'GLEE ' Takes Television by Storm

What do Amy Winehouse's "Rehab", Wicked's "Defying Gravity", The Beatles' "Hello/Goodbye", and Lady Gaga's "Bad Romance" all have common? Give up? The answer is: Glee.

Glee is a weekly television show on Fox that has cannon-balled into a form of entertainment never tried before. The show is basically a jukebox musical—a musical using all music from other sources (like Mama Mia and Across the Universe). However, unlike any other jukebox musical before it, Glee is a TV show. It is set up like your average high-school drama show: you've got the self-centered, egotistical Rachel, the out-of-the-closet Kurt, the star of every sports team Finn, the stereotypical African-American Mercedes, and the pregnant teen Quinn. These characters, alongside many other talented actors and actresses, find support for their troubles from each other in the Glee club. Run by the Spanish teacher turned Glee coach Mr. Shuester, they put on fantastic song and dance numbers that will keep you on the edge of your chair until the very end.

Glee features an extremely talented cast with a variety of backgrounds. You have Matthew Morrison and Lea Michele of Broadway fame, all the way to Corey Monteith who comes from practically nowhere. Every episode, they are paired up with famous guest stars such as Kristin Chenoweth, Molly Shannon, Idina Menzel, Neil Patrick Harris, even Olivia Newton-John makes an appearance.

The coolest thing about Glee is that there is a song for everyone. For the musical geeks like me, songs such as "Mr. Cellophane" (Chicago) and "Don't Rain on My Parade" (Funny Girl) appear. More of an R&B person? How about Jaime Foxx's "Gold Digger" or Beyonce's "Single Ladies"? Even songs like Madonna's "Like a Virgin" and Journey's "Don't Stop Believing" are added into the mix.

Overall, the show is fantastic. From Rachel Berry's show stopping performances to hilarious Sue Sylvester's attempts to silence the music once and for all, it is a great show. Look for it on FOX Tuesday Nights at 8pm CT (right after American Idol)!

Here are some YouTube links to just a few of their hits:

DEFYING GRAVITY: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6dBW4pViRTU

DANCING WITH MYSELF: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AWHmn7W2AjQ&feature=related

MY LIFE WOULD SUCK WITHOUT YOU: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BGf6wlxq4qE&feature=related

DON'T STOP BELIEVING: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ffuCVLECpY

~Ryan