Tune in at 16:00 London, 19:00 UAE
Live from Abu Dhabi Connect the World takes you on a journey across continents, investigating the stories that are changing our world.
Tuesday's Connector: Matthew Morrison from Glee
In just over a year, actor Matthew Morrison has gone from a virtual unknown to one of the biggest television sensations on the planet, all thanks to one show - "Glee."
[cnn-photo-caption image=http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2010/images/06/17/glee.art.gettyimages.jpg
caption="Matthew Morrison is your Connector of the Day."]
Playing the part of an overly excited and passionate teacher who runs a singing club, "Glee" has become a huge hit for viewers with fans being known simply as 'gleeks'.
Morrison plays Will Schuester and the series has just wrapped up its first season to rave reviews and strong audience numbers. The show was once described as a mix of "Highschool Musical" and an edgier "Saved by the Bell."
The show features a large number of show tunes and popular hits and the cast voice their own songs. After each show the music is released on iTunes and over the course of the past year, viewers have already downloaded more than seven million digital copies.
"Glee" won the 2010 Golden Globe award for best television series and Morrison was also nominated in the best actor category.
Before Morrison's big break on Glee, he was already a hugely successful star on Broadway.
Morrison made his debut on Broadway in the hit musical, "Footloose," followed by a performance in the cult classic "Rocky Horror Picture Show."
In 2002, Morrison starred in the original Broadway production of "Hairspray," and earned a Grammy award for the shows album.
On Twitter
As you know, the Wemma kiss scene in the Glee finale was unscripted, Jayma Mays who plays Emma was totally caught by surprise, I just wanted to know what it was like when they were shooting that scene?
Hi Matthew,
I am a massive fan of glee, and at the moment we are just at the end of season 1. You have an amazing voice, and are a great actor.
I was just wondering if you could create any role for you to play what it would be? and i know it is a strange question but what colour are your eyes as sometimes they appear green, light brown or blue onscreen.
Thanks a lot
Emma
WA Australia
Hello Matthew James Morrison and CNN friends,
I would like an answer from Matthew James Morrison on the following questions:
– When will Glee be played on the movie screen in theaters?
– Which character would you play on the Musical: Barack Hussein Obama, the first African- American US president?
– What is your opinion on Lady ga- Ga(Stefani Germanotta)’s latest music video: Alejandro?
– WHO will win the South Africa World Cup?
– What can we expect from you in 2010?
– How are you inspiring people all over the world to make our world a Better Healthier and Beautiful Place?
I am awaiting Matthew James Morrison’s replies.
Greetings,
Jurgen R. Brul
Hometown: Paramaribo
Country: Suriname
oh, sorry I forgot to leave my location. I'll write the question again.
hi Matthew, I'm really crazy about the show, and I watched the Tony's the other day, you were simply amazing.
My question is, as we know, the Wemma kiss scene in the Glee finale was unscripted, Jayma was totally caught by surprise, and Wemma fans all over the world went crazy after that. I just wanted to know what it was like when you were shooting that scene?
All the best~
Christy
from China
Hi Matt
So I heard the rumor that the Wemma kiss was unscripted, what was your reaction after filming the scene?
According to several entertainment magazines, John Stamos will be playing your rival next season and BF to Emma. What is your response to the casting, are you nervous to go up against the teenage heartthrob that stole millions of women's hearts as uncle Jesse on "Full House"?
Regarding Stamos as Carl, what is your game plan to win Emma's heart in the end? If I would suggest something I think an original piece will maybe put the odds in your favor?
The Wemma fans were disappointed that the duet between you and Jaym(LAV) had also 4 other people in it. If you and Jayma duetted again, what would be your choice of songs for Wemma to sing?
What do you think would be a good song for Will to sing to Emma, while she is with the dentist?
Does Will stand any kind of chance against Carl? What is your mindset going into season 2 especially with Will vs Carl?
John Stamos has some broadway chops if you had to choose a song to sing with him what would it be, in relation to your characters on Glee?
Thanks for this opportunity to get several anticipated questions hopefully answered
Matt
Chicago,Il
Matt, we've heard rumours of next season of Glee featuring an episode with original music instead of cover songs. Since you're writing and recording your own album right now, what are the chances of Ryan and crew selecting one of yours to feature? Particularly a nice love song from Will to Emma.
Hi Matt – it's so annoying when we constantly hear you say
"Will is going from a crazy to another crazy". That's so unfair because Emma wouldn't be working at the school if she wasn't the right person for that job. Emma is the only character on the show that always supported Will a 100% and he often goes to her office to ask her advice – are you sure you think she's crazy ??
What were you thinking when they pulled you aside and told you to kiss Jayma in the finale? How did she react after the kiss? -nova scotia, Canada
I'd love to know a little about Matt as a person. Is he single? what is he looking for in a girlfriend? and what are his relationship "dealbreakers"?
Hi Matthew,
I saw you in South Pacific last Christmas when I was on my honeymoon. You were amazing! Do you have plans to return to broadway someday and what would be your dream role and why?
Thanks,
Jodi
Hi Matt,
First of all I want to say I love Glee and really enjoy watching you! As we all know, you are working on a solo album this summer. The Glee cast has done some touring, but when can we expect to see some live performances from you with your original music? We would love to have you here in Indianapolis!
Thanks,
Jennifer
Indianapolis, IN
All the Wemma fans want to know What will Will do to win Emma's heart back?
Hey Matt,
I just wanted to say that I absolutely love Glee and you are amazing. Anyway, what would you like to see happen with your character in season 2? Also, I hear that you're a big Mets fan; are there any other sports teams that you follow?
Thanks,
Emma
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Hey Matt,
Great job on the Tony Awards Sunday night. You're performance was great. You really seem to come alive when you are performing (especially dancing). It's great to watch.
Anyway, I know that, a few years ago, you commissioned to have a musical written on the life of James Dean. How is that coming along? Do you still plan on playing the lead role when it is completed?
Also, I really hope to be able to work it out with your Glee filming schedule to be able to return to South Pacific for the telecast. I'll be there!
Lori
Nashville, TN
Hey Matt,
I've been a fan since Hairspray and I think that you're awesome. Your performance at the Tony Awards was AMAZING. Loved it! I was wondering what Broadway role has been your favorite to play? Also, will you be returning to South Pacific for the PBS taping?
Thanks,
Erin
SD, California
Do you still sleep with your Curious George stuffed animal, CG?
Hi Matt
Great job at the Tony's on Sunday, and great job playing along during that performance when the guy held your hand and you slipped him a 20, did you ever get it back?
Also
If you could pick one song that can express Will's feelings for Emma and you would love to sing, what would it be and why?
Will you let Emma go without a hardcore fight, or is this going to be a sing off to the death between you and John?
If you could pick the next song for you and Jayma to sing together, what would it be?
You and Jayma have chemistry that I have not seen on TV in a while, its breathtaking. The ILU was brilliant and the fact that it was unscripted just makes it that much more memorable, kudos for that. How was it after that kiss, was everyone silent, how did Jayma react?
Hi Matt! HUGE fan, love the show and all it does to bring the music of Broadway to television... not to mention it's a hugely welcome break from reality dating shows or the usual fare of lawyers, cops and crime dramas.
There were some spectacular guest stars this past season but some of them seemed like "stunt" casting and weren't used as well as they could have been, in particular, Molly Shannon. In your perfect world, who is your dream guest star and what would you want to sing with them?
Also... is it true? Is there really another person in the world who uses Lubriderm in their hair? I was sure I was the only person on the planet who did that...
~Susannah
Knoxville, TN
Matt,
Will you and John Stamos get into a sing off on the show over Emma?
Any news on whether you will be appreaing in south pacific on aug 18th? Already bought my ticket!
Nicolle
nova scotia, Canada
Matthew,
I read that you have been performing since junior high. My eighth grade son has been singing and dancing since first grade. He adores performing. He has always been teased about it by other kids (and some parents) and for the most part has ignored it. However, in the past year the teasing has gotten so bad that he has stopped going to dance class. Do you have any advice that I can give my boy so that he doesn't give up on something he really loves?
All my best,
Anne
Cincinnati, OH
Hello!
Two questions, one – any more news on you performing during the PBS broadcast of South Pacific, keeping my fingers crossed since I have tickets & two – you've stated you like broadway better than television, any chance you'd return to the stage but not on broadway, maybe do a performance at a smaller regional theatre? Thanks for taking the time, looking forward to Season 2 of Glee & your new album!
ElizabethD
Decatur, IL
You are an awesome singer, dancer and actor.
I've never seen you live but I've heard you in your shows on broadway, saw you at the Tony Awards (not personally), and at Leona Lewis' concert, too.
Will you let Glee use your songs? It'll give you more chances to let us hear you sing.
Jess
Japan
Hello!
HUGE "Gleek" myself!! My question for Matthew is: what is your take on the massive popularity of "Glee" around the world? Does the success of the show prove, once & for all, the need for arts/music programs for kids worldwide?
Thank you & continued success!!
Keira
NY
Hi, Matthew.
Fantastic singing and dancing at the Tonys - you were the highlight of the show!
You've said you'll be singing all original material on your debut album. Are you personally writing the music, are you using songwriters, or some combination of the two?
Hey Matthew,
If you could, which character would you have dated if you were their age? If I were in WMHS, I would have been attracted to Santana but thought she would be totally out of my league.
Jay from Vancouver, Canada
Hi Matt,
I'm a diehard gleek. I was wondering what were your initial expectations about the series? Do you get to contribute ideas to the show?
I find the show very enjoyable, and I want to know what is the most enjoyable episode you have made?
Good luck and more power to you and the rest of the cast.
Regards,
Irma
Philippines
Hi mathew:
I am a passionate fan of glee. It's like been in a broadway show every week with upfront seating.
My only comment; would like to see Acafellas,perform again.
Mayaguez,Puerto Rico
Hi Matthew
Is it true that you used to be shy?
Hi. Matt,
How are you dealing with the massive increase in worldwide fame/attention you are now receiving?
The Over the Rainbow duet you performed with Leona Lewis was beautiful. Do you plan to include this on your upcoming album?
Teresa
Washington, D.C.
Hi Matty, I am such a hugh fan! I've been a huge broadway and musical fan my whole like an I'm so happy Glee has made it "cool" again! I just have a few questions,
I was just wondering, out of all the roles you've played, on screen and on the stage, what character do you most identify with?
If you could choose any broadway musical to be adapted into film which one would it be?
Which Glee character do you think deserves more solos?
Hi Matthew!
I wish there were more teachers like you, passionate about teaching and interested in their kids. You sing and dance so well. Do you prefer singing show tunes or popular hits? Any chance of a performance with your Glee father?
Mae
Subang Jaya, Malaysia
HI matt...!!!!!!!!!!!
we love you, your voice is amazing you sing like an angel!
Your well Fitt we all love u (we is me andd mii friends)
Is glee Bk On I well hope so ill miss u if not 🙁
Sent u all our love byeeeeeeeeeee Love U
XxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXx
Hey Matthew !
Did you have the slightest idea that you will be this big sensation on Earth today when you were young? Or did you imagine you doing something else other than singing?
By the way , you are superb ! =)
GJY ,
from Malaysia.
Am I the only Gleek in America who did not know that the Will/Emma kiss scene from the finale was not scripted? Bet so.
Truly enjoyed Art Streiber's photos for the Madonna episode in TV Guide. In the black and white group shot , wondering the purpose of the "strap" around your rib cage?
South Portland, Maine
Hey Matt,
I'm sure you get asked this all the time, but could you please sing us one of the songs you did in Season 1? Maybe Gold Digger?
All us Gleeks would love it! Pretty please?
Kitty
Hello Matthew,
Truly enjoyed Art Streiber's photos for the Madonna episode in TV Guide. Curious about the group shot with all of the actresses in black suits and you in a white shirt...the reason for the strap over your ribs? Were you suspended during that shot?
South Portland, Maine