
It will be very different yes. It will be someone I wished I was in high school. And here will be no singing and dancing allowed.
End of article
http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1654260/20101214/story.jhtml
by Jocelyn Vena
"Glee" might be a show about a bunch of outcasts, but the show is anything but in Hollywood. On Tuesday morning (December 14), the show was nominated for five Golden Globes, including Jane Lynch's nod for Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role, Matthew Morrison for Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series - Comedy or Musical and the show's Best Television Series - Comedy Or Musical nomination.
"#GLEE has received 5 Golden Globe nominations!" the show's official Twitter reads. "Congrats Jane Lynch, Chris Colfer, Lea Michele, Matthew Morrison and the whole cast and crew!"
Chris Colfer, who is up for Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role, was overjoyed by the news. "I'm so excited to be nominated!" he said in a statement. "I've been extra high pitched and stutter-y all morning!"
"OMGG! I can't believe it! Am I awake? OUCH!" he also tweeted. "Yes, I'm awake! I'm going to obnoxiously tackle everyone I see today!"
Meanwhile, Lea Michele, who is up for Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series - Comedy or Musical, not only was excited for her own nom, but also her fellow castmates' nominations. "I am very grateful to the HFPA and honored to be included with this extraordinary group of actresses. I am so excited for Chris, Matthew and Jane and share this nomination with the entire cast and crew of 'Glee.' "
She also tweeted, "Oh my g-d!!!! So excited, happy, thrilled, and thankful this morning:) What amazing news!! So happy for our show, Jane, matt & chris too!!!!"
End of article
And finally, Glee was included in the Time Magazine Person of the Year issue:
http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,2036683_2036767_2036790,00.html
People Who Mattered: The Glee Cast
by Feifei Sun
Highs: As if its big and loyal fan base of "Gleeks" weren't recognition enough, the Glee cast dominated this year's awards season. In January, the cast picked up the top prize (Best Television Series — Musical or Comedy) at the Golden Globes, and again at the SAG awards, where the team won for best ensemble performance. Actors Jane Lynch and Neil Patrick Harris won Emmys later this year, in August, while director Ryan Murphy picked up a statue for his directing work. Glee, whose second season began this September, has also been praised for raising awareness of social issues such as homophobia and influencing the music industry by giving older artists a new life with the series' younger audience.
Lows: GQ magazine started a media firestorm when it put three flesh-flashing members of the Glee cast on its November 2010 cover. The racy image — which featured actress Dianna Agron in a belly-baring top and mini skirt, and Lea Michele in bright pink lingerie — and its equally provocative spread drew criticism from The Parents Television Council, which slammed GQ for "sexualizing the actresses" in a cover that "borders on pedophilia."
End of article
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Golden Globes
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/chris-colfer-glee-cast-moon-59632
Chris Colfer: Glee Cast is 'Over the Moon' About Five Nominations
The supporting actor nominee compares the success of his Fox hit to "the Soviet Union: it's getting bigger and bigger."
Chris Colfer couldn't have been more excited to pick up his first Golden Globe nom for supporting actor for his performance as teen Kurt Hummel on Fox's sophomore hit Glee.
The actor said the dramedy's success was "like the Soviet Union: it's getting bigger and bigger and I think it has a lot to do with the music -- it unites everyone."
Colfer said he planned to "blackmail" some of his cast members into celebrating the show's TV-leading five nominations over lunch. "Everyone is over the moon," he noted.
As for rumors that production on Glee's upcoming Super Bowl episode was delayed because of a tonsillitis outbreak on the set, he tells THR: "The tonsillitis thing was a little stretch; I'm not sure how much of that was true. I thought we were shutting down because of fog with the night shoots."
Looking ahead, Colfer would only tease that as of Episode 12, there was no development with his on-screen relationship with new Glee star, Darren Criss' Blaine.
"I'm sure there's hope," he said.
End of article
WOO-HOO! F-I-V-E nominations, more than any other television series! GO GLEE! SO thrilled for Chris, Jane, Lea, and Matthew. Unfortunately I think it will be a long shot for any of them to win, especially Lea and Matthew, who are up against the likes of Edie Falco, Laura Linney, Alec Baldwin, and Jim Parsons. The supporting categories for television at the Golden Globes are extra tough because they include comedy and drama together. Chris is very young and this is his first nomination, but he has earned so much praise for his work. Jane was nominated last time and was favored to win, but lost to Chloe Sevigny from "Big Love." I think it will be an uphill battle for the show as well. Glee won the Golden Globe for this year, but the critics have been less glowing in the sophmore season, and the show is up against Modern Family, which won the Emmy this year, and perennial favorite "30 Rock."
Still and all, a definite honor to be nominated. YEA!!!!!!
gleekette
Chris Colfer: Glee Cast is 'Over the Moon' About Five Nominations
The supporting actor nominee compares the success of his Fox hit to "the Soviet Union: it's getting bigger and bigger."
Chris Colfer couldn't have been more excited to pick up his first Golden Globe nom for supporting actor for his performance as teen Kurt Hummel on Fox's sophomore hit Glee.
The actor said the dramedy's success was "like the Soviet Union: it's getting bigger and bigger and I think it has a lot to do with the music -- it unites everyone."
Colfer said he planned to "blackmail" some of his cast members into celebrating the show's TV-leading five nominations over lunch. "Everyone is over the moon," he noted.
As for rumors that production on Glee's upcoming Super Bowl episode was delayed because of a tonsillitis outbreak on the set, he tells THR: "The tonsillitis thing was a little stretch; I'm not sure how much of that was true. I thought we were shutting down because of fog with the night shoots."
Looking ahead, Colfer would only tease that as of Episode 12, there was no development with his on-screen relationship with new Glee star, Darren Criss' Blaine.
"I'm sure there's hope," he said.
End of article
WOO-HOO! F-I-V-E nominations, more than any other television series! GO GLEE! SO thrilled for Chris, Jane, Lea, and Matthew. Unfortunately I think it will be a long shot for any of them to win, especially Lea and Matthew, who are up against the likes of Edie Falco, Laura Linney, Alec Baldwin, and Jim Parsons. The supporting categories for television at the Golden Globes are extra tough because they include comedy and drama together. Chris is very young and this is his first nomination, but he has earned so much praise for his work. Jane was nominated last time and was favored to win, but lost to Chloe Sevigny from "Big Love." I think it will be an uphill battle for the show as well. Glee won the Golden Globe for this year, but the critics have been less glowing in the sophmore season, and the show is up against Modern Family, which won the Emmy this year, and perennial favorite "30 Rock."
Still and all, a definite honor to be nominated. YEA!!!!!!
gleekette
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Russell and Chris
I just had to post this picture of Russell Brand and Chris Colfer. They met last year when Chris and the other Glee guys co-hosted the Teen Choice Awards with Brand's then girlfriend, now wife, Katy Perry.
Russell and Chris were both on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno on Monday night, and they were hilarious together. This picture was taken on the red carpet at Russell's new movie, "The Tempest," starring Helen Mirren.
gleekette
Chris Colfer After Elton article
http://www.afterelton.com/people/2010/12/chris-colfer-glee-living-teenage-dream
Exclusive: 'Glee's' Chris Colfer is living the Teenage Dream
by Christie Keith
Glee’s Chris Colfer wasn’t really expecting an avalanche of statistics when he sat down for an interview with AfterElton.com on Friday, but that’s what he got.
When he spoke to us, Colfer, the character he plays, and Glee itself were dominating every category they were nominated for in the AfterElton.com Visibility Awards – favorite TV comedy, favorite TV actor, favorite TV couple, best gay moment, and gay/bi man of the year. Although Colfer’s currently neck and neck with Adam Lambert in that last category, on Friday he had more votes than Lambert, Neil Patrick Harris and Dan Savage combined.
“Oh. My. God,” he said. “Wow. I’m very surprised. I knew the interview I was doing with you was going to be about that, but I had no idea that I would be in the lead or anything like that.”
After a little joking about what he gets if he wins – he said he’d like a pony, and if he gets one, he’ll definitely name him “Elton” – the conversation turned to the the clip of Blaine (Darren Criss) singing “Teenage Dream” to Colfer’s character, Kurt. The clip was, and is, solidly in the lead for “Best gay moment of the year,” even ahead of the overturning of Prop 8 and the “It Gets Better” anti-bullying campaign, for which Colfer made a video.
“I have to tell them all that I so appreciate that,” he said, “But I think that the ‘It Gets Better’ campaign and the federal court decision overturning Prop 8 are much more important.” Still, he agreed, both “Teenage Dream” and the more recent, holiday-themed “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” feature a kind of flirtatious singing that’s unlike anything ever seen between two high school boys on television before, and he definitely understands why moments of visibility like that are important to GLBT youth.
“I always get excited when I film the Blaine/Kurt stuff just because I know it means so much to people, and it makes them so excited,” he said, then added, “It’s such a tease, that relationship, isn’t it?”
Pressed for even a tiny hint as to whether the tease would ever pay off, he swore he really didn’t know. “Everyone wants it to happen, but as of right now, we’re filming Episode 12 and it hasn’t happened yet,” he said. “It could be Blaine, or it could be someone else, or who knows? Maybe there’s going to be a love triangle. I really do not know.”
In fact, he says, he’s not sure show creator Ryan Murphy even knows. “I actually saw [him] last night, and I asked him and he wouldn’t tell me,” he said. “Which makes me think that he doesn’t even really know, so we’ll see. I think they’re kind of milking it for what it’s worth, and then seeing where it goes.”
Colfer said that being kept mostly in the dark about his character’s future is just how it happens on the show. “The only thing I knew about this season going into it was that Kurt was going to get a boyfriend and that’s all that they told me,” he said. “We actually started filming a little bit of a bully arc prior to all the suicides, and prior to it becoming really in the news. But that really inspired us to continue on that storyline and build it up to what it’s become.
“But I had no idea. It seems like I always say I had no idea that this was going to happen, or that was going to happen, because we get a little tiny molehill of what could happen in a script or what could happen in a season, and then suddenly they become huge mountains in the media and the world.”
So, if Colfer weren’t in the cast, and was just a small town gay high school kid watching the show, what would he want to see happen between Blaine and Kurt?
“I’d want exactly what I want now, which is just for it to be handled with honesty and truth and for it to be taken seriously,” he said. “And I think it’s been taken very seriously so far. I think it’s been handled great so far, and I just hope they continue to do that, which I think they will. They seem to have no problem doing that.”
Then he laughed. “I do have to say that that shot of them running down the hall was too gay even for me. I had no idea they were going to use that in slow motion, and then when I saw it, I turned to the director and I said, ‘Are you kidding me?’ I couldn’t believe it.”
Working with Criss has been great, Colfer said, although some of the scenes are a little difficult to shoot. “We film all the Dalton Academy stuff in Pasadena, so it always seems almost like I’m on another TV show when I’m filming there,” he said. “And it’s so strange filming anything without the rest of my Glee family there. Thank God it’s the same crew, so I don’t get too lonely.
“But Darren and I, we have a great time. I have fun with him. I was a big fan of his before he was cast because I was a big fan of A Very Potter Musical. And the funny thing is, even when I told him that when I first met him, I don’t think he quite believed me. I think he just thought I did a little research on him. But no, I actually was a big fan of his, because I just thought that whole thing was so genius. So I do ask him quite a bit about making that, and what it’s like to go to Michigan, and all that. He takes everything very seriously, which is very comforting. He’s great.”
When it comes to being on the set, though, Amber Riley (Mercedes) and show creator Ryan Murphy are the most fun for Colfer to work with. “Seriously, Amber and I or Ryan and I just sit there and make each other laugh constantly. Ryan and Amber are two of the only people who can make me laugh for a long period of time, like crying and can’t form any words ‘cause I’m laughing so hard.
“Just last night, we were filming this scene with the Dalton Warblers, and Ryan’s direction for the Warblers was that they needed to be ‘more drag queen.’ And of course, we were teasing him mercilessly because I told him he could be directing a Holocaust movie, and that would be his direction for the prisoners and the Nazis, that they needed to be ‘more drag queen.’
“So I have a great, great time with Ryan and we always impersonate Patti LuPone and Cher and people like that. Of course, Amber and I are both very sarcastic and make judgmental comments about pretty much everything. And then the three of us together, I mean, it should be illegal. We have so much fun.”
Does that mean we’ll have more Kurt and Mercedes this season, even though the relationship seems to be on the back burner at the moment?
“I certainly hope so,” he said. “I actually got this letter from this woman saying, ‘The only thing that bothered me about the “Never Been Kissed” episode was the fact that Mercedes didn’t find Karofsky and kick his ass.’ And I thought, ‘Oh, my God. You are so right.’ I would love to see that storyline. I love to see Mercedes step up for Kurt, and I love to see Kurt step up for Mercedes. I think they have a great friendship and, yeah, I definitely hope they explore that more.”
What about the segment of fans who think Kurt and Dave Karofsky (Max Adler), the football player who is harassing him at McKinley High, might be involved romantically in the future?
“I remember as soon as the first kiss seen happened in the locker room,” he said, “which I was shocked to read – I’m still shocked that that actually it aired – I actually had this thought to myself. ‘Oh, maybe they’re just going to give everyone whiplash and Karofsky’s going to become the boyfriend.’ But then after Karofsky threatened to kill Kurt, threatened to take his life, I think that was thrown out of the water. I would not want that to be seen, because I don’t think that sends a good message out there.”
“Whiplash” is also a good word to describe the change playing Kurt has brought about in Colfer’s life. “I’m still just getting over being cast three years ago, let alone Kurt’s becoming such an influential and inspiring character,” he said. “I don’t think I could have ever imagined that. The dream keeps getting bigger and bigger and my pinch just keeps getting harder and harder.”
Asked if he knew Entertainment Weekly called Kurt the most important character on television today, he laughed. “You see? Exhibit A. Who would have thought? Not me, for sure. I’m sure Kurt would have thought that, though. I’m sure Kurt would have said, ‘Well, of course I am.’ But I would have never predicted that.”
Something else he’d have never predicted is widespread critical acclaim for his powerful acting, including an Emmy nomination for what is the first major role of a very young actor. And, he said, he’s having a hard time taking it in.
“I have never really been one to soak up the good,” he said. “I always seem to focus on the negative although, thankfully, there really hasn’t been that much. But there’s been some negative feedback about the storyline, and that’s always what I tend to focus on, which I know is kind of crazy.”
The acclaim he’s received sometimes feels like pressure to Colfer. “It makes you think, what am I going to do next? How am I going to top this? And I think everyone’s kind of put me in a role model position, and that definitely is a lot of pressure. But I think as long as I make sure that the character is always handled with respect and dignity, and I handle myself that way, then I should be fine.”
Some of the negative feedback Colfer’s heard is that Kurt’s character is too much of a stereotype. “I feel like people say that about any gay character, no matter what show they’re on, no matter what they’re about,” he said. “They always say it’s stereotypical. Personally, I don’t see Kurt as a stereotype, but maybe it’s because I have a bigger insight into what’s going on in his brain. I remember when I first developed the character, I wanted him to be different in the respect that I wanted him to be very real, and I think often gay characters on TV shows are punching bags, or punch lines, or annoying characters in the background.
“Kurt can be kind of bitchy sometimes. But other than that, I don’t think he is a stereotype. I think he’s a very vulnerable kid trying to make it in a world that tells him he shouldn’t be who he is. But I’ve never thought of him as a stereotype just because I would never want to portray a stereotype at all.”
Colfer has also seen some fans who think the show is featuring Kurt’s storyline, and gay elements in general, too prominently. “I think the thing that bothers me the most is when people say that the show is focusing too much on the gay character,” he said. “Number one, it makes me upset that people don’t think a gay character could be featured that way. But what upsets me the most is the fact that this storyline that Kurt is going through, and these experiences that he’s going through, need to be seen more than ever.
“I mean, think about how many kids killed themselves just last month. This is a storyline that needs to be seen. Quite frankly, I don’t care if people think it’s worthy enough for their entertainment. It’s something that’s more than that. It’s important for kids to see Kurt and the experiences that he goes through. It’s very critical for the kids out there to know they’re not alone. And so I think that when people say, ‘Glee’s gone so gay, blah, blah, blah,’ – well, maybe it has, but it’s for a reason.”
End of article
Fantastic interview. What more can I say? How much more praise can I heap on this young man? So mature, so articulate, so insightful for a guy his age. I just couldn't be more impressed and proud of him.
Thank "Grilled Cheesus" he doesn't want to see Kurt and Karofsky together either! :)
Supposedly the writer is taking up a collection to get him a pony, whether he wins any of the polls or not. :)
gleekette
Exclusive: 'Glee's' Chris Colfer is living the Teenage Dream
by Christie Keith
Glee’s Chris Colfer wasn’t really expecting an avalanche of statistics when he sat down for an interview with AfterElton.com on Friday, but that’s what he got.
When he spoke to us, Colfer, the character he plays, and Glee itself were dominating every category they were nominated for in the AfterElton.com Visibility Awards – favorite TV comedy, favorite TV actor, favorite TV couple, best gay moment, and gay/bi man of the year. Although Colfer’s currently neck and neck with Adam Lambert in that last category, on Friday he had more votes than Lambert, Neil Patrick Harris and Dan Savage combined.
“Oh. My. God,” he said. “Wow. I’m very surprised. I knew the interview I was doing with you was going to be about that, but I had no idea that I would be in the lead or anything like that.”
After a little joking about what he gets if he wins – he said he’d like a pony, and if he gets one, he’ll definitely name him “Elton” – the conversation turned to the the clip of Blaine (Darren Criss) singing “Teenage Dream” to Colfer’s character, Kurt. The clip was, and is, solidly in the lead for “Best gay moment of the year,” even ahead of the overturning of Prop 8 and the “It Gets Better” anti-bullying campaign, for which Colfer made a video.
“I have to tell them all that I so appreciate that,” he said, “But I think that the ‘It Gets Better’ campaign and the federal court decision overturning Prop 8 are much more important.” Still, he agreed, both “Teenage Dream” and the more recent, holiday-themed “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” feature a kind of flirtatious singing that’s unlike anything ever seen between two high school boys on television before, and he definitely understands why moments of visibility like that are important to GLBT youth.
“I always get excited when I film the Blaine/Kurt stuff just because I know it means so much to people, and it makes them so excited,” he said, then added, “It’s such a tease, that relationship, isn’t it?”
Pressed for even a tiny hint as to whether the tease would ever pay off, he swore he really didn’t know. “Everyone wants it to happen, but as of right now, we’re filming Episode 12 and it hasn’t happened yet,” he said. “It could be Blaine, or it could be someone else, or who knows? Maybe there’s going to be a love triangle. I really do not know.”
In fact, he says, he’s not sure show creator Ryan Murphy even knows. “I actually saw [him] last night, and I asked him and he wouldn’t tell me,” he said. “Which makes me think that he doesn’t even really know, so we’ll see. I think they’re kind of milking it for what it’s worth, and then seeing where it goes.”
Colfer said that being kept mostly in the dark about his character’s future is just how it happens on the show. “The only thing I knew about this season going into it was that Kurt was going to get a boyfriend and that’s all that they told me,” he said. “We actually started filming a little bit of a bully arc prior to all the suicides, and prior to it becoming really in the news. But that really inspired us to continue on that storyline and build it up to what it’s become.
“But I had no idea. It seems like I always say I had no idea that this was going to happen, or that was going to happen, because we get a little tiny molehill of what could happen in a script or what could happen in a season, and then suddenly they become huge mountains in the media and the world.”
So, if Colfer weren’t in the cast, and was just a small town gay high school kid watching the show, what would he want to see happen between Blaine and Kurt?
“I’d want exactly what I want now, which is just for it to be handled with honesty and truth and for it to be taken seriously,” he said. “And I think it’s been taken very seriously so far. I think it’s been handled great so far, and I just hope they continue to do that, which I think they will. They seem to have no problem doing that.”
Then he laughed. “I do have to say that that shot of them running down the hall was too gay even for me. I had no idea they were going to use that in slow motion, and then when I saw it, I turned to the director and I said, ‘Are you kidding me?’ I couldn’t believe it.”
Working with Criss has been great, Colfer said, although some of the scenes are a little difficult to shoot. “We film all the Dalton Academy stuff in Pasadena, so it always seems almost like I’m on another TV show when I’m filming there,” he said. “And it’s so strange filming anything without the rest of my Glee family there. Thank God it’s the same crew, so I don’t get too lonely.
“But Darren and I, we have a great time. I have fun with him. I was a big fan of his before he was cast because I was a big fan of A Very Potter Musical. And the funny thing is, even when I told him that when I first met him, I don’t think he quite believed me. I think he just thought I did a little research on him. But no, I actually was a big fan of his, because I just thought that whole thing was so genius. So I do ask him quite a bit about making that, and what it’s like to go to Michigan, and all that. He takes everything very seriously, which is very comforting. He’s great.”
When it comes to being on the set, though, Amber Riley (Mercedes) and show creator Ryan Murphy are the most fun for Colfer to work with. “Seriously, Amber and I or Ryan and I just sit there and make each other laugh constantly. Ryan and Amber are two of the only people who can make me laugh for a long period of time, like crying and can’t form any words ‘cause I’m laughing so hard.
“Just last night, we were filming this scene with the Dalton Warblers, and Ryan’s direction for the Warblers was that they needed to be ‘more drag queen.’ And of course, we were teasing him mercilessly because I told him he could be directing a Holocaust movie, and that would be his direction for the prisoners and the Nazis, that they needed to be ‘more drag queen.’
“So I have a great, great time with Ryan and we always impersonate Patti LuPone and Cher and people like that. Of course, Amber and I are both very sarcastic and make judgmental comments about pretty much everything. And then the three of us together, I mean, it should be illegal. We have so much fun.”
Does that mean we’ll have more Kurt and Mercedes this season, even though the relationship seems to be on the back burner at the moment?
“I certainly hope so,” he said. “I actually got this letter from this woman saying, ‘The only thing that bothered me about the “Never Been Kissed” episode was the fact that Mercedes didn’t find Karofsky and kick his ass.’ And I thought, ‘Oh, my God. You are so right.’ I would love to see that storyline. I love to see Mercedes step up for Kurt, and I love to see Kurt step up for Mercedes. I think they have a great friendship and, yeah, I definitely hope they explore that more.”
What about the segment of fans who think Kurt and Dave Karofsky (Max Adler), the football player who is harassing him at McKinley High, might be involved romantically in the future?
“I remember as soon as the first kiss seen happened in the locker room,” he said, “which I was shocked to read – I’m still shocked that that actually it aired – I actually had this thought to myself. ‘Oh, maybe they’re just going to give everyone whiplash and Karofsky’s going to become the boyfriend.’ But then after Karofsky threatened to kill Kurt, threatened to take his life, I think that was thrown out of the water. I would not want that to be seen, because I don’t think that sends a good message out there.”
“Whiplash” is also a good word to describe the change playing Kurt has brought about in Colfer’s life. “I’m still just getting over being cast three years ago, let alone Kurt’s becoming such an influential and inspiring character,” he said. “I don’t think I could have ever imagined that. The dream keeps getting bigger and bigger and my pinch just keeps getting harder and harder.”
Asked if he knew Entertainment Weekly called Kurt the most important character on television today, he laughed. “You see? Exhibit A. Who would have thought? Not me, for sure. I’m sure Kurt would have thought that, though. I’m sure Kurt would have said, ‘Well, of course I am.’ But I would have never predicted that.”
Something else he’d have never predicted is widespread critical acclaim for his powerful acting, including an Emmy nomination for what is the first major role of a very young actor. And, he said, he’s having a hard time taking it in.
“I have never really been one to soak up the good,” he said. “I always seem to focus on the negative although, thankfully, there really hasn’t been that much. But there’s been some negative feedback about the storyline, and that’s always what I tend to focus on, which I know is kind of crazy.”
The acclaim he’s received sometimes feels like pressure to Colfer. “It makes you think, what am I going to do next? How am I going to top this? And I think everyone’s kind of put me in a role model position, and that definitely is a lot of pressure. But I think as long as I make sure that the character is always handled with respect and dignity, and I handle myself that way, then I should be fine.”
Some of the negative feedback Colfer’s heard is that Kurt’s character is too much of a stereotype. “I feel like people say that about any gay character, no matter what show they’re on, no matter what they’re about,” he said. “They always say it’s stereotypical. Personally, I don’t see Kurt as a stereotype, but maybe it’s because I have a bigger insight into what’s going on in his brain. I remember when I first developed the character, I wanted him to be different in the respect that I wanted him to be very real, and I think often gay characters on TV shows are punching bags, or punch lines, or annoying characters in the background.
“Kurt can be kind of bitchy sometimes. But other than that, I don’t think he is a stereotype. I think he’s a very vulnerable kid trying to make it in a world that tells him he shouldn’t be who he is. But I’ve never thought of him as a stereotype just because I would never want to portray a stereotype at all.”
Colfer has also seen some fans who think the show is featuring Kurt’s storyline, and gay elements in general, too prominently. “I think the thing that bothers me the most is when people say that the show is focusing too much on the gay character,” he said. “Number one, it makes me upset that people don’t think a gay character could be featured that way. But what upsets me the most is the fact that this storyline that Kurt is going through, and these experiences that he’s going through, need to be seen more than ever.
“I mean, think about how many kids killed themselves just last month. This is a storyline that needs to be seen. Quite frankly, I don’t care if people think it’s worthy enough for their entertainment. It’s something that’s more than that. It’s important for kids to see Kurt and the experiences that he goes through. It’s very critical for the kids out there to know they’re not alone. And so I think that when people say, ‘Glee’s gone so gay, blah, blah, blah,’ – well, maybe it has, but it’s for a reason.”
End of article
Fantastic interview. What more can I say? How much more praise can I heap on this young man? So mature, so articulate, so insightful for a guy his age. I just couldn't be more impressed and proud of him.
Thank "Grilled Cheesus" he doesn't want to see Kurt and Karofsky together either! :)
Supposedly the writer is taking up a collection to get him a pony, whether he wins any of the polls or not. :)
gleekette
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Glee actors and movie projects
Some tidbits...
Dianna Agron (Quinn) has a very small part in the current film "Burlesque," starring Christina Aguilera, Cher, and Stanley Tucci.
Next year Dianna will be featured in the sci-fi thriller "I Am Number Four."
Cory Monteith is slated to star in and produce a "workplace comedy" that is in the early stages of development.
Finally, Chris Colfer has written and will star in an indie film entitled "Struck by Lightning," which is being described as a "coming of age" story, penned in the style of scripts made famous by John Hughes. "Lightning" will be shot next summer during the "Glee" hiatus.
gleekette
Dianna Agron (Quinn) has a very small part in the current film "Burlesque," starring Christina Aguilera, Cher, and Stanley Tucci.
Next year Dianna will be featured in the sci-fi thriller "I Am Number Four."
Cory Monteith is slated to star in and produce a "workplace comedy" that is in the early stages of development.
Finally, Chris Colfer has written and will star in an indie film entitled "Struck by Lightning," which is being described as a "coming of age" story, penned in the style of scripts made famous by John Hughes. "Lightning" will be shot next summer during the "Glee" hiatus.
gleekette
Rolling Stone Ryan Murphy Q & A
http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/68404/239962
Q&A: 'Glee' Creator Ryan Murphy Reveals Plans for Rest of Season
'We will continue to use Journey songs,' says Murphy
by Erica Futterman
December 7, 2010
Tonight Glee caps off the first half of its second season with "A Very Glee Christmas," just six days after being nominated for two Grammys. We spoke to series creator Ryan Murphy about Glee scoring the first-ever Grammy nod for Journey's "Don't Stop Believin'," tackling the King of Pop in upcoming episodes and what's in store for Kurt and Blaine.
What do you think it is about "Don't Stop Believin'" that made it the song from Glee to get nominated for Best Pop Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals, out of everything else you've done this year?
For us, it was the first song that we did. It was the first single. It sold a million copies for us. It was in the pilot. I think it was the musical thing that got everybody talking about the show because the pilot aired in May [2009] and that song played all through the summer and sold all through the summer and was there in the fall when we went back in the air.
Also, I think it's an anthem and people have such nostalgic feelings about that song — I did — so to see it interpreted by a new group, particularly a group of kids, I think was emotional and stirring. The thing that I love most about that nomination was that "Don't Stop Believin'" has never seen any Grammy nominations. So the fact that we were paying tribute to Steve Perry and Journey and their talent when we were doing it, that felt like a full circle thing for us.
Have you heard from any of the guys in Journey since the nomination?
Since the nominations, no, but we did speak to Steve Perry [before]. He's stopped by the set, he's very supportive of the show, I think so much because the show is so much about arts education and he particularly really loves that and got that early on. I haven't heard from him [since the nominations] but I want to. I want to tell him how excited we are about it.
You guys have used a few Journey songs and, actually, in last week's episode poked fun at the fact that you used a lot of Journey songs.
[Laughs] Yes, we have used so many Journey songs — and we will continue to use Journey songs.
Looking at the other nominations for Best Pop Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals, two of the other songs are the original versions of songs that have been performed on Glee: Paramore's "The Only Exception" and Train's "Hey, Soul Sister."
I know, and looking at that group we're actually covering one of the other nominees: we're doing Maroon 5's "Misery." There's only one nominee in that category we haven't done, so that was funny to us.
What can you reveal about "Misery"?
"Misery" is a track that Blaine (Darren Criss) is going to do with the Warblers. I'm friendly with Adam Levine, and he texted me saying, 'I think it's time we get Maroon 5 on Glee.' I said, 'I agree, I think it'd be great.' I love that song, I love Adam's performance on that song, so we're doing that in an upcoming spring episode.
We just had Darren Criss in the office talking about what his hopes are for Blaine on the show — what can you say about how this will relate to his relationship with Kurt?
We haven't written how the script, so I don't know if it will be romantic or not. Darren has certainly blown up and become really sought after, and I love his interpretations of a lot of things. I thought his voice and Adam's voice would fit each other well — and indeed, they do. I like that the a cappella group can do all sorts of music, including rock, but I don't know what the story is going to be yet.
The other nominee in that category is Sade's "Babyfather."
That's the one we're not doing. [Laughs] Not yet, anyway. I love Sade, so knows?
After tonight's episode, you'll be off the air until February. What can fans look forward to when you return?
I always think it's good when the show goes off air and make people miss it a little bit. When we come back, we come back with our Super Bowl episode, which is a Sunday and then on Tuesday we go straight into another episode. So, when we come back there'll be two Glee episodes in one week with, I think, 12 songs total.
I'm excited about our spring season because we're going back to the earlier Glee episodes. We really love all of our characters and the soap opera aspects of the show and now that we're cooking we'll be featuring those great stories in the back half.
With regard to the Super Bowl episode, so far we've heard that "Thriller" will be featured —
Uh-huh.
— that there will be a big Sue Sylvester blowout and that Katie Couric will be guest-starring.
Mmmhmm.
Can you reveal anything about how "Thriller" will be worked into that episode?
It's top secret, I'm sworn to secrecy. I want people to be surprised with what we're doing. All I'll say about that is that we're putting a new spin on it that I think people will really like.
I heard that there's a mash-up involved.
Can't say. Isn't it sad that I won't comment? We're doing a couple Michael Jackson songs this year, that's the first one.
Which other ones are on tap?
I'm narrowing it down, I don't know which ones I like. We're not doing any more tribute episodes this year, but I want some old school ones.
I just read that Katie Couric will be doing "Tea For Two" on the Super Bowl episode.
No, that is not true. [Laughs]
So many rumors — which leads to last week's rumor that, come 2012, the current crop of New Directions will be graduating.
Yes, we're going to be doing something. I'm not going to reveal what it is because it's two years away, but it'll be something momentous happening that spring.
In the way of a graduation?
Yeah.
But not necessarily in the way of people leaving the show?
Maybe.
What have been your favorite Glee performances?
I love "Don't Stop Believin'" because it was the first song and I love how we paid tribute to the band. I love Gwyneth Paltrow's version of "Forget You." I think she was so great in it, and we paid tribute to Cee Lo, who we all love so I was thrilled for his Grammy nomination. And then I've always been a big Florence and the Machine fan and I love that we did "The Dog Days Are Over" in a really sweet, fun, uplifting way. It helped bolt their single into the top 10, and I love that we can do that.
The Grammy nominations are capping off a banner year of accolades. What is the next big thing for Glee?
I don't know. Just when you think things are going to quiet down, something explosive happens. [Laughs]. After how exciting it was in the beginning, because the show's success was unexpected and the music sales and artists who we admire giving us music, I just think everyone, the cast and myself included, rolls with the punches. Everything gets us excited because none of it was expected.
Has there been any talk about performing on Grammy night?
We're talking to them. We would love to do "Don't Stop Believin'" in some capacity.
Perhaps uniting the cast with Journey?
That would be awesome. I haven't heard that, but I would love that.
End of article
Bolded comments are for emphasis. I have my fingers and toes crossed that maybe there is hope some characters will stay after 2012. Or is Ryan Murphy stringing me along?
The Grammy's LOVE to set up pairings, so I think the Glee/Journey performance is very possible. That would TOTALLY ROCK!!
gleekette
Q&A: 'Glee' Creator Ryan Murphy Reveals Plans for Rest of Season
'We will continue to use Journey songs,' says Murphy
by Erica Futterman
December 7, 2010
Tonight Glee caps off the first half of its second season with "A Very Glee Christmas," just six days after being nominated for two Grammys. We spoke to series creator Ryan Murphy about Glee scoring the first-ever Grammy nod for Journey's "Don't Stop Believin'," tackling the King of Pop in upcoming episodes and what's in store for Kurt and Blaine.
What do you think it is about "Don't Stop Believin'" that made it the song from Glee to get nominated for Best Pop Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals, out of everything else you've done this year?
For us, it was the first song that we did. It was the first single. It sold a million copies for us. It was in the pilot. I think it was the musical thing that got everybody talking about the show because the pilot aired in May [2009] and that song played all through the summer and sold all through the summer and was there in the fall when we went back in the air.
Also, I think it's an anthem and people have such nostalgic feelings about that song — I did — so to see it interpreted by a new group, particularly a group of kids, I think was emotional and stirring. The thing that I love most about that nomination was that "Don't Stop Believin'" has never seen any Grammy nominations. So the fact that we were paying tribute to Steve Perry and Journey and their talent when we were doing it, that felt like a full circle thing for us.
Have you heard from any of the guys in Journey since the nomination?
Since the nominations, no, but we did speak to Steve Perry [before]. He's stopped by the set, he's very supportive of the show, I think so much because the show is so much about arts education and he particularly really loves that and got that early on. I haven't heard from him [since the nominations] but I want to. I want to tell him how excited we are about it.
You guys have used a few Journey songs and, actually, in last week's episode poked fun at the fact that you used a lot of Journey songs.
[Laughs] Yes, we have used so many Journey songs — and we will continue to use Journey songs.
Looking at the other nominations for Best Pop Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals, two of the other songs are the original versions of songs that have been performed on Glee: Paramore's "The Only Exception" and Train's "Hey, Soul Sister."
I know, and looking at that group we're actually covering one of the other nominees: we're doing Maroon 5's "Misery." There's only one nominee in that category we haven't done, so that was funny to us.
What can you reveal about "Misery"?
"Misery" is a track that Blaine (Darren Criss) is going to do with the Warblers. I'm friendly with Adam Levine, and he texted me saying, 'I think it's time we get Maroon 5 on Glee.' I said, 'I agree, I think it'd be great.' I love that song, I love Adam's performance on that song, so we're doing that in an upcoming spring episode.
We just had Darren Criss in the office talking about what his hopes are for Blaine on the show — what can you say about how this will relate to his relationship with Kurt?
We haven't written how the script, so I don't know if it will be romantic or not. Darren has certainly blown up and become really sought after, and I love his interpretations of a lot of things. I thought his voice and Adam's voice would fit each other well — and indeed, they do. I like that the a cappella group can do all sorts of music, including rock, but I don't know what the story is going to be yet.
The other nominee in that category is Sade's "Babyfather."
That's the one we're not doing. [Laughs] Not yet, anyway. I love Sade, so knows?
After tonight's episode, you'll be off the air until February. What can fans look forward to when you return?
I always think it's good when the show goes off air and make people miss it a little bit. When we come back, we come back with our Super Bowl episode, which is a Sunday and then on Tuesday we go straight into another episode. So, when we come back there'll be two Glee episodes in one week with, I think, 12 songs total.
I'm excited about our spring season because we're going back to the earlier Glee episodes. We really love all of our characters and the soap opera aspects of the show and now that we're cooking we'll be featuring those great stories in the back half.
With regard to the Super Bowl episode, so far we've heard that "Thriller" will be featured —
Uh-huh.
— that there will be a big Sue Sylvester blowout and that Katie Couric will be guest-starring.
Mmmhmm.
Can you reveal anything about how "Thriller" will be worked into that episode?
It's top secret, I'm sworn to secrecy. I want people to be surprised with what we're doing. All I'll say about that is that we're putting a new spin on it that I think people will really like.
I heard that there's a mash-up involved.
Can't say. Isn't it sad that I won't comment? We're doing a couple Michael Jackson songs this year, that's the first one.
Which other ones are on tap?
I'm narrowing it down, I don't know which ones I like. We're not doing any more tribute episodes this year, but I want some old school ones.
I just read that Katie Couric will be doing "Tea For Two" on the Super Bowl episode.
No, that is not true. [Laughs]
So many rumors — which leads to last week's rumor that, come 2012, the current crop of New Directions will be graduating.
Yes, we're going to be doing something. I'm not going to reveal what it is because it's two years away, but it'll be something momentous happening that spring.
In the way of a graduation?
Yeah.
But not necessarily in the way of people leaving the show?
Maybe.
What have been your favorite Glee performances?
I love "Don't Stop Believin'" because it was the first song and I love how we paid tribute to the band. I love Gwyneth Paltrow's version of "Forget You." I think she was so great in it, and we paid tribute to Cee Lo, who we all love so I was thrilled for his Grammy nomination. And then I've always been a big Florence and the Machine fan and I love that we did "The Dog Days Are Over" in a really sweet, fun, uplifting way. It helped bolt their single into the top 10, and I love that we can do that.
The Grammy nominations are capping off a banner year of accolades. What is the next big thing for Glee?
I don't know. Just when you think things are going to quiet down, something explosive happens. [Laughs]. After how exciting it was in the beginning, because the show's success was unexpected and the music sales and artists who we admire giving us music, I just think everyone, the cast and myself included, rolls with the punches. Everything gets us excited because none of it was expected.
Has there been any talk about performing on Grammy night?
We're talking to them. We would love to do "Don't Stop Believin'" in some capacity.
Perhaps uniting the cast with Journey?
That would be awesome. I haven't heard that, but I would love that.
End of article
Bolded comments are for emphasis. I have my fingers and toes crossed that maybe there is hope some characters will stay after 2012. Or is Ryan Murphy stringing me along?
The Grammy's LOVE to set up pairings, so I think the Glee/Journey performance is very possible. That would TOTALLY ROCK!!
gleekette
"Its the Season of Kurt on 'Glee'"
http://www.nbclosangeles.com/entertainment/television/Its-The-Season-of-Kurt-on-Glee-110987674.html
by Jere Hester
November 29, 2010
Forget about the Britney silliness. The bullying storyline has brought out the best in the show – while setting up Tuesday night's singing showdown
The most memorable sound on "Glee" this season hasn't been the singing – it's been the repeated, unnerving slamming of Kurt against his locker by a homophobic bully apparently terrified of his own sexual feelings.
The very real violence – as opposed to the cartoonish Slushie facials delivered to the glee club members – has provided crucial grounding to a show trailed by chatter that it’s already in danger of pirouetting over the proverbial shark.
The plotline makes Tuesday night’s episode – the showdown between New Directions and the Warblers, the singing group at Kurt’s new private high school – a must-see for fans with a scenario that promises “Glee” at its best: high-stakes camp mixed with genuine emotion.
"Glee" bounces so quickly at times from the silly to the surreal to the serious that viewers might be left wondering at times how long the creators can keep up the song-and-dance act as the show nears the midpoint of its second season.
But for all the gimmicks (the bizarre Britney Spears tribute and the "Rocky Horror" salute) and stunt casting (Gwyneth Paltrow, John Stamos and Carol Burnett), the show’s sophomore effort, so far, can best be called The Season of Kurt.
And that’s a great thing.
The groundwork for Tuesday’s show was laid last week with a strong episode featuring Kurt’s dad and Finn’s mom – always heralds that a dose of reality is on the way.
Yes, they finally got married, being allowed some moments of joy after years of respective widowhood and the heart attack suffered by Kurt’s dad earlier this season in the epic “Grilled Cheesus” episode.
But they were also on hand to protect the teen from Dave Korofsky, the football player whose secret attraction to Kurt (Chris Colfer) has manifested as violent rage, death threats – and, in one stunning instance, a kiss. Thanks to some Emmy-worthy acting by Colfer, we’ve absorbed Kurt’s feeling of dread that lurks every moment he’s alone in the school hallway, anticipating another body-slam and more verbal venom.
The confrontation scene in Sue Sylvester’s office during played against stereotypes. We’ve already seen that Kurt’s blue-collar dad, Burt, understands him best and is his strongest defender. We met Korofsky’s father, who defied expectations by coming across as a rational, gentle person. Usually nasty Sue showed another side with her visceral reaction against bullying and expelled Korofsky, who was later reinstated by the school board.
With Kurt in fear for his life, his dad and new stepmom gave up their Hawaiian honeymoon to use the money to send him to the tony Dalton Academy, where they have a great glee club – and no tolerance for bullies. Kurt will be pitted against his former glee-mates in the key sectional competition.
The season’s subplot has played out amid the growing national conversation about bullying, spurred, in part, by the tragic suicide of a Rutgers University freshman who killed himself after two students allegedly streamed video of him in a romantic encounter with a man.
Colfer is among the notables who since have taped spots for The Trevor Project, which runs a suicide hotline for “gay and questioning youth.”
"I know what it's like to be bullied and teased every single day,” Colfer says in the video. “You are not alone....I promise, it gets so much better."
“Glee” is very much about high school’s travails, most played for laughs and others occasionally played dead serious. The bullying storyline is another sign that character development is more important to the show's ultimate success than, say, fantasy sequences featuring Spears.
The program’s constant shifts in tone are part of the fun – and part of the challenge of being a “Glee” fan. That means learning to live with the misfires – Will Schuester kissing Coach Beiste came off as more weird than sweet, ditto for Sue’s plan for a wedding (to herself) – because a new Grilled Cheesus could be waiting in the cafeteria at William McKinley High.
We’re far from ready to slam the locker shut on “Glee.”
End of article
I think this writer has written other articles about Glee. I like the funny and the serious parts of Glee. I enjoyed the fluff of the Britney episode. I think Glee has to keep the fun going for the audience to continue tuning in. The serious stuff is very important, but I think the majority of Glee fans watch for the comedy.
gleekette
by Jere Hester
November 29, 2010
Forget about the Britney silliness. The bullying storyline has brought out the best in the show – while setting up Tuesday night's singing showdown
The most memorable sound on "Glee" this season hasn't been the singing – it's been the repeated, unnerving slamming of Kurt against his locker by a homophobic bully apparently terrified of his own sexual feelings.
The very real violence – as opposed to the cartoonish Slushie facials delivered to the glee club members – has provided crucial grounding to a show trailed by chatter that it’s already in danger of pirouetting over the proverbial shark.
The plotline makes Tuesday night’s episode – the showdown between New Directions and the Warblers, the singing group at Kurt’s new private high school – a must-see for fans with a scenario that promises “Glee” at its best: high-stakes camp mixed with genuine emotion.
"Glee" bounces so quickly at times from the silly to the surreal to the serious that viewers might be left wondering at times how long the creators can keep up the song-and-dance act as the show nears the midpoint of its second season.
But for all the gimmicks (the bizarre Britney Spears tribute and the "Rocky Horror" salute) and stunt casting (Gwyneth Paltrow, John Stamos and Carol Burnett), the show’s sophomore effort, so far, can best be called The Season of Kurt.
And that’s a great thing.
The groundwork for Tuesday’s show was laid last week with a strong episode featuring Kurt’s dad and Finn’s mom – always heralds that a dose of reality is on the way.
Yes, they finally got married, being allowed some moments of joy after years of respective widowhood and the heart attack suffered by Kurt’s dad earlier this season in the epic “Grilled Cheesus” episode.
But they were also on hand to protect the teen from Dave Korofsky, the football player whose secret attraction to Kurt (Chris Colfer) has manifested as violent rage, death threats – and, in one stunning instance, a kiss. Thanks to some Emmy-worthy acting by Colfer, we’ve absorbed Kurt’s feeling of dread that lurks every moment he’s alone in the school hallway, anticipating another body-slam and more verbal venom.
The confrontation scene in Sue Sylvester’s office during played against stereotypes. We’ve already seen that Kurt’s blue-collar dad, Burt, understands him best and is his strongest defender. We met Korofsky’s father, who defied expectations by coming across as a rational, gentle person. Usually nasty Sue showed another side with her visceral reaction against bullying and expelled Korofsky, who was later reinstated by the school board.
With Kurt in fear for his life, his dad and new stepmom gave up their Hawaiian honeymoon to use the money to send him to the tony Dalton Academy, where they have a great glee club – and no tolerance for bullies. Kurt will be pitted against his former glee-mates in the key sectional competition.
The season’s subplot has played out amid the growing national conversation about bullying, spurred, in part, by the tragic suicide of a Rutgers University freshman who killed himself after two students allegedly streamed video of him in a romantic encounter with a man.
Colfer is among the notables who since have taped spots for The Trevor Project, which runs a suicide hotline for “gay and questioning youth.”
"I know what it's like to be bullied and teased every single day,” Colfer says in the video. “You are not alone....I promise, it gets so much better."
“Glee” is very much about high school’s travails, most played for laughs and others occasionally played dead serious. The bullying storyline is another sign that character development is more important to the show's ultimate success than, say, fantasy sequences featuring Spears.
The program’s constant shifts in tone are part of the fun – and part of the challenge of being a “Glee” fan. That means learning to live with the misfires – Will Schuester kissing Coach Beiste came off as more weird than sweet, ditto for Sue’s plan for a wedding (to herself) – because a new Grilled Cheesus could be waiting in the cafeteria at William McKinley High.
We’re far from ready to slam the locker shut on “Glee.”
End of article
I think this writer has written other articles about Glee. I like the funny and the serious parts of Glee. I enjoyed the fluff of the Britney episode. I think Glee has to keep the fun going for the audience to continue tuning in. The serious stuff is very important, but I think the majority of Glee fans watch for the comedy.
gleekette
NY Post Chris Colfer Interview
http://www.nypost.com/p/blogs/popwrap/chris_colfer_0Pf142XX9xD8xFraFZr81I
"Chris Colfer: I eat Kurt's drama up like candy"
by Jarett Wieselman
November 30, 2010
By this point, I no longer have to cite reasons why Chris Colfer continues to be the most emotionally resonant part of "Glee" -- he's got an Emmy nomination and a bucket of my tears that speak for themselves. But after last week's tear-fest, it looks like we're headed for happier Hummel pastures now that Kurt has left New Directions to join (boyfriend?) Blaine as one of Dalton Academy's Warblers.
But the actor is holding out hope that McKinley turns its hallways into a safe space sooner rather than later since New Directions without Kurt isn't the same glee club we fell in love with many moons ago.
In anticipation of 2010's penultimate episode, I rang up Chris to reflect on the issue-filled season and find out what lies ahead for Kurt & Blaine.
PopWrap: When you were originally hired to star on this musical comedy did you have any idea that there'd be so much drama involved?
Chris Colfer: [laughs] No, not at all – in the original script Kurt was such a small factor, so I never anticipated this at all. But you know, I really enjoy the drama. I eat it up like candy. So every time I see that Kurt breaks down I think “YES” because I love it so much. Those scenes definitely take it out of you.
PW: What's your replenishment secret after a long day of filming emotional scenes?
Chris: Let me tell you, frozen yogurt helps. Or a cookie. They always have cookies on set and I will eat all of them if it’s a particularly dramatic scene.
PW: A lot of Kurt's drama this year has been a result of bullying, as someone who has very vocally talked about their own experiences with that growing up, how important was tackling this to you?
Chris: Oh, very. It’s interesting that this issue had never been brought up before since it’s an issue that’s been around since the 50’s. It’s kind of unreal that we’re only talking about it now. For me, it’s all about bringing truth to the work and even though Kurt was the victim, I didn’t want him to be so victimized by Karofsky. It’s a terrible situation but I’m glad we’re talking about it.
PW: Karofsky's return to McKinley saw Kurt defect to Dalton Academy, what was your first thought when Ryan Murphy laid that out for you?
Chris: I was terrified that he was writing me off the show [laughs] “Oh god, am I really that bad? Sorry! I can improve, swear!” No, but I really love it. I love exploring another tolerant world and am happy that Kurt found acceptance somewhere. It kinda goes to show that if the world you live in doesn’t make sense, find one that does. But I really hope McKinley becomes more accepting so he can come back.
PW: Now Kurt is with The Warblers, who performed that incredible rendition of "Teenage Dream." Did you have any inkling that song was going to blow up like it has?
Chris: Oh, absolutely. They played a demo for us long before Darren [Criss] had been cast and I got chills the first time I heard it. That is one of the best songs we’ve ever done and I was so excited for everyone to see it. I knew it would be huge, I listen to it almost every day.
PW: I know that everyone is trying to find out if Blaine will be Kurt's boyfriend, but what I'm wondering is if you feel like Kurt is already acting like Blaine's his boyfriend.
Chris: I think Kurt is so lonely and just wants someone to connect to. I think the closest he can get to that is a boyfriend, so I think he’s trying to find that in any way shape or form possible. But we haven’t filmed anything where Blaine becomes Kurt’s boyfriend yet, so who knows – it could end up being someone else.
PW: Well, a lot of people are looking to next week's "Baby It's Cold Outside" duet as an indication of where their relationship is going. Are you excited for people to see that performance?
Chris: I’m anxious to see how people respond to it because it’s one of the first classic duets that has been sung by two guys ... if you get my drift. I will be interested to hear the next day what people think. Over Thanksgiving break I had to convince my grandmother it was actually me on the track. She said, “oh, that makes the song a little different.” And it certainly does [laughs].
PW: When we spoke last you talked about how much "Glee" was pushing you vocally. Tonight Kurt tackles "Don't Cry For Me Argentina," that's kind of the ultimate vocal challenge, no?
Chris: It is, but I’m always compared next to Lea [Michele], which sucks.
PW: I think you more than hold your own.
Chris: I disagree and I get comments on Twitter that do as well, saying, “Oh Lea sang that better.” I always think, “of course she sings it better, she’s a girl!”
PW: A lot of people have been surprised by how much Rachel & Kurt's relationship has grown this season -- have you?
Chris: I think like it or not, Rachel and Kurt are very much alike. And for him the sparks was when she told him, “just because you’re lonely doesn’t mean you’re alone.” They just need to come to terms with it and be friends [laughs]. They definitely have each other’s back …when they’re not trying to stab it!
PW: Both Lea and Matt [Morrison] are working on solo CD's -- would you ever want to release one?
Chris: You know, I love to sing when there’s a story and emotion behind it, so I think stage or film is the way to go. I’ve never really been interested in becoming a recording artist. Also, the way I sing isn’t really valued these days – I’ve got a more traditional theater voice, and these days it’s all about the runs. I don’t see myself in that world ... but everyone seems to want me to. Who knows, if I end up doing that it’ll be for the fans, not me.
PW: The fans have really turned this show into juggernaut -- seeing as how "in it" you all are, can you remove yourself from that to recognize how massive it's become?
Chris: You know, we’re so involved in it and it’s so much a part of our day to day lives, so I don't think we’ll never fully comprehend just how huge it is. It’s already so much of who we are, I don’t think we’ll be able to know how big it is in other people’s lives. But I'm so thrilled that people love it. That's the best part.
End of article
Simply another great interview, but I also thought his comments about recording a cd were interesting. I agree with him; his voice is unfortunately not "in fashion" with current pop music trends. But he could record a cd of show tunes at some point in his career. Not now, though.
gleekette
"Chris Colfer: I eat Kurt's drama up like candy"
by Jarett Wieselman
November 30, 2010
By this point, I no longer have to cite reasons why Chris Colfer continues to be the most emotionally resonant part of "Glee" -- he's got an Emmy nomination and a bucket of my tears that speak for themselves. But after last week's tear-fest, it looks like we're headed for happier Hummel pastures now that Kurt has left New Directions to join (boyfriend?) Blaine as one of Dalton Academy's Warblers.
But the actor is holding out hope that McKinley turns its hallways into a safe space sooner rather than later since New Directions without Kurt isn't the same glee club we fell in love with many moons ago.
In anticipation of 2010's penultimate episode, I rang up Chris to reflect on the issue-filled season and find out what lies ahead for Kurt & Blaine.
PopWrap: When you were originally hired to star on this musical comedy did you have any idea that there'd be so much drama involved?
Chris Colfer: [laughs] No, not at all – in the original script Kurt was such a small factor, so I never anticipated this at all. But you know, I really enjoy the drama. I eat it up like candy. So every time I see that Kurt breaks down I think “YES” because I love it so much. Those scenes definitely take it out of you.
PW: What's your replenishment secret after a long day of filming emotional scenes?
Chris: Let me tell you, frozen yogurt helps. Or a cookie. They always have cookies on set and I will eat all of them if it’s a particularly dramatic scene.
PW: A lot of Kurt's drama this year has been a result of bullying, as someone who has very vocally talked about their own experiences with that growing up, how important was tackling this to you?
Chris: Oh, very. It’s interesting that this issue had never been brought up before since it’s an issue that’s been around since the 50’s. It’s kind of unreal that we’re only talking about it now. For me, it’s all about bringing truth to the work and even though Kurt was the victim, I didn’t want him to be so victimized by Karofsky. It’s a terrible situation but I’m glad we’re talking about it.
PW: Karofsky's return to McKinley saw Kurt defect to Dalton Academy, what was your first thought when Ryan Murphy laid that out for you?
Chris: I was terrified that he was writing me off the show [laughs] “Oh god, am I really that bad? Sorry! I can improve, swear!” No, but I really love it. I love exploring another tolerant world and am happy that Kurt found acceptance somewhere. It kinda goes to show that if the world you live in doesn’t make sense, find one that does. But I really hope McKinley becomes more accepting so he can come back.
PW: Now Kurt is with The Warblers, who performed that incredible rendition of "Teenage Dream." Did you have any inkling that song was going to blow up like it has?
Chris: Oh, absolutely. They played a demo for us long before Darren [Criss] had been cast and I got chills the first time I heard it. That is one of the best songs we’ve ever done and I was so excited for everyone to see it. I knew it would be huge, I listen to it almost every day.
PW: I know that everyone is trying to find out if Blaine will be Kurt's boyfriend, but what I'm wondering is if you feel like Kurt is already acting like Blaine's his boyfriend.
Chris: I think Kurt is so lonely and just wants someone to connect to. I think the closest he can get to that is a boyfriend, so I think he’s trying to find that in any way shape or form possible. But we haven’t filmed anything where Blaine becomes Kurt’s boyfriend yet, so who knows – it could end up being someone else.
PW: Well, a lot of people are looking to next week's "Baby It's Cold Outside" duet as an indication of where their relationship is going. Are you excited for people to see that performance?
Chris: I’m anxious to see how people respond to it because it’s one of the first classic duets that has been sung by two guys ... if you get my drift. I will be interested to hear the next day what people think. Over Thanksgiving break I had to convince my grandmother it was actually me on the track. She said, “oh, that makes the song a little different.” And it certainly does [laughs].
PW: When we spoke last you talked about how much "Glee" was pushing you vocally. Tonight Kurt tackles "Don't Cry For Me Argentina," that's kind of the ultimate vocal challenge, no?
Chris: It is, but I’m always compared next to Lea [Michele], which sucks.
PW: I think you more than hold your own.
Chris: I disagree and I get comments on Twitter that do as well, saying, “Oh Lea sang that better.” I always think, “of course she sings it better, she’s a girl!”
PW: A lot of people have been surprised by how much Rachel & Kurt's relationship has grown this season -- have you?
Chris: I think like it or not, Rachel and Kurt are very much alike. And for him the sparks was when she told him, “just because you’re lonely doesn’t mean you’re alone.” They just need to come to terms with it and be friends [laughs]. They definitely have each other’s back …when they’re not trying to stab it!
PW: Both Lea and Matt [Morrison] are working on solo CD's -- would you ever want to release one?
Chris: You know, I love to sing when there’s a story and emotion behind it, so I think stage or film is the way to go. I’ve never really been interested in becoming a recording artist. Also, the way I sing isn’t really valued these days – I’ve got a more traditional theater voice, and these days it’s all about the runs. I don’t see myself in that world ... but everyone seems to want me to. Who knows, if I end up doing that it’ll be for the fans, not me.
PW: The fans have really turned this show into juggernaut -- seeing as how "in it" you all are, can you remove yourself from that to recognize how massive it's become?
Chris: You know, we’re so involved in it and it’s so much a part of our day to day lives, so I don't think we’ll never fully comprehend just how huge it is. It’s already so much of who we are, I don’t think we’ll be able to know how big it is in other people’s lives. But I'm so thrilled that people love it. That's the best part.
End of article
Simply another great interview, but I also thought his comments about recording a cd were interesting. I agree with him; his voice is unfortunately not "in fashion" with current pop music trends. But he could record a cd of show tunes at some point in his career. Not now, though.
gleekette
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
BIG News
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/6075042/glee_to_drop_cast_members_who_grow.html?cat=9
Gleeks, don't get too attached to your current favorites, because Ryan Murphy plans to age them out when they grow too old for "Glee."
Creator Ryan Murphy wants to keep "Glee" a show about fictional high school, where students graduate and are replaced with new faces every year.
As Murphy explains (via The Herald Sun), "There's nothing more depressing than a high schooler with a bald spot." (Ouch!)
Murphy has proposed 2012 as a time frame for cast exits. I'm thinking Cory Monteith and Mark Salling are prime candidates for axing, as they play high school students despite being in their late 20s. Looks like Matthew Morrison, Jayma Mays, Jane Lynch, and Dot Jones have nothing to worry about.
Too Old For "Glee?" Unpalatable Alternatives
On the one hand, it seems a bit harsh in this youth-obsessed culture to put actors out to pasture when they grow too old. This is why so many former child stars grow to be dysfunctional adults.
On the other hand, aging characters out keeps "Glee" at least somewhat realistic. How many high school shows have jumped the shark when the cast went to college? "90210?" "Dawson's Creek?" And don't get me started on "Saved By the Bell: The College Years."
How realistic is it that every major cast member ends up at the same college? Andrea turned down Yale to go to California University on "90120," and Topenga turned down Yale to go be with Cory on "Boy Meets World." Really?? And Dawson dropping out of USC was another Jump-the-Shark moment.
Of course, another equally unpalatable alternative is to just keep these characters in high school indefinitely. On cartoon shows, it's possible to keep these characters young. Those "South Park" kids will probably always be in elementary school, as will Bart and Lisa Simpson. Yet on a show like "Glee," it just doesn't make sense to have 30-year-old actors playing high school students.
A third option would be to go the Disney Channel route and cancel shows after three seasons. Teen stars like Miley Cyrus, Demi Lavato, and Selena Gomez know that Disney is just a platform, and they can't remain in the box forever. Yet I don't think Ryan Murphy would want to cancel such a successful show as "Glee."
Too Old for "Glee?" Better Alternatives
I really like Murphy's idea of graduating cast members who grow too old for high school roles. Sure, I will miss them on "Glee," but there are other ways to bring my favorites back, either by bringing someone back as a teacher's aide, or creating spin-offs on a few of the graduated characters.
And other cast members may find even greater success once they leave "Glee." Kevin McHale might like to try a role where he can actually dance. Amber Riley would do well in a "Dreamgirls" revival-type production. Dianna Agron seems to be making her way into films. And Lea Michele found success on Broadway long before she was on "Glee."
As much as I would miss this current cast, aging out the cast members would remind us that there is life outside of high school.
End of article
I almost called this shocking news, but honestly, I'm not shocked, just really sad at the moment. Sad for the cast and the fans. It does help to know we get at least one and a half more seasons, if he means the cast will exit at the conclusion of the 2012 season.
His decision does make a lot of sense. Mark, Harry, and Cory will all be around thirty years old by then. But who else will leave? How far in advance will we find out who is going and who is staying? By 2012 the entire cast should exit, as they will all have been in high school for four years plus, and all of them are already supposed to be juniors and seniors now. But actors like Chris and Kevin will still be in their early twenties, and if their work schedule doesn't cause premature aging, they should still look young enough to play high school kids. If Charice stays on the show, she will only be twenty years old in two years.
As I said in an earlier post, there would be ways for some of the current students to stay on the show even after they graduate. But actually I really like the idea of a spin off. My dream would be for Kurt, Rachel, and Artie to move to New York and we would follow the trials and tribulations of their quest to hit the big time. Or maybe they would all be accepted to the same college and join a university glee club. I think Rachel and Kurt on a show together would be KILLER.
If I'm faced with the option of either the show ending or finding new characters, I would definitely vote for new faces. But right now I cannot imagine Glee without the twelve students we have now. It will be incredibly sad to see them go. I don't know what I'll do when I have to say goodbye to Kurt or Artie. I don't even want to think about it. I can only imagine what the actors are thinking. They have invested so much time and energy into this show, and it means so much to all of them. And they know how much the show means to the fans.
First I have to think of eight weeks of no new episodes, and now this. Yes, I am terribly obsessed. And now I'm depressed... :(
gleekette
Gleeks, don't get too attached to your current favorites, because Ryan Murphy plans to age them out when they grow too old for "Glee."
Creator Ryan Murphy wants to keep "Glee" a show about fictional high school, where students graduate and are replaced with new faces every year.
As Murphy explains (via The Herald Sun), "There's nothing more depressing than a high schooler with a bald spot." (Ouch!)
Murphy has proposed 2012 as a time frame for cast exits. I'm thinking Cory Monteith and Mark Salling are prime candidates for axing, as they play high school students despite being in their late 20s. Looks like Matthew Morrison, Jayma Mays, Jane Lynch, and Dot Jones have nothing to worry about.
Too Old For "Glee?" Unpalatable Alternatives
On the one hand, it seems a bit harsh in this youth-obsessed culture to put actors out to pasture when they grow too old. This is why so many former child stars grow to be dysfunctional adults.
On the other hand, aging characters out keeps "Glee" at least somewhat realistic. How many high school shows have jumped the shark when the cast went to college? "90210?" "Dawson's Creek?" And don't get me started on "Saved By the Bell: The College Years."
How realistic is it that every major cast member ends up at the same college? Andrea turned down Yale to go to California University on "90120," and Topenga turned down Yale to go be with Cory on "Boy Meets World." Really?? And Dawson dropping out of USC was another Jump-the-Shark moment.
Of course, another equally unpalatable alternative is to just keep these characters in high school indefinitely. On cartoon shows, it's possible to keep these characters young. Those "South Park" kids will probably always be in elementary school, as will Bart and Lisa Simpson. Yet on a show like "Glee," it just doesn't make sense to have 30-year-old actors playing high school students.
A third option would be to go the Disney Channel route and cancel shows after three seasons. Teen stars like Miley Cyrus, Demi Lavato, and Selena Gomez know that Disney is just a platform, and they can't remain in the box forever. Yet I don't think Ryan Murphy would want to cancel such a successful show as "Glee."
Too Old for "Glee?" Better Alternatives
I really like Murphy's idea of graduating cast members who grow too old for high school roles. Sure, I will miss them on "Glee," but there are other ways to bring my favorites back, either by bringing someone back as a teacher's aide, or creating spin-offs on a few of the graduated characters.
And other cast members may find even greater success once they leave "Glee." Kevin McHale might like to try a role where he can actually dance. Amber Riley would do well in a "Dreamgirls" revival-type production. Dianna Agron seems to be making her way into films. And Lea Michele found success on Broadway long before she was on "Glee."
As much as I would miss this current cast, aging out the cast members would remind us that there is life outside of high school.
End of article
I almost called this shocking news, but honestly, I'm not shocked, just really sad at the moment. Sad for the cast and the fans. It does help to know we get at least one and a half more seasons, if he means the cast will exit at the conclusion of the 2012 season.
His decision does make a lot of sense. Mark, Harry, and Cory will all be around thirty years old by then. But who else will leave? How far in advance will we find out who is going and who is staying? By 2012 the entire cast should exit, as they will all have been in high school for four years plus, and all of them are already supposed to be juniors and seniors now. But actors like Chris and Kevin will still be in their early twenties, and if their work schedule doesn't cause premature aging, they should still look young enough to play high school kids. If Charice stays on the show, she will only be twenty years old in two years.
As I said in an earlier post, there would be ways for some of the current students to stay on the show even after they graduate. But actually I really like the idea of a spin off. My dream would be for Kurt, Rachel, and Artie to move to New York and we would follow the trials and tribulations of their quest to hit the big time. Or maybe they would all be accepted to the same college and join a university glee club. I think Rachel and Kurt on a show together would be KILLER.
If I'm faced with the option of either the show ending or finding new characters, I would definitely vote for new faces. But right now I cannot imagine Glee without the twelve students we have now. It will be incredibly sad to see them go. I don't know what I'll do when I have to say goodbye to Kurt or Artie. I don't even want to think about it. I can only imagine what the actors are thinking. They have invested so much time and energy into this show, and it means so much to all of them. And they know how much the show means to the fans.
First I have to think of eight weeks of no new episodes, and now this. Yes, I am terribly obsessed. And now I'm depressed... :(
gleekette
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