FOX’S “GLEE” is so gleeful about its Whitney Houston tribute episode Tuesday (8 p.m.) that it has taken the unusual step of pre-releasing all the songs.
But as usual with “Glee,” the songs themselves can come in a variety of unexpected contexts.
They start in the hallway and move to the stage, where they magically change into formal outfits and their voices are supported by an unseen swelling chorus.
Just seeing the number as a cold opener, though, doesn’t give away reference points for the singers.
Is Rachel still wondering about Finn? Is Kurt uncertain about Blaine? Is Mercedes torn about Sam? Why would Santana care?
Adding to the intrigue, Mr. Schue (Matthew Morrison) hears them as they walk down the hall and gets a perplexed, deeply contemplative and mildly troubled look on his face.
Surely he’s not doubting his feelings for Emma (Jayma Mays).
This sort of potential ambivalence, not to mention blending deep human emotion with campy soap opera fun, is what “Glee” loves best, and what might make Houston songs an ideal fit.
Like the show, Houston’s songs elevated basic romantic dramas, the kind that permeate much of high school life, into almost operatic productions.
“Saving All My Love for You” was on the one hand a solid pop ballad, perfect for many radio formats and listeners of all ages.
But Houston herself said the song carried an undercurrent of personal torment because it was all about her doomed attachment to a married man — widely believed, not that it matters, to have been Jermaine Jackson.
That semi-hidden extra dimension makes it perfect for “Glee,” where it’s sung by Quinn (Diana Agron) and Joe (Samuel Larsen).
Quinn still carries her torch for the soon-to-be-married Finn (Cory Monteith).
But since “Glee” loves curveballs as much as it loves adolescent drama, there’s no way of knowing the context in which “Saving” will be performed.
For those who want to hum along, here’s the full show lineup:
“How Will I Know,” Mercedes, Santana, Kurt and Rachel.
“I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me),” Brittany (Heather Morris) and Santana.
“Saving All My Love for You,” Quinn and Joe.
“So Emotional,” Rachel and Santana.
“It’s Not Right But It’s Okay,” Blaine (Darren Criss).
“I Have Nothing,” Kurt.
“My Love Is Your Love,” New Directions.
Fans will notice the absence of “I Will Always Love You,” presumably because Mercedes sang it in the Valentine’s Day episode.
Happily, and sadly, Whitney left plenty of other drama behind.
(source : www.nydailynews.com)
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