It's not often you come across something that changes your life. Especially something as simple as a television show.
To give you a little background, growing up I was a little bit of a tomboy. I loved to play sports, primarily soccer. I had friends. I didn't really get bullied. But I wasn't popular. I wasn't super pretty. I wasn't extraordinary at anything. I was just your typical, average joe-sephine. For all intents and purposes, I was pretty ordinary.
My life hasn't always been rainbows and unicorns. I had some pretty sweet things growing up: a loving family, a nice house, a pool, some other goodies that I was fortunate and blessed enough to enjoy for years growing up. But there were some things I had to deal with... adult-like things... that typical kids didn't have to deal with as they were growing up. While I won't get into detail (different post, different day... I don't have time for a novel, do I?), this was all happening at a pretty young age.
In high school, I played soccer for my school... and we were great... I met the best friends I've ever known. Literally, I'll argue with anyone... my friends are the best... But I also went through a lot of things atypical to the typical high school kid. So throughout my adolescent life (who am I kidding. I'm 23. I'm still an adolescent), there were times when I was seriously unhappy. Again, different post for a different day, but my life didn't seem to be doing anything spectacular... it was just kind of plain. I didn't know what I wanted to do, I didn't know what I wanted to be.
Fast forward, circa 2009, and a little television show called Glee was introduced to my life. A show about the underdog. Interesting... Haven't there been shows like this before that have failed? Plus... there's singing?! Well, now I'm really skeptical. Not that I don't enjoy the theatre. Not that I don't enjoy music, because trust me... if you know anything about me, know this: music is my life. It's been my best friend, my only friend, my confidant, my journal, my diary, my life. Music knows more about me than I do about it... But, don't get me started. (Clearly I like to go on tangents).
Fast forward, circa 2010, (circa may be one of my favorite words, just an FYI). I'm working at a little soccer shop right smack dab in the middle of the country. I start watching this show that I'd been so skeptical of before. I think it was an episode called The Power of Madonna that really caught my attention. That is the power of Madonna, eh? #badjoke
So, my skepticism was refuted. I was actually digging this show. Highly comedic, highly entertaining, and the talent of these kids... HOLY $#*+, I was blown away. How can this show find all the talented people in the world? Seriously, I don't think there are any left because they took all of the best talent. Sorry 'boutcha American Idol.
What really caught my attention, equally as much as the brilliant talent on the forefront, was the behind-the-scenes talent. First of all, who's choreographing these dances. How do they even film all of these shows in such a short amount of time? How in the eff can a story have so much fluidity, and how can you pick all the songs to match the plot, perfectly complementing the emotion the actors are trying to encompass? Seriously, who's doing this?
The amount of genius behind one television show is astounding. People can argue. People can hate. But I have two points that can't be rebuttled: 1) If you can write something/do something/sing something so much better... then do it. It's obvious the talent here has proven themselves. Until you prove yourself, keep the critiquing constructive, and let the professionals do their jobs. 2) If you don't like it so much, why are you still watching? There's clearly something bringing you back. /rant
This isn't a post about the haters or the bullies though. This is a post about what Glee means to me. And the genius behind the show, they've helped me change my perspective on a lot of things.
Sure, I was an underdog in some respects; but not your typical in-the-closet, bullied, torn-jock, dream-follower, type of underdog. On the surface, I actually had it pretty good. BUT... just a little more background for you... I didn't really have goals. I wasn't bullied. I wasn't really torn, because I had one great talent: playing soccer. I didn't really have a dream. And the view I had on a lot of things, well I grew up in a Republican, Catholic family of 6. You do the math.
Not that I "hated" people for being gay. Not that I made fun of people that wanted to follow their dreams, instead of becoming something like a lawyer or an accountant. Not that I thought the arts were dumb. I actually encouraged other people to do this stuff. I just didn't know how to be comfortable with a lot of it.
Okay, okay... enough with the rambling. What's it all got to do with Glee?
People ask me all the time, "Why do you love this show so much?" or "Why is this show any different from other shows on TV?" My answer is always the same: "Glee is changing the world."
You may not realize it. But it is.
How much money has Glee raised for the arts? How much attention has it brought to the importance of art and theater programs in schools? That could change one person's life. Chances are it's changing lots of people's lives.
How many people with disabilities have realized they're no different than anyone else, and that even though life might be a little tougher for them, they can still accomplish everything they set out for?
How many doors has it opened for teenagers struggling with their sexuality? I'm not gay, but I have gay friends, and I can tell you that 3 years ago, had they come out to me, I wouldn't be as open and comfortable with their lifestyle. Again, not to say that I would love them any less, because I wouldn't. I just was unaware on how to be comfortable with it... there's a difference. Literally, my two best friends are gay. I lived with one of them for a whole year. He came out to his family, they were so accepting and grateful that they told him. But it also pointed out that this isn't the experience that everyone has. And more times than not, it isn't this picture-perfect. That makes me sad. If it makes me sad, think how it makes people feel who have to live a different way, just so they don't "hurt" the ones they love. Whoa. That's just heartbreaking.
In my opinion, Glee slowly but surely, is changing this perspective for many people. Not only are they teaching people how to be comfortable with the loved ones they know who are confiding in them, but it also gives hope to those that need it most. I've found, thanks to Glee that hope is the idea that can make the most difference. Think about it.
Hope for a better day tomorrow. Hope that you know one day you'll get out of the school where kids are bullying you. Hope that you'll find what gets you excited, and makes you want to do something. Hope that YOU can make a difference.
Those last two "hopes" are where I'm at. THIS is what Glee means to me:
Just so the record states, I'm happier now than I ever have been in my life. No I don't sit on my couch and watch Glee all day. I go out with friends. I work 50 hour weeks. I play in rec leagues. Because I'm over 21, I like to enjoy a drink or six from time to time. I have a lot of fun. But I think it's largely in part to this blog, these characters, these fans, this community... this life that I'm now living because of this show.
Let's take this little blog, that I so dearly love, for instance... Fast forward, circa 2011... Someone else from this little soccer shop I work at shares my love for this TV show. We decide to start a blog. We pay $10/year for it. We lose money shipping stuff out for giveaways. We don't advertise because we don't want to, and quite frankly we'd make like $4 off of it. We don't have time to write. We don't have time to keep up with maintaining it. We're literally broke because we drop any of the dollaz we make to be the equivalent of The Beatles' groupies except for Glee... But all of that's okay, because we F*#%ing love it. Seriousy, this blog is like... the best thing to happen to either of us. (We're getting TMB tattoos - See above.. those are permanent. And we're excited about it. THAT'S how much this little blog means to us). True story: I've had a relationship partially end because he thought I spent too much time on Glee. I thought he was an attention-whore, but I'm not here to bash. Different story. Different day. But THAT'S how happy this show makes me. I lose money, time, and apparently some relationships, because I find this show so important.
One of the "hopes" that Glee has given me: Hope that I'll find what gets me excited and makes me want to do something.
I want to be a writer. Clearly from my novel, you can see that I love to do it. But if it weren't for this insanely and quite literally unbelievably genius writing staff and crew for making a story so successful, I don't think I'd have found that. Do I think I can go to LA tomorrow and be a writer in HOllywood? Nope. Am I giving myself deadlines, and making plans to try and follow my dream, straight up Rachel Berry style, though? Yep. Sure am. 18 months, I want to be in LA. I don't care if I have to work on a 6x6 set, writing plays for the community center. That's where I want to be.
Some of it's already happening. You know in Almost Famous when they say "It's happening?!" That's how I feel. Every step we take with this little bloglet we have here, is one step closer to making my dream come true.
"Hope" number two: Hope that I can make a difference.
I always say, "If I could change one person's life for the better, I know my life is worth living." That's all it takes. One person. It's the "pay-it-forward" effect. If you make a difference in one person's life, they might make a difference in another person's life because you've inspired them. It's also the waterfall effect. If you can do something good for one person, it might have benefit for all people. Literally, that's all it takes.
I started this post out talking about all the differences Glee has made for schools and art programs, etc. I said that it could change one person's life. For this reason, I know Glee is worth watching. It's worth putting on TV... Because it's changed one person's life.
But this show has done so much more than that. Raise your hand if you haven't been affected by this show and you're reading this post. There probably aren't many of you out there.
SO... since I've been rambling on and on now. I just have to say, that to make a show successful for 3 seasons, and onto a 4th season -- with a completely different plot, but it's still the most anticipated show to hit this Fall -- you've got to be doing something right.
Cast, crew, New writers, Dante and Robert, and especially Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk and Ian Brennan... To you guys, I say (even though I'm sure any of you that have come across this post stopped reading 4 hours ago)... Congratulations, you should be proud, and I hope you have realized what you have created. There's always a reason to celebrate Glee. This television show has made history, and it's still airing. How often can the people that are a part of a television show say that? That's pretty damn special.
Being a part of something special makes you special, right?
Thanks for reading everyone!
Peace.Love.Glee
-Bonnie & Spoken for Whitney because I know she feels the same
Dear Glee,
You got one massive letter from a huge fan (read the masterpiece that is Bonnie's letter here) but guess what..here's another!
Glee. Glee…glee…glee. I have gone through many phases when it comes to things that I love such as the British television show "Hollyoaks," a large obsession with Lady Gaga (still active) and now..Glee. I often catch crap about how I am too involved with Glee and blogging and what not..but I can honestly say that it makes me happy. It's fun and let's me talk about something that I love so much and a show that pretty much anyone can relate to. Not only that but it brings out even more creativity in me..and as an artist (yea I said it)..I need more creative outlets. It's also led me to make amazing friends, start this OUTSTANDING blog, party on Twitter and do things I wouldn't normally do (New York adventures anyone?). Okay..well in this letter I'm hoping to keep it real and be hilarious, let's do this:
Writers: Ryan, Ian, Brad - the things that come from your minds, I can't really even fathom it. Thank you so much for creating storylines that pretty much everyone everywhere can relate to. Thank you for taking chances with those storylines and characters and not being afraid to stir the pot and shock people or make people think. I can't wait to see what you guys bring to the table in season three - I'm pretty sure it could be known as mind blowing.
Crew: Okay, so I knew before that there was a crew working their asses off when it came to writing, directing, producing, choreography, video editing, sound editing and a bazillion other jobs I'm sure but I had a little insight into that when I watched the first episode of "The Glee Project". Watching Zach Woodlee try to help those contestants dance and like being on such a tight deadline - I was like holy sweet hell..1) that has got to be stressful but it more than pays off in the end 2) these are some of the hardest working people ever I'm almost positive. You guys help bring this masterpiece of a show together in a big way and you are amazeballs and I can definitely say that I admire you all for it.
Telly Kousakis - I reaaaally have to thank you for putting up with us here at Trouty Mouth because we love to tw'assault (that's twitter assault) you. But trust me - it is out of pure love. And I know that you loved your Snickerpuller shirt..and I'm still waiting for it on Parade of Fashions. Oh and please watch this, I mean we made it specifically for you: The Telly Seduction.
Cast: Acting, dancing, filming, studio sessions, touring, panels - and I'm sure I could go on for ages - you all do all of these things practically year round just to bring the best you can to your fans. That is some hardcore dedication and love for your job and fans and it is appreciated. I can safely say that I love everyone that I'm about to mention below and that they all have something unique to give us that it's hard to believe that they were able to find so many diverse, talented people and get them all on one show together.
Dianna: I think I need to start off by saying that I loved when you cut your hair because I think it suits you quite well. When the mashup of "I Feel Pretty/Unpretty" was first leaked onto the internet, I had to seek it out IMMEDIATELY because I love "Unpretty" and when I found it, no lie, listened to it the rest of my work day which probably would've been like 3-4 hours. I love a majority of the songs that you all do but that mashup is magic. Your character has been so back and forth with being like Queen Bitch and then the exact opposite of that so I'm very excited to see what happens with her and you in the third season!
Cory: I have gone through many different feelings when it comes to you playing Finn because I loved you and then I didn't like you for like two episodes when you were not nice to Rachel but now I love you again. And I especially love you now, Cory, because of two things: your drumming and Jessie's Girl live. I didn't think it would be one of my favorites of the show but hearing it so loud + the energy from the crowd happened to make it one of my favorite performances.
Mark: You are such a stud. You can sing so many different types of songs so well and make all the ladies swoon. Oh and the guitar playing? Mmhmm. While I love the show for many reasons, you are considered the badass cool dude that possibly could bring in some viewers that may not have given the show a chance because they thought it might be lame. So thanks for being a smoking' hot badass. Oh, and the love that you have and show for your grandma..adorable. Keep that up for sure.
Chord: Chord Overstreet…you are Gleebalicious (I tried). I DO have the Bieber and Gleeber fever thanks to you. I have really grown to love you over this season…especially when you do impressions and soak Na'vi. Comedy, acting, singing, instruments - what's that? Multi-talented. And finally, thank you so much for being the inspiration for the original song "Trouty Mouth". This blog would be something totally different without you! I can't wait to see what happens with you in the future Chord! :)
Jenna: True Colors. One of my favorite songs ever and one of my favorite Glee performances out of both seasons. I got to somewhat meet you (Amber and Telly) this year in Chicago when we passed on some shirts to you (Happy Girl Drunk? Yea that was us) and you really were all amazing and nice for the few seconds we got to interact. Keep up the great work and I hope to see more from you in season 3!
Amber: Amber…you pretty much leave me breathless when you hit those insane high notes during songs. I thought it was impressive on the recordings from the show but then I heard it live and I'm so surprised I didn't pass out from it! And recently all the love I've been seeing you spread on Twitter is making me love you even more. Thanks for portraying such a strong character as Mercedes and for being just as great real time as well!
Darren: When I hear the Warblers version of "Teenage Dream", it still gives me goosebumps just like when you guys first sang it on the show. All the newer additions to the show this year were really great, including yours. So charismatic, energetic and a great singer! I've also been hearing about all of this singing you've been doing with Naya…maybe try to work some of that into next season. Thanks. Oh, also fell in love with you after watching this: (The Little Mermaid is my favorite Disney movie, just saying').
Warblers: A group of sexy guys singing together in delicious, classy matching uniforms? Oh that's terrible - not. Getting to see all of you guys over the past season and in concert has been really great. I'm not sure what will happen with you guys for this next season but either way I can't wait! Keep on being amazing! This little shootout goes specifically to Riker and Curt - we took a photo with the both of you in Chicago so once we get that off of the camera be expecting that tweet my friends..and then you can propose to me if you want..either one of you is fine.
Chris: Your high notes pretty much bring tears to my eyes. I'm not joking. I could listen to you sing that one line in "Just Like A Prayer" where you hit some crazy note and "I Wanna Hold Your Hand" for hours I'm fairly certain. I would also like to thank you for being so brave while playing the role of Kurt. There are many people all over that look up to you, can relate to Kurt and probably turn to the show for some comfort or even guidance when dealing with something like being a gay teen and I think it's really great what you and all the other cast members are doing with their characters.
Harry: Situ-asian. Mmmhmm…so I drove to St. Louis on a whim one day to meet you when I caught wind that you were there and that didn't happen which was upsetting. But then..Chicago happened and I got to get up in your grill and get an autograph which was amazeballs. In the way that many of the voices on this show blow my mind….you blow my mind equally with your dance moves. And yours abs. And the work that you have done with LXD and having them at your live shows, I can't even deal. Telling a story through dancing is a true gift, way to go!
Lea: I didn't start watching Glee until late in the first season and you were the one that roped me in. I saw a commercial of you singing and I was like I need to watch this show NOW. I did and now it's all I think about. You've got some crazy talent and a powerhouse of a voice that pretty much will knock someone down. I still get goosebumps when I hear you chime in during "Don't Stop Believin'". As I said with Chris and Amber..some of those notes you guys hit are UNREAL. Thanks for being a fantastic Rachel Berry and I only hope in real life that your parties are like that of the Rachel Berry House Party Trainwreck Extravaganza.
Heather: Not only can you bust out dance moves that will cause sex riots and that are flawless but you can sing and act..and are a comedic genius. I thought that you were hilarious when delivering all of your one liners in seasons 1 & 2 and then I find out that you sometimes ad-lib AND that you make hilarious videos with your friends? You've definitely been a huge motivator to me because while I can't dance..I at least try and laugh hysterically at myself now. Recently you have motivated me to start using my humors to make funny videos. I hope that they turn out amazing and hilarious like yours do. I'll let you know. Thanks for being one of my main inspirations.
Kevin: Swag. I mean that is really all I need to describe you sir. Your voice can sing anything as you have clearly showed us. And I mean..you can even do MJ right..so that is something to be very proud of! And those dance moves that you have to not use due to Artie's wheelchair..it's a damn shame because those moves are outstanding. I even get excited when you are just moving your upper body in your chair. Also - Safety Dance. I hope that there is a chance within the show to get you out of that chair again because daaaamn! I also got to meet you for a brief moment in Chicago..however I was too starstruck to talk..but at least I got your autograph and some delicious photos. Next time..maybe I'll be able to say hi. :)
Naya: And finally I have arrived at Naya. There's probably so much I could say about you but I'll try to keep it down since this letter is huge. You are pretty much the full package - amazing voice, great acting skills because you have made me laugh and cry all in one episode, probably even in one scene if I had to guess and an extremely nice person. I never got to meet you at the concerts that I went to..thought I was so close in Chicago but couldn't get into the meet and greet but you (and Cory who was also there) just seemed so nice and really appreciative of your fans which is just really refreshing. Similar to what I told Chris earlier, thank you for taking on the role of Santana and being willing and ready to show her character's growth and acceptance with being "Lebanese". It means so much to people that they can be able to tune into this show once a week and forget about what's going on and be able to laugh or be able to relate to some of the characters and feel like they are not alone. Even if it's just for that short time. I'm very excited to see what happens with Santana in season 3 and to see what happens with you and your upcoming album that I can't stop thinking about! And..once again, I will attempt to get you to see this video that I made for you, it's called the Santana Hand Clap. :D
Wow..so I think I have gone on long enough but I will say one last time that I am so grateful for this show and the fact that everyone, including myself, can relate to at least one person or multiple people and situations on this show that can make them feel better, even if for a short time. I can definitely say that Glee and all of you have had an impact on my life and based on all the fun new things I'm doing, I'm gonna say it's a good one. Thank you.
Love,
Whitney
Dear Glee,
Yes, this letter is to GLEE... not JUST the cast, not JUST the writers, but to the whole big production.
I'm not one to write fan letters very often- hence why I'm summing this up in one letter to everyone, but I've never had a anything take over my life like Glee has. Okay, some might call me crazy, but I call me happy.
Not only is Glee fun to watch, but it's fun to write about, to talk about, to see live... It's more than just a show or a concert. It's an experience. An addicting one at that... seriously, like crack. All I want to do is watch Glee, listen to their music, and go to their concerts ALL.THE.TIME. It's my oasis. If I'm sad, Glee makes me happy. If you could experience something that makes you happy all the time, then why wouldn't you?
That's what Glee is for me. In a nut shell. An awesome experience that's led me to meet some awesome people, talk with some awesome people, meet the cast, see them live three times, go places I've never been before... All thanks to Glee. So, without further ado...
First of all, to the writers: I feel I must give credit where credit is due, and there would be no Glee without you. Ryan, Ian, Brad -- I would love nothing more than to sit and talk over a beer or glass of wine some day, and just take in your genius. I love to write, and I love to imagine things in my head. But to create something as epic as Glee has become, I'd love to just pick your brains and see how the three of you operate. It's literally genius. That's the only way I could describe it.
Thank you for taking an idea that was different than anything we've ever seen on TV, and fighting for it, even when people said that it would never work. Thank you for also creating storylines that incorporate 99.9% of America. If someone says that they cannot relate to Glee in some way shape or form, they are straight up lying. You three have incorporated the world into your show, and I think that's what people like about it so much. You all are brilliant, and I look forward to season 3 because of that.
To the crew:
Zach Woodlee, Adam Anders, Telly Kousakis, Dante Di Loreto and company -- Without you guys, the show really wouldn't happen. You can make dance routines, get the set in order, create mashups, make edits -- all of the crazy things that no body really wants to have to deal with, you guys put up with. I see those behind the Glees, and behind the scene interviews... I can only imagine how stressful your jobs are at times, but it's truly amazing what you guys do.
Now, for the cast:
Each one of you brings something special to the table. You're all so unique in your characters, yet everyone can relate to you in some way shape or form. I'd like to thank you all for, in the words of Kevin McHale, taking your craft seriously. You deliver flawless lines, with a certain kind of spirit that only you can provide. And on top of that, you are all SO talented.
I'd love for each one of you to create an album. It's amazing to me how each of your voices are all so different, yet in a duet or a group number, you can make it sound incredible.
Kevin: No one can do MJ like you can. I mean that seriously. The King of Pop would be proud the way you dance, and the way you get his "oohs and ahhs" down in PYT and Thriller. Not to mention you rap better than anyone in the cast. Oh, and your dance moves? I can't even take it. You're pretty fly for a white guy ;)
Naya: Your voice is seriously like heaven to my ears. You do Amy Winehouse better than Amy Winehouse. Seriously. I like her music, but I like it even better when you sing it. I can't wait for your album to come out because I can only imagine that it's going to be completely and totally flawless. The moment I heard you sing in Like a Virgin, I knew you'd have one of my favorite voices on the show. Oh, and your backups in Toxic? 'Nuff said.
Amber: Girl, I can't even. I LOVE when you hit those high notes -- you know the ones that make Naya cool you down in concert, and the ones where even Simon Cowell on the X-Factor doesn't know what to say. You leave people, particularly myself, completely speechless with the soul you bring to the table.
Jenna: You won us all over with True Colors. You have the most amazingly soothing voice I've ever heard in my life, and you can really sing anything. In all honesty, I had never heard of Lykee Li until you sang I Follow Rivers (which by the way, I have to listen to every single day), and you completely blew us out of the water. And of course Dog Days are Over... Girl, you just know how to take a song and make it your own.
Mark: Your voice is so versatile, I can't even deal. Who else can sing Sammy Davis Jr. in one episode, Queen in another, and then Jamie Foxx the next? I love it. I never know what you're going to sing, because you can literally sing anything. I especially love it when you rock out on the guitar. Looked REAL good live :)
Cory: I love your voice because it represents everyone who ever wants to be a singer, but like a hundred times better. You're so musically talented that you just know how to make us feel what the song is about. You can take a song like Having My Baby (one that I'm not particularly fond of by the way), and turn it into this heart wrenching song, that makes us just want to hug you after you sing it. You're amazing, inspirational, and you really know how to pull at the heartstrings of every single girl in the world!
Chris: Chris, no one can replicate your voice. It's literally one of a kind. You are epically talented and unique in your own way. You tell a story with your voice. I'll never, ever forget your Rose's Turn performance because it's just so intensely emotional and you deliver it flawlessly. You're flawless Mr. Colfer. It's truly amazing how much you bring to the show.
Chord: What can I saw about our one and only inspiration to this blog? You can rock the guitar, rock those golden locks, and make even Justin Beiber look good! (Yeah, our followers are going to hate me for that, but I don't have Beiber fever, I have Gleeber fever, thanks to you Chord!) And just as good as your voice and guitar playing is your impersonations! Seriously - a TRUE triple threat!
Ashley: Girl, I know what boys want... and they want you! You've given us all inspiration and confidence to go do what we want, and be who we are. And girl, you can rock! I saw you at the dress rehearsals in Vegas when you rocked the guitar like it was nobody else's business! A true inspiration!
Dianna: You and Lea seriously changed my perspective on a lot of things with the I Feel Pretty/Unpretty mashup. You really got to show case your funky side in the first season, and I really loved you in Rocky Horror. You transform yourself into the respective roles that you're supposed to play. You're truly talented. Oh... and you have amazing dance moves. I saw the "Behind the Stage Boogie" that Naya tweeted... you go girl!
Heather: Oh Heather. You are a flawless talent. No one can move the way you do. You tell stories in your dance moves. And your character transforms into this amazing dancer every time you dance on the show. It blows me away. Then add to that an amazing voice... Seriously, I believe you when you say that Britney herself said that you sounded just like her. No one can do Britney like you. You and Harry in Valerie: I have a hard time watching Naya sing that song better than Amy Winehouse, because you two are dancing around so amazingly... you're seriously epic!
Harry: Ok, I know I just said this to Heather... but no one can move the way you do either. What I really love is that you teach others to do what you do. LXD is truly one of the most unbelievable shows that I've ever seen. And for you to have a huge role in putting that show on, you should be incredibly proud of yourself. And Oh My Gosh... Your movin' around in Make 'Em Laugh. No one could compare. You take risks, and you're not afraid to showcase your moves. Can't stop watching you move in PYT and Valerie!
Darren: I really like how you perform. You don't just sing, you're a real performer. You're not afraid to take risks with the songs you sing, and it's really fun to watch. You know how to work the crowds. You've got mad skill, Blaine Warbler!
Warblers: Each one of you guys is a little somethin' special. From Riker, to Jon, to Curt, to Titus, to Telly... you all have your own roles that help make the Warblers the Warblers. And to this day, Silly Love Songs will be one of my all time favorite performances, both on the show and Live!
Lea: I had to save the best for last. True, raw talent. You don't need a show, or a stage, or a studio... you just need your voice. You tell stories with your voice. You make people feel what you're feeling when you sing. I could seriously listen to you all day. With that said, you are a star. Glee would not be the same without Rachel Berry. I will forever have Don't Rain on My Parade both from NY and from Las Vegas embedded in my head. Each time you sang that was different from the last, but it brought so much energy to the crowd. Left me with chills both times. I'm glad you haven't fallen and broken your talent... but I don't think we have to worry about that any time soon.
Now, after I have broken down each one of your incredible, raw talent, I finally have to just give you one big thank you. You each embrace the roles you play. You reach out to your fans. You teach us something every day. When I have kids, I'd rather them watch your show, and learn about acceptance, and self-awareness, and how to be humble, and how to deal with things... than watch 3/4ths of the smut that's out there.
You all really have no idea how big of a difference you have made in so many people's lives.
Oh, and in mine. Thanks to you, I've been to Vegas, Chicago, New York (for the first time ever, and got to walk through Times Square through the wee hours of the night- so crazy), met people at concerts, met some of you, got to give you guys gifts, talk to some awesome people, and create a website that a few hundred people see per day. It's really a gleeful experience.
So thank you for that.
Sincerely,
Bonnie
Cast, crew, New writers, Dante and Robert, and especially Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk and Ian Brennan... To you guys, I say (even though I'm sure any of you that have come across this post stopped reading 4 hours ago)... Congratulations, you should be proud, and I hope you have realized what you have created. There's always a reason to celebrate Glee. This television show has made history, and it's still airing. How often can the people that are a part of a television show say that? That's pretty damn special. 
