Watch The Glee Project

The Glee Project was a reality television show that aired on Oxygen from 2011 to 2012. It was created as a spin-off to the hit musical drama series Glee, and the show was designed to find new talent to feature on the show in guest roles or as full-time cast members. Each episode of the show focused on a different theme, such as vulnerability, theatricality, or dance ability, and the contestants were given challenges to showcase their skills.

The show was hosted by actor and singer Darren Criss, who played Blaine Anderson on Glee. The judges included Glee creators Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk and Ian Brennan, as well as casting director Robert Ulrich. The winner of the show received a seven-episode arc on Glee, and the opportunity to tour with the cast.

The first season of The Glee Project featured twelve contestants, including Cameron Mitchell, Samuel Larsen, and Alex Newell. Mitchell was a singer-songwriter from Indiana, Larsen was a musician and actor from California, and Newell was a singer and actor from Massachusetts. Each of these contestants had a unique background and set of skills, and they quickly became fan favorites on the show.

Throughout the first season, the contestants were given a variety of challenges to showcase their talents. Some of these challenges involved singing and dancing to popular songs, while others required the contestants to act or perform in groups. The judges provided feedback and critiques after each challenge, and gradually eliminated contestants as the competition progressed.

One of the most memorable challenges on the show was the "Vulnerability" episode. Each contestant was tasked with choosing a personal story or experience that made them feel vulnerable, and then performing a song that reflected that emotion. This challenge allowed the contestants to showcase not only their singing abilities, but also their emotional range and depth as performers.

Another standout episode was "Dance-ability", which challenged the contestants to perform a high-energy dance routine to a popular song. The judges were looking for contestants who could not only keep up with the choreography, but also bring their own unique style and flair to the performance.

Throughout the competition, Mitchell, Larsen, and Newell consistently impressed the judges with their performances. Mitchell was praised for his soulful voice and songwriting abilities, while Larsen received high marks for his raw energy and stage presence. Newell quickly became known for his powerful vocals and commanding stage presence, and frequently wowed the judges with his performances.

In the end, the winner of the first season of The Glee Project was Samuel Larsen. Larsen won a seven-episode arc on Glee, and went on to play the character of Joe Hart on the show. However, Mitchell and Newell also made appearances on Glee, and both went on to successful careers in music and theater.

Overall, The Glee Project was a popular and successful show that allowed fans to connect with the talented performers who brought their favorite characters to life on Glee. The show highlighted the importance of vulnerability, creativity, and hard work in the entertainment industry, and provided a platform for aspiring performers to showcase their talents to a nationwide audience.