Glee Covers MJ Again - Update: Show to air Jan 31, 2012

Re: Glee Covers MJ Again

OMG this episode of Glee is going to totally ****** rock ! :wild:

Does anyone know when it airs in Australia?
 
Re: Glee Covers MJ Again

Great news that Monster is not in the show!
 
The thunder's just stopped rumbling, but a storm's still a-brewin' in a chilly parking garage just outside the Paramount Studio gates on a gusty Hollywood night. Inside, oblivious drivers exiting for the evening pass choreographer Zach Woodlee putting the warmly bundled-up Gleekids through a rigorous routine. Having only just been introduced to their complicated dance moves, the physically drained troupe will be in costume and before cameras in less than an hour shooting their big "Bad" production number — the crown jewel in a tribute episode to the King of Pop, Michael Jackson, that airs on Tuesday, January 31.

As the deafening prerecorded track plays "I'm bad, I'm bad/Come on/You know it," Woodlee, a recognizable face himself as one of the judges on Oxygen's The Glee Project, shouts his marching orders: "Walk, walk. Swipe, swipe, punch. Now swing! Ladies, you have to start backing up against the wall like you're scared." Woodlee separates Lea Michele (Rachel), Naya Rivera (Santana),Dianna Agron (Quinn), Heather Morris (Brittany) and Jenna Ushkowitz (Tina) from the boys in a dance-off pitting the New Directions against the Warblers. "I promise you this will work. Well... maybe."

This ambitious homage — which includes 10 of Jackson's hits, such as "Rock With You," "Smooth Criminal" and "Black or White" — is an enormous undertaking pulled together in platinum-record speed after receiving the blessing of the überprotective Jackson estate. "It's a different thing to do a posthumous [tribute] episode as opposed to dealing directly with Madonna, Britney [Spears] or Lady Gaga," explains exec producer Ryan Murphy. "Michael's kids are somewhat fans of the show, so the estate was lovely. In fact, they liked the writing so much that halfway through the planning they asked us to do another one about him next year." (Murphy has not yet confirmed a follow-up.)

When Woodlee gives the gang a quick breather, Michele cuddles with Darren Criss (Blaine) to keep warm, while Kevin McHale gets up out of Artie's wheelchair for a stretch and Mark Salling(Puck) lightens the mood by parading around in a red Cheerios skirt.

While the skirt will never actually be seen on Puck, Glee's costumers stretched their budget considerably, just as they did for their first-season Madonna and Lady Gaga tributes, decking out the cast in flashy fedoras, red leather jackets, sparkly rhinestone socks and gloves and other Jackophernalia. One standout is Chris Colfer, who as Kurt is rocking a black leather jumpsuit. "This is the closest I'll ever get to playing Catwoman," cracks Colfer, who has been entertaining his cohorts with his imitation of Meryl Streep as Iron Lady Margaret Thatcher.

But who was Michael Jackson to this cast of twentysomethings? Many were far too young (or even yet to be born) during Jackson's 1980s firestorm when Thriller became the top-selling album of all time. Like many of his cast mates, Colfer remembers his first "conscious awareness" of Jackson was "seeing him going from hospitals to courtrooms, which overshadowed all the amazing music." Echoes Criss, "Unfortunately for our generation, it was a dark time in his life."

"When I was in high school, there was definitely a lot of controversial stuff going on," adds Michele, doing her best to remain upbeat despite the gnawing pain of wisdom teeth soon to be extracted. "That's what I remember. But his best friends were Liz Taylor and Liza Minnelli, so he was always good in my book."

For more with the Glee cast, pick up this week's issue of TV Guide Magazine, on newsstands Thursday, January 12!

http://www.tvguide.com/News/Set-Glees-Michael-1041401.aspx
 
Re: Glee Covers MJ Again

Did Taj apologize for starting shit on Twitter?

This guy needs a damned job....he started bitching against Glee and the Jackson estate....after reading Perez Hilton. Yeah, I am sure your best-friend/uncle would have been proud of you...NOT.


Strike 100.
 
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Re: Glee Covers MJ Again

Did Taj apologize for starting shit on Twitter?

This guy needs a damned job....he started bitching against Glee and the Jackson estate....after reading Perez Hilton. Yeah, I am sure your best-friend/uncle would have been proud of you...NOT.


Strike 100.

It was because Perez Hilton reported that they were using Monster, which thankfully has turned out not to be accurate. To be fair, he did say that it wasn't certain and that he was hoping it wasn't true. If they had used it, hs anger would have been justified but luckily it seems they aren't.
 
Re: Glee Covers MJ Again

I respect Taj and thank him for everything he shares with us fans. And I for one am especially thankful that Monster is outta da show!
 
Re: Glee Covers MJ Again

It was because Perez Hilton reported that they were using Monster, which thankfully has turned out not to be accurate. To be fair, he did say that it wasn't certain and that he was hoping it wasn't true. If they had used it, hs anger would have been justified but luckily it seems they aren't.

To be fair? really....? He only came down & wrote that after someone tweeted him that he was "acting like an imbecile running with a Perez Hilton's gossip report". How is that for fair?

PS. I like Monster a lot...hopefully, it will make it on next year's tribute (if they do decide to take the Estate on their offer)
 
Glee's Michael Jackson Tribute: Who's the Villain, Who's Dueting, and Who's Warming the Bench?
BY MICHAEL SLEZAK

You can’t believe everything you read on the Internet — especially when it comes Glee spoilers — but you can trust TVLine’s scoop about the show’s upcoming Michael Jackson tribute episode slated to air later this month. That’s because our crack team of reporters caught up with several cast members at Sunday’s Television Critics Association bash to get the news straight from the show choir’s mouth:

Sebastian Will Be Startin’ Somethin’ | Yes, folks, get ready for Grant Gustin’s Sebastian Smythe to turn into a total terror, says Kevin McHale (Artie). “For this episode, it’s everybody versus Sebastian,” McHale says of the sneaky gay teen who previously tried to come between Kurt and Blaine. “He’s our first male villain.” What turns so many people against the carefully coiffed Warbler? “I do a majorly douche-y thing to one of the characters. So first off the fans are against me, and now the whole cast is against me,” explains Gustin with a laugh.

Santana Might Just Leave Some Blood on the Dance Floor | After Sebastian commits his bad act, “Santana comes to Dalton [Academy] and confronts me,” teases Gustin. “And then we go into ‘Smooth Criminal’ together.”

The Show Will Rock Without ‘Rock With You’ | Gustin says he’ll also pop up in a performance of “Bad” that features both New Directions and the Warblers, as well as a scene where the Dalton show choir covers a Jackson 5 number. But alas, the guys in the navy-and-red blazers won’t be doing “Rock With You,” as reported on a number of sites. “It didn’t get cleared,” says McHale, although it was in the script at one point, adds Gustin.

A Couple of Characters Will Beat It | Indeed, Jayma Mays and Jane Lynch confirm that Emma and Sue won’t be part of the episode. What’s more surprising, though is that Matthew Morrison’s Mr. Schue won’t get his MJ on, either. “I don’t [sing in the episode], unfortunately,” says Morrison. “But in a weird way, there’s a pressure [when you have to] sing a Michael Jackson song, so I was kind of relieved.”
Mr. Schue Wants the New Directions Kids to Remember the Time…When MJ Topped the Charts | “A lot of the kids in high school today know Michael Jackson, but I don’t think they really are influenced and affected by him,” says Morrison. “[Will wants MJ] to go down as one of the greatest performers of all time — and I think he will. [The episode] is about bringing Michael Jackson to a new generation.” In fact, look for Will to take to the blackboard with an episode-shaping question: “WWMJD?” (Yes, folks, that stands for “What would Michael Jackson do?”)

Sam Is Not Alone | Chord Overstreet won’t reveal much, except for the fact that the Jackson tribute finds Sam in duet mode. (That said, a credible set list from TV Guide pointed to Sam tackling a “Human Nature”/”Nature Boy” mashup with none other than Mercedes.)

The Way “Ben” Makes Chris Colfer Feel…Is Confused | Colfer says Kurt will deliver Jackson’s 1972 soundtrack cut “Ben,” from that horror movie about a boy and his rat. “I have no idea [why it was chosen], but I know it was voted the worst song in history by some group. It was about a rat, but we’re singing it about Kurt’s boyfriend,” says Colfer. “I’m not sure what the connection is! They didn’t [change lyrics from "Ben" to "Blaine"]; that would have been clever, though.”

Mike Chang Will Turn into a Dancing Machine | “Everyone gets to contribute in their own way,” says Harry Shum, Jr., whose character will tackle the Michael-Janet duet “Scream” (reportedly with Artie). “It’s going to be a fun duet,” he says. “And that particular song has so much anger and angst about all these things that have built up, and Mike Chang has a lot of pent-up anger he couldn’t express, so you’re going to see a lot of explosive dance moments.” (Reporting by Matt Webb Mitovich, Michael Ausiello and Vlada Gelman)

http://www.tvline.com/2012/01/glee-michael-jackson-tribute-spoilers/
 
Re: Glee Covers MJ Again

To be fair? really....? He only came down & wrote that after someone tweeted him that he was "acting like an imbecile running with a Perez Hilton's gossip report". How is that for fair?

PS. I like Monster a lot...hopefully, it will make it on next year's tribute (if they do decide to take the Estate on their offer)

Judging by the hugely negative reaction by fans with regards to it's rumoured inclusion in this, and it's actual inclusion in Cirque (which is why all but 50's rap was removed), then I would doubt, and hope, that it is not included in any future show. And I am pleased it is not in this one.
 
Re: Glee Covers MJ Again

Mod Note -
Lets not derail this thread into a Taj or Jackson bashing and please Dont turn this thread into a argument over Casico songs. Your opinions of the songs are now noted .. so Lets all get back on topic. Thanks :)
 
Re: Glee Covers MJ Again

Great, I hope they never stop covering/paying tribute to Michael :)
 
Re: Glee Covers MJ Again

Another TV Guide cover

glee-tvguide.jpg
 
Obviously some of the singing will be a bit iffy but this doesn't sound too bad! They have a lot of respect of Michael :) Can't wait to see which dances/costumes they choose as well!

http://www.tvline.com/2012/01/glee-michael-jackson-tribute-spoilers/

JANUARY 10, 2012 05:28 AM PST
Glee's Michael Jackson Tribute: Who's the Villain, Who's Dueting, and Who's Warming the Bench?

BY MICHAEL SLEZAK

You can’t believe everything you read on the Internet — especially when it comes Glee spoilers — but youcan trust TVLine’s scoop about the show’s upcoming Michael Jackson tribute episode slated to air later this month. That’s because our crack team of reporters caught up with several cast members at Sunday’s Television Critics Association bash to get the news straight from the show choir’s mouth:

Sebastian Will Be Startin’ Somethin’ |
Yes, folks, get ready for Grant Gustin’s Sebastian Smythe to turn into a total terror, says Kevin McHale (Artie). “For this episode, it’s everybody versus Sebastian,” McHale says of the sneaky gay teen who previously tried to come between Kurt and Blaine. “He’s our first male villain.” What turns so many people against the carefully coiffed Warbler? “I do a majorly douche-y thing to one of the characters. So first off the fans are against me, and now the whole cast is against me,” explains Gustin with a laugh.

Santana Might Just Leave Some Blood on the Dance Floor |
After Sebastian commits his bad act, “Santana comes to Dalton [Academy] and confronts me,” teases Gustin. “And then we go into ‘Smooth Criminal’ together.

”
The Show Will Rock Without ‘Rock With You’ |
Gustin says he’ll also pop up in a performance of “Bad” that features both New Directions and the Warblers, as well as a scene where the Dalton show choir covers a Jackson 5 number. But alas, the guys in the navy-and-red blazers won’t be doing “Rock With You,” as reported on a number of sites. “It didn’t get cleared,” says McHale, although it was in the script at one point, adds Gustin.

A Couple of Characters Will Beat It |
Indeed, Jayma Mays and Jane Lynch confirm that Emma and Sue won’t be part of the episode. What’s more surprising, though is that Matthew Morrison’s Mr. Schue won’t get his MJ on, either. “I don’t [sing in the episode], unfortunately,” says Morrison. “But in a weird way, there’s a pressure [when you have to] sing a Michael Jackson song, so I was kind of relieved.

”
Mr. Schue Wants the New Directions Kids to Remember the Time…When MJ Topped the Charts |
“A lot of the kids in high school today know Michael Jackson, but I don’t think they really are influenced and affected by him,” says Morrison. “[Will wants MJ] to go down as one of the greatest performers of all time — and I think he will. [The episode] is about bringing Michael Jackson to a new generation.” In fact, look for Will to take to the blackboard with an episode-shaping question: “WWMJD?” (Yes, folks, that stands for “What would Michael Jackson do?”)

Sam Is Not Alone |
Chord Overstreet won’t reveal much, except for the fact that the Jackson tribute finds Sam in duet mode. (That said, a credible set list from TV Guide pointed to Sam tackling a “Human Nature”/”Nature Boy” mashup with none other than Mercedes.)

The Way “Ben” Makes Chris Colfer Feel…Is Confused |

Colfer says Kurt will deliver Jackson’s 1972 soundtrack cut “Ben,” from that horror movie about a boy and his rat. “I have no idea [why it was chosen], but I know it was voted the worst song in history by some group. It was about a rat, but we’re singing it about Kurt’s boyfriend,” says Colfer. “I’m not sure what the connection is! They didn’t [change lyrics from "Ben" to "Blaine"]; that would have been clever, though.”

Mike Chang Will Turn into a Dancing Machine |
“Everyone gets to contribute in their own way,” says Harry Shum, Jr., whose character will tackle the Michael-Janet duet “Scream” (reportedly with Artie). “It’s going to be a fun duet,” he says. “And that particular song has so much anger and angst about all these things that have built up, and Mike Chang has a lot of pent-up anger he couldn’t express, so you’re going to see a lot of explosive dance moments.” (Reporting by Matt Webb Mitovich, Michael Ausiello and Vlada Gelman)
 
Re: Glee Covers MJ Again

First Look: Glee's Michael Jackson Tribute







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1 of 15​















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Darren Criss' Blaine and Harry Shum Jr.'s Mike take center stage in "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'." During rehearsals, Criss said, "I'm nervous I won't be able to do some of the moves, which are so iconic and cool."


Despite an exhausting shooting schedule, the Glee cast had a blast playing dress up yet again - this time in red leather, glittery gloves and fedoras, for their Michael Jackson tribute episode, airing Jan. 31. "One of our challenges," explains co-costume designer Jennifer Eve, "was to take the inspiration of Michael Jackson but keep the iconic Glee characterizations."But it's not all sparkle and no substance. According to Cory Monteith, who plays Finn, "What makes 'Michael' a great tribute episode is that it successfully carries a lot of our storylines forward while at the same time paying homage to the King of Pop."Enjoy this behind-the-scenes photo gallery tour of outtakes from TV Guide Magazine's exclusive on-set cover story photo shoot and hear what the cast has to say about perhaps Glee's most ambitious undertaking yet.

Read more: http://www.seattlepi.com/ae/tv/tvgu...e-s-Michael-Jackson-2455460.php#ixzz1jC7zcytm



 
http://justjared.buzznet.com/2012/01/11/glee-cast-channels-michael-jackson-on-tv-guide-cover/
The Glee stars and co-creator Ryan Murphy chatted about the show’s upcoming Michael Jackson tribute episode.


“Michael’s kids are somewhat fans of the show, so the estate was lovely. In fact, they liked the writing so much that halfway through planning they asked us to do another one about him next year,” Ryan shared, though he hasn’t confirmed a follow-up.


As for Dianna Agron’s memory of the late King of Pop, “His life was bumpy - his relationship with his father, his marriage, his friendships. It wasn’t a life that was by any means normal. As America we had a love for him, and then it kind of dwindled. But once he passed, everybody threw everything out the door and realized his impact on music and what an incomparable artist he was,” she told the mag.
 
Re: Glee Covers MJ Again

I am going to watch this. I have never watched Glee before so I don't know what to expect.
 
The Cello Shredders

OB-RJ256_ARENA0_DV_20120112205054.jpg

From Croatia to Las Vegas: 2Cellos


Less than a year ago, a pair of Croatian cellists posted a YouTube video showing off their shredding, percussive take on the Michael Jackson song "Smooth Criminal." That almost immediately led to a multialbum deal with Sony Masterworks and a slot on an Elton John tour that continues through a two-month run in Las Vegas starting next month.
Now Stjepan Hauser and Luka Sulic, who perform as 2Cellos, have reprised the concept of their "Smooth Criminal" video—the dueling players faced off in a ballroom—on the high-school musical TV series "Glee." The cameo, on a Jackson tribute episode airing Jan. 31, marks the first time the singing-centric show has showcased instrumentalists.After a self-titled debut album that sold 133,000 copies and included renditions of Nirvana, Guns N' Roses and U2, the next test for 2Cellos will be to move beyond the "shtick" of a high-concept cover band, says Sony Classical International President Bogdan Roscic. Repertoire has not yet been decided for a follow-up record, but Mr. Roscic expects the duo to include vocalists, other instrumentalists and original compositions.
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http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970204542404577156802762808124.html?mod=googlenews_wsj

R
emember this video

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Re: Glee Covers MJ Again

Wow! That cello version of SC was tough :)
 
A heads-up:


http://www.wetpaint.com/glee/articl...-gets-new-airdate-will-it-be-earlier-or-later


Originally, Glee&#8217;s highly-anticipated Michael Jackson tribute episode &#8212; Season 3, Episode 11: &#8220;Michael&#8221; &#8212; was set to air on Tuesday, January 24.


Unfortunately, the episode had to be moved to the following week: Tuesday, January 31, in order that Fox could air President Barack Obama&#8217;s January 24 State of the Union Address.



Are we happy about this? No. But &#8230; we guess the President of the United States is allowed to be more important than a TV show. Fine. We&#8217;ll give him that.


In any case, we know Glee&#8217;s epic MJ episode is definitely going to be worth the wait!
 
Colfer says Kurt will deliver Jackson&#8217;s 1972 soundtrack cut &#8220;Ben,&#8221; from that horror movie about a boy and his rat. &#8220;I have no idea [why it was chosen], but I know it was voted the worst song in history by some group.

Who thinks Ben is the worst song in history? Are those people crazy?
 
Kevin McHale from 'Glee' talks about the MJ tribute episode


http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/...10330.html?ref=entertainment&ir=Entertainment


r-KEVIN-MCHALE-GLEE-large570.jpg



Since Season 1, McHale has tackled some of the more nerve-wracking classics, soloing on songs like Michael Jackson's "P.Y.T.," Stevie Wonder's "Isn't She Lovely," and Season 2's hit mash-up "Thriller/Heads Will Roll."


So it should come as no surprise that McHale is one of the forces behind "Glee's" upcoming Michael Jackson tribute episode. Being one of the King of Pop's biggest fans -- and having a part in nearly every Jackson song covered on the show -- McHale and co-star Harry Shum Jr. went to the writers and suggested a few Jackson classics for the episode.


HuffPost TV caught up with McHale to talk about the highly-anticipated Jackson tribute, Artie's new love interest and what band he's been trying to cover on "Glee" since Season 1. Hint: Darren Criss is also a big fan of the British quartet!


...


Well, you do get to wear some pretty iconic looks in the upcoming Michael Jackson episode.


That was absolutely insane. The one number we did where everybody wore a different Michael outfit was just incredible. It was like everybody liked somebody else's more than their own. We had no idea what everybody was going to wear until we got to set and were like, "Oh my god! Look at yours!" We were all just freaking out. I had the "Thriller" jacket.


And that's the most iconic look! So Artie definitely won, right?


Yeah, I mean... I have to say that Heather's was pretty amazing too. She got the "Bad" outfit, with all the crazy belts around her. I thought that she looked incredible.


Which number was that for?


It was for "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'" with Darren taking the lead.


I remember when they announced that "Glee" was doing a Michael Jackson episode, and I immediately thought of you because you're such a Jackson fan. You've taken the lead on most of the Jackson songs.


Oh, well, thank you. It's so terrifying to sing any of his songs, so I'm glad that I can pull it off in a way that people think that because I'm actually terrified. There's a lot of pressure to get it right.


Was there any song that you particularly wanted to sing?


There's a number that Harry and I are doing that we really fought for, so we were excited to do it. "Black or White" is definitely another one that I was happy to do. Harry and I actually threw a few song ideas out there toward Ryan [Murphy] and the writers, and "Black or White" wasn't one of them, so I'm so happy that they kind of didn't listen to us there and added that one.


Are you and Harry the resident Jackson fans on set?


Of course there were more of us that were huge MJ fans, but Harry and I were kind of the ones that took the initiative to be like, "Okay, look: Here's what we would want to see, as huge MJ fans." And they really listened to us, which I thought was really nice. As the writers, they didn't have to listen to us, but out of respect, they took the time to listen to us because they knew how much we loved him. So that was nice, regardless of whether they used our recommendations or not.


Well, I'm really excited for the "Scream" duet between Artie and Mike Chang, Harry Shum's character, because I hear that Artie may be getting out of his chair again.


Maybe ... I don't know! It would be really awesome if he did, but regardless, I'm just really excited to do a whole dance number with Harry, whether it's in or out of the chair.


As one of the more talented dancers on set, do you ever get frustrated that you can't dance with the cast?


Not until recently, in this season. Actually, I think it's just Michael Jackson songs that I get frustrated over. When we were doing the Jackson Family Medley for Sectionals, I learned it first out of the chair, which was a stupid thing to do because then I knew all of the moves, and I knew that I could do it. Normally, like 99.9 percent of the time, I don't get frustrated. I just don't think about it because the character that I play just can't, so I just never think about it ... unless it's Michael Jackson.


What is the one number that you're most excited about in the Michael Jackson episode?


There are two numbers where we pay direct homage to the original videos, and those are my two favorites. One of those is mine and Harry's, so you definitely need to watch out for that one ... just because I'm in it. It's really surreal getting to reenact some of those videos.
 
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