Who should I interview next?

Okay, so my interviews have been very popular with my readers, and I want to know who YOU GUYS want to see me do an interview with next!

Here is the link to my survey! It's only TWO questions!
The OMGlee Project Q&A Poll

Answer who you want to see, and who was your favorite! Thanks!

Abraham Q&A!

This just may be my best and most in-depth interview to date. Abraham is amazing, and he is obviously very passionate, too. I think we already knew that, though! Get ready for a good read, guys! Enjoy!

Q: Since TGP is more of an “inspiration” competition, rather than a singing competition, what is your story and how would you like to portray your story through a character on Glee?
A: Ever since this season of The Glee Project premiered, a lot of people tagged me as "Mike Chang 2.0" or "the other-other Asian," but there is so much more to me than being Asian. My biological father was an alcoholic and consequently, there was a lot of domestic abuse within my household. There's divorce, immigrating into the United States, walking home from school on my own when I was in the first grade because my mom was always working, getting bullied for my supposed sexuality and feminine traits--there is so much. Isn't that what Glee is all about? Stripping down the layers to reveal a multifaceted story? There are lots of great character ideas floating around, but I hope I can be a character that all people can relate to no matter what they look like or walk of life they come from.

Q: It must be difficult being in the throes of a reality television competition. Explain how you, personally, maintained relationships with the other contenders, while competing against them.
A: Walking into this competition, I thought I was going to go all Black Swan on everyone's asses and completely forego relationships for the chance to win (laughter), but it's not always about that. Relationships… that's what makes us human; so regardless of how rigorous our schedule was and how competitive it got, I would always end the night with a bedside conversation with Blake, have a talk with Tyler or chat about randomness outside in our little synthetic-grass-backyard with Nellie.

Q: Who on Glee inspires you the most?
A: I mean, I relate to so many characters on Glee--Rachel's ability to dream and strive for perfection, Mike's innate need to honor his parents, Kurt's determination and fight to create a paradigm shift with his own story of being different. But I definitely feel like Kurt and Coach Beiste have been the most inspiring characters for me thus far on the show.

Q: Do you see yourself as a role model?
A: I don't necessarily see myself as a role model. You know, I just strive to be the best me I could possibly be and I hope the same for everyone. I'm not going to pull a Miley Cyrus and be all "I don't want to be a role model! I can't be tamed!" If someone looks up to me and is inspired by me, I'm so humbled and honored; but at the same time, I hope that people remember that I, too, am human just like everyone else and that they look at not just the good, but the bad as well. You can always be inspired and learn from the mistakes as well.

Q: What song would you want your potential character to sing as your introduction into the show?
A: You're going to think I'm completely insane, but I would want my potential character's introduction song of sorts to be "S&M" by Rihanna (laughter). I mean, the character I have envisioned for myself is a spitfire and completely sassy, but becomes more vulnerable and open with each stripped layer (sort of like how I've been on The Glee Project). Plus, "sticks and stones may break my bones but chains and whips excite me…" Use your imagination (laughter).

Q: If given the opportunity, who would you like to sing a duet with on Glee? What song? 
A: Probably Blaine or Santana. With regards to the song… something with attitude. Maybe "Hold it Against Me" by Britney or "Supermassive Black Hole" by Muse.

Q: Who/what is your favorite singer/band?
A: I have way too many to name, but I love The Beatles, Muse, Phoenix, Sigur Ros, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, William Fitzsimmons, Adele and Britney Spears.

Q: Do you have any original music?
A: Oh, definitely (laughter). You'll hear them in due time.

Q: If so, do you plan on recording an album at all during your career?
A: Somewhere down the line, I'd love to release an album or two (or ten). I love writing, I love performing, and I come sketch everything from staging to video concepts. All of it's definitely a part of me, but I'll release my music when I feel like the season is right.

Q: What acting or theatre experience do you have before The Glee Project?
A: None whatsoever. Oh wait, I played the DJ in my 5th grade production of Grease in elementary school. Other than that, none.

Q: What was your initial reaction for being cast on The Glee Project?
A: When Robert gave me that Skype call to tell me that I had been cast on The Glee Project, I told him to shut up and started bawling. I. Could. Not. Believe. It. It literally felt as though all of the bullying and criticism I had received for pursuing my dreams was slowly being brushed off and it just felt really… cathartic.

Q: What is your dream role on Glee?
A: My dream role on Glee… honestly, I'm not that picky (laughter). If Ryan wants to write a role for me, I would trust him and the writers to come up with something great for me, which I know they would. I've seen so many good ideas by fans though, so they probably have better ideas than I do. Like I said before though, I just don't want to play a stereotypical Asian role. I want to play a multifaceted and universal character that everyone can relate to. A little sass on the outside and a soft core on the inside would be nice though.

Q: Who would you like to see your potential Glee character “date” or “hook-up” with?
A: Either Santana or Blaine. Or both (laughter).

Q: Who do you think your character would rival with?
A: To be honest, this all depends on who my character is and what kind of person they are, but if it was based purely on my performance style, I could totally see my character finding a rival in everyone (laughter), but if I had to pick specifics, probably Kurt and Santana. I don't know why but that "Smooth Criminal" duet with Santana and Sebastian comes to mind.

Q: If you won The Glee Project, and they wanted you to play a gay character – how would you feel about taking on a role such as this? 
A: I would love to take on the role of a gay character! I even saw an idea that was floating around that revolved around my ambiguous sexuality--that I could trick girls into thinking that I was gay and have them open up to me only so that I can take advantage of that and… you know. But heck, if I won The Glee Project and they wanted me to play a dendrophiliac, I would (laughter). I'm seriously so open to everything and everyone that playing any character, even if it may be out of my comfort zone, would be more than fine with me.

Q: Based on your experiences with bullying; what would you say to your fans in regards to learning to love themselves for who they are, regardless of what others say?
A: I really wish my fans--and everyone, for that matter--could learn to see themselves and see what I see, which is beauty and a hell of a story all around. But bullying is a culture and it leaves scars that remain for… a really long time. I mean, look at that whole "androgynous" exchange in the recording booth during Theatricality week. All of those painful memories from when I was growing up resurfaced in that one moment.
Here's an example: when you love someone, you don't just pick out the good; rather, you learn to love them in spite of all of their "negative" qualities. If we can so easily love others in that way, why can't we do the same for ourselves? Learn to love every aspect of yourself no matter what people say. Remember that you're different for a reason and you were crafted meticulously. Be the splash of red in a monotonous room full of gray. I think of how I was bullied so much growing up and how I really did want to give up at times… I really did. But when you do you and be the best possible you that you can possible be, it really does get better.

Q: What is the best advice you have ever received from any of the mentors, including Ryan Murphy?
A: The best advice I've received thus far is probably from Ryan who said something along the lines of, "Be yourself. Learn to reconcile all parts of yourself and be proud of who you are in your entirety." It sounds so simple, but it's so profound. But in all honesty, all of the mentors' advice throughout the competition--and after the show (I speak to Robert regularly)--have been so valuable. They're really all amazing human beings and I am so honored to have been mentored by them.

Q: You stated in a few episodes that you have been ridiculed for your “feminine” attributes your whole life. What would you say in regards to that matter to clear everything up once and for all?
A: You know what I've learned in my 24 years of life?… Wow, that made me sound really old, but seriously. People will always choose to believe what they've wanted to believe. There are still people who insist that I'm gay and I'm just like, oh hello person-I've-never-met-before, you must know me so much better than I know myself! If anything, I feel as though people would understand where I stand with regards to my sexuality and my "feminine" attributes if they watched this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8uS0ZLC2Mfw

Q: If you don’t wind up on Glee, would you ever consider going back to law school, or is your main focus establishing a career in the entertainment industry?
A: No. I hope I don't sound arrogant when I say this, but I don't have Plan B's. When I was set on going to law school, I had a goal score for my LSAT and a list of schools I wanted to get into posted on my wall and I ended up reaching my goal score (actually got one more point) and was set. With The Glee Project, it served as a confirmation for me that my true love is performing and sharing my story through my art. Through this show, I also realized that it's not just about me. It's about all of those people out there whose passions are confined and are restricted from pursuing the entertainment industry due to their families opposition and sociocultural values they hold so dear. Regardless of whether I win or lose, I fully intend on making my way to Glee someday and taking on this industry (music AND acting) by storm. We need to see more Asian Americans in this industry anyway and I'm more than up for the challenge.

Q: Individuality is necessary while establishing yourself as a performer. What do you have as an individual that you could bring to Glee, that isn’t already there?
A: Well, for one, I don't think there's a character that reflects the whole idea of straight but sexually ambiguous to others. I come from a background of domestic abuse, alcoholism, depression, financial hardship and more that haven't been covered on Glee yet. And I have YET to see an Asian character on Glee that is fully relatable by everyone regardless of what their skin color and background is. I am the antithesis of Mike Chang. Other than the fact that we're both Asian, we could not be more different. Plus, I can sing... and rock any hair color when the opportunity presents itself (laughter).

Q: Since you won the homework assignment in the Dance-ability episode, what was it like having a one-on-one mentoring session with Samuel Larsen – last year’s TGP winner?
A: Having a one-on-one mentoring session with Samuel was cool. In all honesty, I was hoping that his winning energy would somehow pass over to me (laughter). Plus, it was nice to be able to talk to someone who knows all-too-well how it feels to sit on those chairs in the choir room, perform in front of Ryan and walk up to that godforsaken list (laughter). I've gotten to know Samuel a bit more after the show and I'm happy to say that he's an awesome guy, so I'm glad to know him and see him continue on to do amazing things in his career.

Q: Your performance during the whole Vulnerability episode was pristine. When portraying a vulnerable character – where or what do you pull your inspiration from? 
A: Thank you so much! It was probably one of the most challenging weeks because I had never acted before that point, but during that week in particular, I journaled a lot. I wrote about my insecurities and vulnerabilities, completely afraid of sharing them throughout the week, but knowing that it was necessary to deliver a raw and honest performance.
On the outside, I decided to strip away the red hair and color contacts so that I can get to the bare essence of who I am. I also wanted Asian Americans out there to better relate to me and see someone like them on their television screens. With that song though, I was assigned several "hold on" lines and I thought about my mother and put myself in her shoes during her times of being abused by my biological father. I was singing those lines to her and acting with her struggle in mind.
I know everyone has different approaches to acting, but to me, it's a process that comes from the inside-out. I wanted to transform myself--or rather, become myself in my entirety--both on the inside and have my appearance reflect what I was feeling inside. I remember I couldn't stop crying while I was in the booth (I'm actually crying on the track) and while I was shooting the video. I derive inspiration from everything and everyone though. That's why I rarely sleep in the car during long drives. You never want to miss out on a possible moment of sheer inspiration.

Q: Your LCP with Ali during the Adaptability episode will definitely go down in TGP history! Explain what was going through your mind during that performance.
A: Oh LORD (laughter). I wish it would've gone down in TGP history in a different way, but hey, it is what it is and I'm glad I got to share that experience with Ali. In short, it was my first last chance performance in front of Ryan, nerves were heightened because it was Adaptability week and I had no Idea what to expect, and I let those nerves get the best of me in those… wordy moments. I remember wishing that we could've gotten a better song, but I was determined to accept it and perform the living daylights out of that song though; and while it was a complete and utter hot mess, it is what it is and I know that performance is in no way telling of our abilities as performers. Anyway, let's move on… (laughter).

Q: Fearlessness was one of the most intense episodes so far this season. How do you, personally, show fearlessness in your career and your personal life?
A: I don't think any one person can say that they are without fear; rather, I think it's about facing those fears and not allowing that fear to paralyze you. I've faced so many moments throughout my life where I was afraid, one of them being completely abandoning a life of guaranteed security and stability (I got into pretty amazing law schools) and going against the wishes of my parents--amongst other societal pressures within the Asian American community--for a chance to do what I love. I gave up a lot to do what I love, but love requires costly sacrifices at times, doesn't it?
In that sense, I'm never afraid to take risks when I really believe in whatever it is that I aim to do. I don't compromise who I am or change in accordance to who I'm with or where I am. I'm me regardless of those factors. Even in my career, I don't want to be someone who's safe. One of my favorite quotes is from Woody Allen who said, "If you're not failing every now and then, it's a sign you're not doing anything innovative". I never want to stick with the norm or do what's "expected" of me. I want to do what I believe in and do work that's refreshing and slowly breaks any stereotypical molds that people may confine me in. Not everyone's going to like that, but quite frankly, I care more about bringing about change and breaking stereotypes in order to inspire people than to be liked.

Q: In Theatricality, Nikki asked you if you considered yourself androgynous. Explain how that impacted your performance in the booth, and why?
A: As people may or may not know, I had been bullied throughout my life for people's assumptions of my sexual orientation, so when Nikki made that "androgynous comment" right before I started singing in the recording booth, I was honestly sort of shocked and mildly irritated. It brought up a lot of those memories and on top of that…what was the point of bringing that up right before I started recording and then pretty much dismissing my answer, which I believe to be the truth?
I want to make this explicitly clear: anyone on the show can, and will, testify to this when I say that I support everyone's notions and beliefs regarding sexual orientation and gender identity. I am a heterosexual man, whether people want to believe it or not, but I will never be limited or constrained by what people consider to be gender norms, which are socially constructed in my view. I will shuffle to "Party Rock Anthem," play up my mysterious masculinity as I did during Sexuality week, or belly-dance like Britney depending on what the performance calls for. If anything, being able to blend both the masculine and feminine is not only something I do in my performances, but also my life--and I do believe that it is liberating. I am never going to be limited by gender constructs and will be me regardless--and THAT is being free whether people believe it or not.
Having said all of that, do I think Nikki meant any harm when she asked me that question? No. If anything, I think she was merely making an observation about me as a performer and trying to get me into the character of David Bowie who was known for his androgyny onstage. I get it--and I respect and love her for it. But I wonder if she would have ever said that to any of the other male contenders on the show, including Tyler... and you know what? I don't think she would have.

Q: Thank you so much for your time Abraham! Do you have any final words for your very avid fans?
A: I don't think words can ever suffice or carry as much weight  when I say this: thank you guys so much. I remember when we, the contenders, were announced to the press and there was just this amazing reception from all of you.
It's been an amazing run on The Glee Project and thank you for walking with me in all of my ups and downs. As much as I love what I do, sometimes, it's really hard. There is so much going on within my family right now that makes it hard sometimes to really bask in every moment that has come my way… and then, I remember all of you. I see your tweets, your messages, your comments; and as much as you guys tell me how much I've inspired you, I hope you know how much you inspire me on a daily basis.
I know that for those of you who have had my back since the beginning, that my elimination may have come as a surprise or a disappointment. Some of you were even upset with me when I went back onstage. Whatever you feel though, I want you to know this: I will always fight for you and stand with you regardless of the cost. As long as one of you feel invisible or without a voice, I will always speak out for you, whether it be through my words or song. No matter the season, that will never change because when you really love someone, the external circumstances can never touch what lies at the core of one's heart, right?
The Glee Project has been one of the most amazing experiences of my life and I have no regrets. I know that this will be a foundation for what will be an amazing adventure--and career--ahead. So don't be sad for me. Be excited. There is so much more to come. I promise you that!
Always remember to be yourself and know that you are more than enough. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. Okay, now I'm crying (laughter). I love you all so much. #TeamAbraham

Needless to say, this Q&A was fabulous. Thanks again to Abraham for these fantastic answers! I have so much more love and respect for you after this experience! I was really pleased to see that you really got into the deep elements of the questions. Your fans are sure to love this! I did very much, myself! MWAH!

Thanks to everyone who followed me today! I love each and every one of you! Twitter: @bobfoundGLEEK

Michael Q&A!

The time has come, folks! My third interview is with the young and obnoxiously handsome Michael Weisman! Here we go!

Q: Who on Glee inspires you the most?

A: Burt Hummel inspires me to be accepting of everyone I can, and to push myself to embrace things that are different and maybe uncomfortable at first, just as he learned to do with his son, Kurt. 

Q: What song would you want your potential character to sing as your introduction into the show?

A: The first song I would want my character to sing on the show would be “I Don’t Need No Doctor,” the John Mayer version. It’s got a killer guitar lick, I love Ray Charles, and it’s bluesy. Right up my alley.

Q: If given the opportunity, who would you like to sing a duet with on Glee? What song? 

A: If I could sing a duet on Glee, I’d want it to be with Naya Rivera, and we would sing “Tubthumping,” by Chumbawamba. It would be hilarious and awesome.

Q: Who/what is your favorite singer/band?

A: I think my all-time favorite singer and guitarist is Jimi Hendrix. I never get tired of listening to him.

Q: Do you have any original music, and if so, do you ever plan on recording an album?

A: I don’t have any original music right now, but I might soon! Be on the lookout ;)

Q: Do you play any instruments?

A: I've played guitar for over ten years. I also play some bass, harmonica, and piano.

Q: Other than singing and performing, what are your hobbies?

A: I really enjoy cooking, hiking, and biking. I’ve recently started playing squash, and love the workout. It’s so much fun!

Q: What acting or theater experience do you have before The Glee Project?

A: Before the The Glee Project, I had taken acting classes with Menomonee, Lookinglass, and Piven. I was also in several of my high school productions. 

Q: What was your initial reaction for being cast on The Glee Project?

A: When I found out I was cast on The Glee Project, I was so excited! I couldn’t believe I was going to LA to film a TV show. I knew I would also get to miss some school, so I was happy about that too! 

Q: Did you follow Glee before auditioning for The Glee Project?

A: Before I auditioned for The Glee Project, I wasn’t an avid fan of Glee, but I had watched a bunch of episodes and loved it! I was in a short-lived Glee club at my school one year, too. After I auditioned though, I watched every season, front to back.

Q: What is your dream role on Glee?

A: My dream role on Glee is to play a brooding musician-type who also takes his grades seriously. But, Ryan could probably come up with something better. 

Q: Who would you like to see your potential Glee character “date” or “hook-up” with?

A: I’m sure that my potential Glee character would go for Dianna Agron. Quinn Fabray is a bad girl on the show, so the she would fit well with the brooding musician. And she’s gorgeous. 

Q: Who do you think your character would rival with?

A: My character would definitely rival with Sue Sylvester, since he wouldn’t handle authority very well, even though she is one of my favorites on Glee. 

Q: Do you REALLY love Math, or are you just REALLY good at it?

A: I’ve always enjoyed math. Some of it comes easily, but most of the time I have to work really hard at it. Calculus was really engaging because it was abstract and the focus is on the path to the answer, not the answer itself. You’re forced to use everything you’ve learned. I love hearing classmate’s ways of finding answers so I can expand my own creativity. And what isn’t sexy about that?

Q: What would you say has been your strongest week thus far?

A: I think vulnerability week was really strong for me. My time in the booth was great, I’m happy with how the line turned out. It was also the most powerful video we did and I learned so much on set. My scenes with Blake helped me grow so much as an actor. 

Q: You’ve been given many notes from the mentors in terms of your “lack of confidence”. How would you explain, or even justify that for yourself and to your fans?

A: Well it’s hard to be confident when you’re 18, never done any of this before, never sang so much, and constantly putting yourself out there and doing ridiculous things on national TV. I attribute the supposed lack of confidence to the way that I get into my head and blow things up. 

Q: Explain the trouble you had in the booth when you get too caught up “in your head”.

A: When I get caught up in my head I want to sift through problems individually, but there isn’t time for that in the booth. So instead of just forgetting the last take and giving my all to the next one, I hold on to my failures and put them under a magnifying glass. 

Q: It must be difficult being in the throes of a reality television competition. Explain how you, personally, maintained relationships with the other contenders, while competing against them.

A: The nice thing about the show is that even though we are competing against each other, we are not pitted against each other like on other reality TV shows. We are free to maintain which relationships we choose and can remain friendly with everyone. The only one you really have to compete against is yourself. 

Q: Your moves in Dance-ability were actually some of the best out of the whole cast. Did you have any dancing experience prior to TGP?

A: I don’t have any real dance experience, but I have been known to bust a move at your local house party, so the Dance-ability music video was right in my comfort zone. Plus, Blake and I practiced until exhaustion. 

Q: During Sexuality week, you were placed in the bottom three. How did it feel knowing that may have been your time to leave the show?

A: I didn’t feel that was going to my time to leave the show. But if I did, I would have left with some incredible life experiences and would have felt changed all the better for it. Every moment since callbacks has been a blessing, and I tried to live each one like it were my last. I felt so grateful to be on the show every day, and knew that whenever I left it would be with a feeling of pride and accomplishment. 

Q: Your last chance performance in Sexuality was obviously very difficult for you. Can you explain why singing “Lucky” was such a disaster for you?

A: Singing “Lucky” was really bizarre. I had never choked like that on stage before. Maybe it was because I was in a giant auditorium with four people [in the] spotlight and one of them was Ryan Murphy. I don’t really know what happened, but I still went for it and made up some funny lyrics. I actually talked to a friend who had the same lyrics issue with “Lucky.” Maybe something about Jason Mraz?.... 

Q: You were in the bottom four during Fearlessness and Theatricality week; what do you think you did that kept you out of the bottom three both weeks?

A: There’s a multitude of reasons why anyone is in the bottom three, and it’s based on different facets of each week's performance. There’re so many variables and ultimately it’s the mentor’s decision in the end. I’m glad I was spared from those last chance performances. 

Q: How would you explain Theatricality, and how did you apply that to your performance in that episode?

A: I think theatricality is all about being bigger, funnier, and faster. It’s about a heightened sense of realism. It has to be a little more over the top. The tricky part is taking all of that and trying to adapt it to the camera. 

Q: Michael, your fans absolutely love you! Do you have any last words to them to wrap up this Q&A?

A: The response from my fans has been just incredible. I feel so blessed to have so many supporters and am so glad that I can inspire some. It’s been such a great ride. I love each and every one of my fans, and I’m sorry I’m so inactive on Twitter/Facebook! It doesn’t mean I don’t care or don’t notice you – believe me I do. So follow your dreams and stay true to yourself. And tune in every Tuesday :)

HUGE shouts to Michael for completing this Q&A for me! It's such a blessing to have the entire cast engage themselves in my blog! It's a dream come true, and I am so thankful to each one of them! Thanks for reading, everybody! I hope you all LOVED it!

Twitter: @bobfoundGLEEK FOLLOW, BITCHES!

Aylin Q&A!

So, I've started a trend within my blog where I conduct Q&A sessions with The Glee Project contestants, because of their overwhelming popularity. Last week was Lily Mae, and this week I present you with the fabulous Aylin! Enjoy!

Q: Since TGP is more of an “inspiration” competition, rather than a singing/acting competition, how do you think you could inspire people through a character on Glee?
A: When I was younger, I would always watch movies and television and I realized that there was never anybody that looked like me! I look pretty exotic, so I definitely had a lot of insecurities about myself and the way I looked because, like I said, there was never anyone that looked quite like me. I think that if I were to be on Glee, a whole new part of the world would be represented! I think that I could be an inspiration to the population that do not look like the typical teenager. No matter what anyone looks like, they are beautiful and I think I could send that message across to people!

Q: Who on Glee inspires you the most?
A: I think that Kurt probably inspires me the most. Although he is not my favorite character, he isn't afraid to show the world who he is. I think it is very important to be comfortable in your own skin, and he has struggled with it, but has learned to love and accept the person that he is.

Q: What song would you want your potential character to sing as your introduction into the show?
A: I think I would want to sing 'Wild Ones' by Flo-Rida featuring Sia because my voice would fit that song and I feel like that song would introduce me to the show with a bang!!

Q: If given the opportunity, who would you like to sing a duet with on Glee? What song?
A: I would love to sing with Darren Criss! I am a big fan of his and it would make my life if I got to sing a song with him. If I could sing any song with him, it would probably be "C'est La Mort" by The Civil Wars. My TGP family actually introduced me to this song and I know a lot of them want to do covers of it, but I fell in love with it the first time I heard it!

Q: What is your dream role on Glee?
A: My dream role on Glee would have to be coming into the choir room and stirring things up with my flirtatious personality. I think that would be really fun. I want the New Directions to judge me and pretend like they know everything about me, but then they would learn about my religion and how I've been bullied in the past and would finally accept me! I think that people like me have never been represented on television and I think that Glee is the perfect show to have a story line like this one.

Q: Who would you like to see your potential Glee character “date” or “hook-up” with?
A: I honestly think that it would be very interesting if me and Joe Hart were to date or hookup. Not because he is played by Samuel Larsen, but because he is Christian and I am Muslim. I think that it would be really cool to see how that would work... I would have said Blaine, but unfortunately, he wouldn't be attracted to me. Haha.

Q: Who do you think your character would rival with?
A: I think that my character would definitely rival with Sanata. We both have very strong personalities and are very comfortable with our sexuality. So I don't think she would like me very much! But, I do really love Naya Rivera!

Q: Who/what is your favorite singer/band?
A: My favorite singers are Adele and Amy Winehouse. I use both as inspirations!

Q: Do you have any original music?
A: I need to get better at writing. I have so many ideas and I start to write, but I never finish!

Q: Other than singing and performing, what are your hobbies?
A: I love watching movies!! I also love writing. I go to the beach a lot and just write. Now if I could find a way to turn my writing into songs, I will be very happy!

Q: What acting or theatre experience do you have before The Glee Project?
A: NONE!! I did plays in grade school, but I don't count those. I also did take a musical theatre class once, but other than that, I really don't have any acting experience. The Glee Project was my training ground to acting. I learned a lot!!

Q: What was your initial reaction for being cast on The Glee Project?
A: I thought I was in a dream! I didn't know what they saw in me to cast me on The Glee Project. It was definitely a shock. I started realizing that my dreams were coming true and had a minor freak out moment! Haha! But, I was beyond ecstatic!!

Q: It must be difficult being in the throes of a reality television competition. Explain how you, personally, maintained relationships with the other contenders, while competing against them.
A: It actually wasn't hard to maintain relationships on the show. We all competed when we needed to, but off camera we were a family! It was really hard to say goodbye to people. And it was horrible when one of the people you are closest to in the house has to leave (i.e Charlie).

Q: Out of the mentors, who did you find it easiest to connect with?
A: Out of the mentors, I would say that Robert and Zach were the easiest to connect to. Zach and I have a very special relationship and I adore him so much! Robert is also an amazing human being! You can tell that he is a genuine person that wants all of us to do well!

Q: From the very beginning, you made it clear that you are a Turkish-Muslim, and that your mother has very strict and conservative views/opinions. Now that the show has aired, how does she feel about the choices you have made regarding your outspoken and “flirty” nature?
A: She is more traditional old school Turkish than she is religious. She grew up in Turkey and is more conservative than I am. It has definitely taken a lot for her to try to understand that I follow both the American culture and the Turkish culture. She has been super supportive, even though it has been hard for her at times. Not everybody in the family is as supportive as she is, but I am her daughter and she is proud of me!

Q: The first week was Individuality. What do you think you have as a performer/individual that the other contenders don’t already have?
A: I think that I am a fearless performer. I leave everything out on the stage and am not afraid of giving it all I've got. In this business, you have to be fearless and I kind of just like diving into things!

Q: Explain how you felt being placed in the bottom three the very first week.
A: Not gonna lie, being in the bottom three the first week was so scary!! I didn't really understand why I was in the bottom until I watched the episode! I was like, "Aylin, what are you doing?!?!?!?!" It was a blessing to be in the bottom the first week! I got to see Ryan, and the mentors really lit a fire in me and I decided that I had to kick my own butt some more!

Q: Adaptability was your best week so far in terms of what you’ve accomplished; you won the homework assignment, and you were the first to be called back.  What would you say that you did that week that made you stand out?
A: I love the song 'You Oughta Know' by Alanis Morisette. So I was really excited about singing that song! Adapting to curve balls is definitely scary and I could have either collapsed under pressure or taken each challenge head on. The minute I heard the theme of the week, I decided to take the challenges head on and that is why I think I stood out!

Q: You and Charlie’s relationship became a story-line on the show. Do you think that this relationship was depicted properly on television?
A: I think that they showed what they could. There was definitely a lot more that went on off camera. Off camera is where our relationship really began and continued to grow. It makes me sad that some people think that I was just using Charlie and that I was playing him. I genuinely liked Charlie a lot, and I would never lead him on. We were both focused on the competition and I think that the show showed more of that coming from me than from him. I liked him as much as he liked me and I think that it's pretty clear that I adore him from last week's episode. You can't fake a moment like that...

Q: What was it like directly competing against Charlie in the bottom three, and how did you feel when he was sent home during Fearlessness week?
A: It was such a conflicting feeling competing against Charlie in the bottom three! Part of me was ready to blow my performance out of the water and the other part of me was scared to death that either Charlie or I would get sent home! It was a difficult week because I didn't want any of the three of us to go home. Charlie being sent home was really a feeling that I find hard to describe. I felt like the one person I relied on the most was leaving me. There was a sense of loneliness and abandonment when he left. It was a very difficult day for the both of us and it was really hard to know that he wouldn't be coming back to our house. I cried a lot. There were so many unresolved things between us and we just had to put everything on pause. The one thing that got me through was knowing that he didn't want me to be sad. He wanted me to be strong and do everything that I could to stay in that house! So I promised him I would try my best...

Q: What would you say is the hardest part of doing a last chance performance?
A: Memorizing lyrics in two hours is a lot harder than people think. Once the nerves kick in, the words leave your mind!! That was definitely my biggest concern with my LCP's.

Q: When Jane Lynch chose Lily as the homework winner in the Fearlessness episode, did you truly think you should have won, or was it more of a jealousy issue?
A: I think it was a jealousy issue. Hahaha I'm not afraid to admit that I was jealous! I mean, who wouldn't be?!?!?! IT'S JANE LYNCH!!

Q: Which week did you feel like you had the strongest advantage?
A: I think that I had the strongest advantage in either Adaptability or Sexuality. Sexuality because that was kind of my week! Hahaha and Adaptability because I won the HW assignment!

Q: Ryan Murphy referred to you as a “game changer” after your last chance performance in Fearlessness; how do you feel about being the first to represent a group of young people that have yet to be represented on television as a leading role?
A: It is definitely a lot of weight to carry on my shoulders, but I can handle it. I was in shock when Ryan said all of that! I never really thought of myself as a leading lady or a game changer, but after he said it I was like, "You know what? I can do this! I AM a game changer and I AM a leading lady!" It was nice to know that the mentors and Ryan believed in me. They made me see something in myself that I never saw before.

Q: Thank you so much, Aylin! Do you have any final words to your fans?
A: I love each and every single one of my fans! You guys are the reason I love to sing. It really means a lot to me that I have a group of fans that accept me the way that I am. Never stop following your dreams!! =)

So much love to Aylin for taking part in this with me! It's a huge honor and privilege, and I will be forever grateful! I really hope everyone enjoyed reading this as much as I did! This girl is HILARIOUS! So, do us all a favor Aylin, and get yourself on Glee so you can change the world, babe!  

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Lily Mae Q&A!

Welcome back to The OMGlee Project! This week, I was fortunate enough to be able to conduct a Q&A session with the fiercest diva on The Glee Project, Lily Mae!

Q: I understand that you come from a musical family. How and when did you get involved with performing?
A: I have been singing all my life with my family. Everyone plays an instrument and sings. My parents love to tell the story that they thought I was tone deaf when I was little because we were singing in the car and I was WAY off... But I think I was just trying to out sing my sister haha.

Q: Who/what is your favorite singer/band?
A: I'm an oldies girl, so when I need to kick back and relax, it's definitely Bob Dylan. But Adele and Beyonce have both influenced me a lot.

Q: What song would you want your potential character to sing as your introduction into the show?
A: If I were to be on Glee, the first song I would wanna bust out and sing would be "Big Blonde and Beautiful" from Hairspray.

Q: If given the opportunity, who would you like to sing a duet with on Glee? What song?
A: I'd want to sing with Darren (Blaine). He knows his musical theatre and has a classy swag that I would love to play off of. What song? Oh god, I have no idea but a classic Broadway number for sure!

Q: Do you have any original music?
A: I have some original music but it's mostly for therapeutic purposes haha. Maybe one day I'll have the courage to release some!

Q: Do you plan on recording an album at all during your career?
A: An album isn't exactly what I see for myself. But can't knock it till I try it!

Q: Other than singing and performing, what are your hobbies?
A: I am a total beach bum. Any free second I have I'm at the beach or jumping in some body of water! And my friends and family are very important to me. I'm always surrounded by people!

Q: What acting or theatre experience do you have before The Glee Project?
A: I always loved musical theatre, but I really don't get into it until high school. But when I did I was literally doing a show, if not two shows, everyday. Between the multiple community theatres on Cape Cod an my high school, I was always booked! I've also been around a lot of movie sets because my parents are in the industry. But I have never been on the other side of the camera!

Q: What would you consider to be your strongest suit as a performer?
A: I think I am strongest on stage. In a song or not, any stage actor has to know how to command the stage and I just feel comfortable doing that.

Q: Out of thousands upon thousands of applicants, you were selected. Explain the audition and casting process.
A: I first put up a video online but I didn't feel like I was getting enough views to be noticed. So I decided to go to the open casting call. I made it through all the different rounds that day and finally got to Roberts room!!! I did my song and we chatted and he said "you look familiar... Have you auditioned for me before?" and I was like "no I just got out of high school" and we chatted more and he said, "I know you! I've seen your video!". Just that was enough for me. I left there that day with a "possible callback" sheet and then a day before Thanksgiving, I got an email to go out to LA for the callback week. And right when I got to the hotel, I met Ali Stroker and my room wasn't ready yet, and she let me curl my hair in her room. Haha and we've been best friends ever since. I remember Aylin and I hated each other. And now we're like sisters. That week was CRAZY! The top 28 got so close. We had an amazing time.

Q: What was it like singing for Ryan Murphy the first time during your call back?
A: Auditioning for the 3 mentors at first was the scariest. Because I still wasn't used to the cameras and I don't know, it was just really stressful. But auditioning for Ryan doesn't scare me as much. I remember waiting in the wings about to go on, and I just remember releasing all of the tension in my body and I was just ready. And I took that energy and released it eachtime I sang for him. And it might not look like it but Ryan and I always had a great time talking to each other. He put me at ease, and I think I did too.

Q: What was your initial reaction for being cast on The Glee Project?
A: When I got the Skype call from Robert, I was in complete shock. My family and my boyfriend at the time were all there and they had a bigger reaction than I did. Haha, on the casting special I didn't even react haha.

Q: What is your dream role on Glee?
A: At first I wanted to be this big confident sexy girl. And I wanted her to inspire other members of the New Directions, but after going through what I did on the show, I wanted everyone to see the moments of insecurity that I do feel. If I didn't, it wouldn't be authentic.

Q: Who on Glee inspires you the most?
A: Chris Colfer's character (Kurt) inspires me the most. He has faced so many real life situations and his character brings up a lot of things that I think our world should embrace.

Q: Dance-ability week was apparently rough for everyone. Do you have any prior dance experience?
A: Dance-ability was REALLY rough haha. Other than a few years of ballet when I was younger and my Zumba class, not really!

Q: You had some trouble with lip-syncing on the Vulnerability episode, what was going on that was making it so difficult for you?
A: I could sit here all day and make excuses for Vulnerability and Dance-ability, but what I took from those weeks was that I didn't get my job done properly. And some situations I don't remember things happening exactly how they were played out on screen.

Q: Your scene with Aylin in the “Everybody Hurts” video was INTENSE. How did it feel having to very realistically bully one of your best friends?
A: We were all prepared during the vulnerability shoot to have VERY intense scenes. Prior to knowing what scenes we would have, all of the contenders talked about what triggered each other to feel vulnerable or to make them upset. I expected to be Aylin's bully because of our "hostility" towards each other. Never did I think I would be physically attacking her. Everything we did was COMPLETELY planned and carried out safely! Just an FYI.

Q: After your last chance performance on Vulnerability, you really broke down for Ryan. What was going on in your head at that moment?
A: After my last chance performance in episode three, I was extremely emotional because of the stress I was under. I was frustrated that I didn't get a song that I could show Ryan that vulnerable side, and frustrated that he thought I was tough and as he said "take no prisoners" type of girl.... I CRY AT EVERYTHING! And that moment just happened to save me.

Q: Having to do a last chance performance MUST be nerve-wracking. Explain what it’s like having to sing a song you have never sung before?
A: Going into a last chance performance is... interesting, to say the least. I kind of went into auto pilot preparing because you just have to run the song SO many times... To the point where you never want to hear it again! You go into fighter mode because you never know if it is your last shot.

Q: After being in the bottom three two weeks in a row, were you relieved when you learned the theme of week four was Sexuality?
A: I was excited for it to be sexuality week because I knew I could kind of just sink in to my own skin and I knew I was comfortable with it.

Q: Did you consider the theme of Sexuality to be an advantage in any way?
A: I didn't think it was an advantage because you never know what the mentors are going to think. Everything each week was unexpected.

Q: Who would you like to see your potential Glee character “date” or “hook-up” with?
A: I would want my potential character to date a bad boy. Because I have always been into the bad boys, especially in high school. Someone like Puck :)

Q: Finally, who do you think your character would rival with?
A: I think I could rival Santana or Rachel. I like to think I have a little bit of both of them in me!

Huge shout out to Lily for doing this with me! Thanks, love! You know I love to love ya! To everyone else, thanks for reading, and make sure you follow me on twitter, and "Like" my Facebook page for updates and new post announcements!