Samuel Larsen News

Significantly more right than wrong and much more than merely just OK, last night's GLEE tribute to the song catalogue of pop/R&B icon Whitney Houston was a welcome return to Season Two levels of euphoria and razzle dazzle entertainment value that GLEE has proven time and time again it is the one stop shop for on TV these days, as dazzling in their own way as sequences on SMASH may be as that freshman musical-themed series increases in popularity and GLEE, now nearly finished with Season Three (and almost 60 episodes in as a series so far), is seeing a decline in viewership and a dip in popularity.

A previously announced event at the Gallo Center for the Arts has taken on added star power with the news that performers from the Fox Television hit "Glee" will be appearing. The television show's casting director Robert Ulrich of Modesto, and his wife, actress Kim Johnston-Ulrich of Ripon, are to be honored in April at a "Hometown Heroes" event, a continuing series at the Gallo Center that salutes area residents who have achieved national success in their fields.

In an absolutely uncannily coincidental occurrence last night, the Valentine's Day episode of GLEE included among its song-stack the all-time most memorable Whitney Houston ballad of all time, originally sung by Dolly Parton in 1974 but made famous by Houston on the soundtrack of the 1992 film THE BODYGUARD, in which she also starred, "I Will Always Love You". While this episode was filmed weeks ago - long before Houston's sudden passing, of course - the fact that this was the moment GLEE finally tackled one of the biggest songs ever - a single that originally stayed atop the chart for more than 3 months - comes as a definite shock and surprise; and, also, somehow, a fitting tribute. The tasteful "We Will Always Love You" card at the end of the program dedicated the episode to Houston's memory, in a last minute addition to the long-wrapped show by the powers-that-be. It hit just the right chord - as did the effervescently enjoyable if slight episode. Amber Riley wrought the high emotion out of the Houston barn-burner in a manner that surely would do the gospel singer of Whitney's own roots more than merely proud and the overall show was a sure success as far as knockout musical numbers go. As for the rest of the "Heart" Valentine's show, we were treated to a number of well-played guest appearances, such as Rachel's two dads, essayed all-too-deliciously by Jeff Goldblum and Brian Stokes Mitchell, in addition to THE GLEE PROJECT winner Samuel Larsen's much ballyhooed debut on the show. Former TGP finalist and Season Three GLEE featured player Damian McGinty also got more focus than usual, as did Amber Riley, who emerged as the star of this particular episode. Courtesy of a lively and raucous "Love Shack", Darren Criss made his welcome return after a few episodes out. The rest of the songs added to the overall candy-coated allure of the sweet and sugary confection of a show. No, "Heart" was not an episode that will linger forever in the memory like some in GLEE's past, but the music made the night - and, in the case of "I Will Always Love You", made it really pack a punch when we needed it. It most closely resembled the wedding episode from last season, I thought - which is certainly a compliment. Plus, "Heart" featured the return of Karofsky - in gorilla suit, no less - and many dramatic twists for the gleeks we have all come to know and love. And, just how adorable is Sugar Motta?!

Samuel Larsen, winner of the first season of Oxygen Channel's THE GLEE PROJECT will appear in his first episode of Fox's musical drama on the February 14th episode entitled 'Heart'.

Samuel Larsen, winner of the first season of Oxygen Channel's THE GLEE PROJECT, will appear in his first episode of the Fox musical drama on February 14th in an episode entitled 'Heart'. Check out him performing the Gym Class Heros' 'Stereo Hearts'!

Samuel Larsen, winner of the first season of Oxygen Channel's THE GLEE PROJECT will appear in his first episode of Fox's musical drama on the February 14th episode entitled 'Heart'.

"I don't want to see the spectacle that is Michael, I want to be the spectacle." And so goes the motto of GLEE giving Michael Jackson his musical due. Much like MJ brought together the worlds or pop and R&B and broke down racial barriers through his music and message, GLEE set the stage by placing our favorite gleeks in a battle with the Warblers - not unlike the Sharks vs. Jets of the recent WEST SIDE STORY tribute. And it was quite a sight to see - and hear. Like the memorable Britney Spears, Lady Gaga and Fleetwood Mac tributes before it, last night's "Michael" episode of GLEE was the realization of a life-long dream for many gleeks in the audience and the epic convergence of two pop culture dynasties. Series creator and show musical sequence mastermind Ryan Murphy penned the episode himself and the razor sharp dialogue was as biting and bizarre as always - in a good way. A very good way. And, the musical numbers? Even better. Filled with fun facts relating to the man in the mirror being honored and with more musical numbers than one could envision even fitting into an hour of network TV with story, too - and what plot developments - once again, GLEE made us remember that this is our very own spot in the entertainment universe, right at corner of Hollywood and Broadway. The joy that standing on that corner can make us all feel through sheer osmosis is transcendentally exciting, and, even more than that, exquisitely exciting. My, oh my - how we have missed thee, GLEE! True, it's only been a few weeks, but Season Three has been so consistently strong as to make each and every episode unmissable thus far and each pause positively interminable. After all, in just the last episode alone we were left with three marriage proposals! No more scattershot scenarios ala Season Two or heavy focus on the adults like Season One, Season Three is all about the cast of characters that comprise New Directions - and, Ma Ma Se, Ma Ma Sa, thank goodness that is the main subject being taught at McKinley High this semester. "Bad" to "Ben" to "Black Or White"; "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'" and "Smooth Criminal", "Scream" and more, GLEE's MJ tribute was a true OMGLEE moment.

Last season, many of GLEE actress Lea Michele's co-stars - including Darren Criss, who completes his limited run in HOW TO SUCCEED today - appeared as mentors to the contestants. When the show returns this summer, Michele will make her 'Glee Project' debut with it. 'So excited to announce that I'll be guest mentoring on the season 2 premiere of the Glee Project,' the Broadway vet tweeted. 'I[t] was such an amazing experience! All the kids are so talent! Can't wait for you guys to see it!'

In an interview with TVGuide.com, GLEE star Cory Monteith confirmed that Samuel Larsen, winner of the first season of Oxygen Channel's THE GLEE PROJECT has begun filming scenes for his upcoming story arc on GLEE. Shared Monteith, 'He's here today. I can confirm he's here, but we haven't been formally introduced yet.'

Oxygen has picked up a second season of the competition series 'The Glee Project' for a summer 2012 debut.

Oxygen has picked up a second season of the critically acclaimed competition series THE GLEE PROJECT for a summer 2012 debut. The spinoff competition series, which awards one winner a seven episode arc on 'Glee,' will return with Ryan Murphy and Dante Di Loreto continuing as executive producers along with series executive producers Michael Davies and Shauna Minoprio of Embassy Row.

'Bring It On: The Musical' opened on Friday, November 11 at the Center Theatre Group/Ahmanson Theatre. Currently in previews, the production will continue through December 10. BroadwayWorld brings you photo coverage from opening night below.

According to Entertainment Weekly, the upcoming GLEE holiday album is now streaming online on AOL Music. The album of Christmas classics is titled 'Glee: The Music, The Christmas Album Volume 2'. It will be available for purchase beginning Tuesday, November 15th.

Just in time for the holidays, Glee brings joy to the world with the release of Glee: The Music, The Christmas Album Volume 2, available Tuesday, November 15, 2011. The Glee holiday cheer is spread with the cast's own festive renditions of such Christmas staples as 'Little Drummer Boy', 'Let It Snow' and 'All I Want For Christmas Is You'. Especially poignant is the GLEE Cast's interpretation of Band Aid's 1984 hit 'Do They Know Its Christmas?,' which raised money to benefit famine relief in Ethiopia and sold 1 million copies in it's first week. New cast members, Lindsay Pearce, Alex Newell, and Damian McGinty, from the wildly popular show The Glee Project are featured on 'Do You Hear What I Hear?' and 'Blue Christmas', along with fellow discovery Samuel Larson accompanying the GLEE Cast on 'Santa Claus Is Coming To Town'. Among the 12 tracks on Glee: The Music, The Christmas Album Volume 2 are two original songs 'Extraordinary Merry Christmas' and 'Christmas Eve With You', both written by Adam Anders, Peer Astrom and Shelly Peiken (see full track listing below). Glee: The Music, The Christmas Album Volume 2 is available today for pre-order on iTunes.

Just in time for the holidays, Glee brings joy to the world with the release of Glee: The Music, The Christmas Album Volume 2, available Tuesday, November 15, 2011. The Glee holiday cheer is spread with the cast's own festive renditions of such Christmas staples as 'Little Drummer Boy', 'Let It Snow' and 'All I Want For Christmas Is You'. Especially poignant is the GLEE Cast's interpretation of Band Aid's 1984 hit 'Do They Know Its Christmas?,' which raised money to benefit famine relief in Ethiopia and sold 1 million copies in it's first week. New cast members, Lindsay Pearce, Alex Newell, and Damian McGinty, from the wildly popular show The Glee Project are featured on 'Do You Hear What I Hear?' and 'Blue Christmas', along with fellow discovery Samuel Larson accompanying the GLEE Cast on 'Santa Claus Is Coming To Town'. Among the 12 tracks on Glee: The Music, The Christmas Album Volume 2 are two original songs 'Extraordinary Merry Christmas' and 'Christmas Eve With You', both written by Adam Anders, Peer Astrom and Shelly Peiken (see full track listing below). Glee: The Music, The Christmas Album Volume 2 is available today for pre-order on iTunes. Check out an audio preview of 'Let It Snow' below!

Just in time for the holidays, Glee brings joy to the world with the release of Glee: The Music, The Christmas Album Volume 2, available Tuesday, November 15, 2011. The Glee holiday cheer is spread with the cast's own festive renditions of such Christmas staples as 'Little Drummer Boy', 'Let It Snow' and 'All I Want For Christmas Is You'. Especially poignant is the Glee cast's interpretation of Band Aid's 1984 hit 'Do They Know Its Christmas?,' which raised money to benefit famine relief in Ethiopia and sold 1 million copies in it's first week. New cast members, Lindsay Pearce, Alex Newell, and Damian McGinty, from the wildly popular show The Glee Project are featured on 'Do You Hear What I Hear?' and 'Blue Christmas', along with fellow discovery Samuel Larson accompanying the Glee cast on 'Santa Claus Is Coming To Town'. Among the 12 tracks on Glee: The Music, The Christmas Album Volume 2 are two original songs 'Extraordinary Merry Christmas' and 'Christmas Eve With You', both written by Adam Anders, Peer Astrom and Shelly Peiken (see full track listing below). Glee: The Music, The Christmas Album Volume 2 is available today for pre-order on iTunes.

After nine weeks of grueling competition, the surprising finale episode of Oxygen's 'The Glee Project' charged the four finalists with their definitive 'Glee'-inspired homework assignment of 'Glee-ality,' performing Journey's epic hit 'Don't Stop Believin'.' Now according to published reports, the show will likely return for a second season, but before fall casting calls occur, GLEE itself must first be renewed for a fourth season to guarantee a prize for the contestants.

After nine weeks of grueling competition, last night's surprising finale episode of Oxygen's 'The Glee Project' charged the four finalists with their definitive 'Glee'-inspired homework assignment of 'Glee-ality,' performing Journey's epic hit 'Don't Stop Believin'.' The final episode turned into an emotional reunion as the eight eliminated contenders and previous 'Glee' guest mentors returned in support of the four finalists. All 12 contenders joined forces one last time to create a celebratory yet bittersweet music video shoot to end the season. The contenders performed Pink's triumphant 'Raise Your Glass,' in dramatic fashion atop a high-rise building overlooking downtown Los Angeles.