Darren Criss (who played Blaine Anderson on Glee ) served as the first-ever mentor for the series.

Matheus Fernandes won the challenge, earning a one-on-one session with Criss and a featured role in the week's music video.

Bryce Vine was the first contestant eliminated from the competition. Season 1 Cast

The inaugural season featured a diverse group of 12 finalists, including eventually well-known performers like Alex Newell , Samuel Larsen , and Damian McGinty .

In the series premiere of The Glee Project , titled 12 talented contenders begin their journey to win a seven-episode guest-starring role on the hit show Glee . The episode focuses on the performers showing off their unique personalities and "it factor" to the judges. Episode Highlights

Performed "Just the Way You Are" by Bruno Mars.

Performed "Jessie's Girl" by Rick Springfield. Ellis Wylie: Performed "Big Spender" from Sweet Charity .