The Glee Project Recap: Theatricality Challenge with Grant Gustin

Tonight’s episode centers on the theme of theatricality as the remaining eight contenders compete for a spot on Glee. Guest mentor Grant Gustin joins the show to guide the group through heightened performance choices and character work. The homework assignment is “I Hope I Get It” from the musical A Chorus Line, and the group music video features “When I Grow Up” by the Pussycat Dolls. Ultimately, Nellie is eliminated this week.

Homework and Group Assignment

The contestants tackle the vocal homework—“I Hope I Get It”—which underscores the anxiety and ambition each performer is experiencing. Grant Gustin, drawing on his theater background, explains that theatricality means amplifying emotion while keeping a truthful foundation in performance. After the sessions, Grant names Ali as the homework winner for her strong, committed delivery.

For the group video, the cast is assigned a high-concept pop number: grocery store clerks imagining themselves as pop superstars. Each contender must fully embody an assigned star: Michael as Elvis, Aylin as Madonna, Blake as Boy George, Lily as Cyndi Lauper, Ali as Katy Perry, Shanna as Lady Gaga, and Nellie as Britney Spears. The objective is to be bold, larger-than-life, and to lose themselves in the characters they portray.

Choreography and Direction

Choreographer Zach Woodlee returns to teach the group the staging, emphasizing pose-driven movement and theatrical presence rather than intricate footwork. He repeatedly warns the contestants not to deliver lifeless or robotic performances, urging them to commit to specific character choices and physicality. Some contestants worry about embodying certain pop icons, but Zach encourages them to interpret rather than imitate literally.

Vocal Coaching and Personal Challenges

Vocal coach Nikki works individually with the contenders. Michael, who often overthinks his performances, struggles again in the booth and leaves the session discouraged. Abraham, assigned to play David Bowie, initially bristles at the suggestion that his performance might be “androgynous.” That term touches on earlier experiences of being bullied for feminine traits, and he admits to still wrestling with the interplay between masculine and feminine elements in his presentation. Over the course of the day he begins to embrace Bowie’s androgynous qualities and commits more fully to the role.

On-Set and Video Shoot

The contestants film the music video under director Erik White, with Robert and Zach offering on-set notes. Several standout moments emerge: Blake avoids a stereotypical approach to Boy George and is praised for a thoughtful, nuanced choice; Shanna commits to a daring Lady Gaga-inspired look that tests her endurance; and Nellie visibly struggles in the Britney Spears role, unsure how to make it feel authentic. Ali, Michael, and Shanna deliver energetic on-camera work, while Lily and Nellie receive constructive criticism for not fully translating theatricality into the video context.

Standout and Callbacks

At critique, Ali is named the week’s standout for owning her pop character and elevating the performance with honest theatrical choices. The next group of call-backs includes Shanna, Blake, and Aylin, all of whom impressed the mentors with commitment and character development. That leaves Michael, Nellie, Lily, and Abraham waiting for final decisions.

Bottom Three and Last Chance Performances

Robert delivers the bottom three: Nellie, Abraham, and Lily. Their last-chance performances for Ryan Murphy are emotionally charged and varied in style.

Nellie performs “I’m the Only One” by Melissa Etheridge. Her vocal passion is noted, and Ryan acknowledges a new level of emotional engagement, though mentors still question whether she fully wants the role on Glee and whether she can translate vulnerability into sustained confidence.

Abraham sings “Stereo Hearts” by Gym Class Heroes in a theatrical, striking performance that earns praise for its boldness. Ryan confronts Abraham about authenticity, challenging him to reconcile showmanship with genuine emotion. Ryan encourages Abraham to stop holding back if he hopes to move forward.

Lily delivers “Someone Like You” by Adele with strong vocal moments but is criticized for performing more as a character on stage than as a truthful singer. The mentors debate whether her choices during the video shoot matched the vulnerability she showed in the live performance. Lily becomes defensive and emotional when challenged about direction and expectations, exposing insecurities that the judges view as a potential obstacle.

Elimination: Nellie Leaves

After deliberation, Robert announces that Nellie will be leaving the competition. Nellie departs saying she gained a renewed sense of pride and is ready to move forward with greater confidence. The elimination reflects the mentors’ belief that while Nellie showed moments of promise, she ultimately struggled to let go of insecurities and fully inhabit the bold theatrical choices the show demands.

Episode Takeaways

This episode highlights the tension between technical skill and theatrical risk. Grant Gustin’s mentorship reinforces that theatricality requires both emotional honesty and heightened expression. Some contenders—Ali, Blake, and Abraham—demonstrate growth by embracing clear characters and committing to choices, while others wrestle with insecurities that undermine their performances. The group video showcases strong visual concepts and committed work from several contestants, and the week’s elimination underscores the importance of vulnerability and full commitment in musical theater and television performance.