Gleeful

A new TV series, The Glee Project, is engaging on several levels. The starting point is that each participant is talented, but the selection process determines what else sets each contestant apart from another, as well as potential cohesion with the existing Glee cast and conforming to the series premise of "losers" who sometimes are winners. Some contestants can out-sing others, while others can out-perform some singers, but what separates them is that intangible quality that goes beyond the skill sets. So far, it appears that few are talented in dance/ choreography, which is a significant part of the Glee performance each week, a performance skill that separates the top tier from who’s going home in the next episode.

What I specifically appreciate is the willingness of the selection committee to hone in on the quality indicators as they specify them each week: the final performance either makes – or breaks – a contestant, and sometimes those indicators are discreet, rather than obvious. It is the distinction that can be made only by a well-qualified working professional, a rare insight that takes years of knowledge and practical experience to develop. You know it when you experience it, but there is no way to define it or even describe it: it's deep and it's real, and it's critical to success.

This week’s episode centered on vulnerability, but not on what one says is his/her vulnerability, but what the individual conveys beyond the words. This kind of reality is not applied like a band-aid to give the appearance of vulnerability, but has to be the deeply-felt vulnerability that no one wants to share with others. In my view, the most disadvantaged performer is the most professional, the young Irish lad who has been on-stage with Celtic Thunder. His job on the Celtic stage is to convince the audience that he’s all man, Celtic strong, a strength that comes from generations of fierce warriors. He’s a young man whose life is more façade than reality, so how does he touch what’s inside and bring it outside for the world to see, especially while he’s on stage? Vulnerability directly conflicts with his previous professional performance, so for him to be vulnerable, not just act it, had to be harder than it would be for any of the other contestants.

From the living room side of the TV screen, it is easier to see contestants acting vulnerable than it may seem from the performance stage. Some of the performers are certain that they have nailed their song and are surprised when the professionals critique the performance as being less than honest. This week’s final performance was presented by a “chica” who spent too much time pretending to be … rather than being. She stereotyped herself the way she thought would be most convincing to the panel of judges, but they recognized her act and sent her home. She wasn’t vulnerable; she was merely acting her perception of vulnerable, and acting did not rate a call-back.

I’m not sure if the goal is to finish the experience with one winner or multiple winners, but that task has to be beyond challenging to almost impossible. When everyone participating shares a level playing field, the little things separate the call-backs from the contestants going home. I am going to stick with the series because I like the life lesson that reminds all of us that sometimes, good enough isn’t, along with an enjoyable hour of talented performers doing their thing. The Glee Experience: tune in.