DARREN CRISS IN TORONTO FOR 2012 MUCHMUSIC VIDEO AWARDS | SIGNED PHOTO GIVEAWAY

Darren Criss in Toronto - June 2012

Star of Glee and Broadway Darren Criss flew-in to Toronto Saturday, making time for a bit of Fun while also presenting an Award at the 2012 MuchMusic Video Awards.  Criss tells me earlier today that he barely slept a wink after having a blast at Perez Hilton's One Night in Toronto last night, catching an early Flight out.  

The friendly Singer/Actor apologized for his appearance, doing a quick Fix-up before posing for a Photo on his way to checking his Luggage.  Last night, Criss was sweet enough to come out to greet Fans outside Club XS, going above and beyond the Call of Duty.

Criss was awesome to sign a Photo for my Readers and to qualify for the Win, simply click "like" on this Post at Mr. Will-W.:Pop Maven on Facebook before July 15, 2012. You should also be following on Twitter too.  Good luck!

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

RICKY MARTIN ON THE SET OF "GLEE"

Ricky Martin on the set of Glee

How awesome is this? International Megastar Ricky Martin just wrapped his first day on the set of Glee and Tweeted the above Photo. The Singer is filming a Spanglish-themed episode which also will feature Gloria Estefan. The role of Spanish Teacher seems to be a recurring hotspot for Celebrities with Gwyneth Paltrow previously playing the role of Holly Holliday on the Series.

The Cast of the Show also got a little starstruck with Lea Michele Tweeting a Photo together with Martin, praising "He's seriously the sweetest and such a great fit for our show!". Michele has known Martin since she was eight years-old when they were both in Les Miserables together.

Cory Monteith took to Twitter expressing his excitement, "We have a new Spanish Teacher".

CAST OF "GLEE" APPEAR AT COMIC-CON 2011

Cast of Glee in Toronto - June 2011

The Cast of Glee hit-up Comic-Con in San Diego earlier today and it's safe to say that some fears have been alleviated, namely the possible exit of Lea Michele, Chris Colfer and Cory Monteith upon their impending Graduation.

"Just because they're graduating, doesn't mean they are leaving the show," Glee Writer/Co-creator/Producer Brad Falchuk told conference attendees. "It is not our intention to let them go ... they are not done with the show."

Other revelations were made about the forthcoming season of Glee, including a new love interest for Amber Riley's Mercedes.  In addition, Jane Lynch's Sue Sylvester will be running for Congress possibly to put an end to all Glee clubs altogether.  We will also be seeing more of a focus on the relationship between Klaine (Darren Criss' Blaine and Colfer's Kurt) and a continuation of the love story between Artina (Jenna Ushkowitz's Tina and Kevin McHale's Artie).

"KLAINE" & "BRITANNA" DOUBLE-KISS AT "GLEE LIVE! IN CONCERT!" DUBLIN

Heather Morris & Naya Rivera kiss in Dublin

Dublin Gleeks got "duble" the shock last night with the conclusion of the Glee Live! In Concert! Tour!  In a skit where Heather Morris' Brittany is to seduce Darren Criss' Blaine, then being confronted by Chris Colfer's Kurt, the audience saw both Kurt and Blaine (known affectionately by Fans as Klaine) go in for a kiss, asserting their love for one another before a sea of screams.

Brittany however definitely wasn't left-out this time either, with Naya Rivera's Santana arriving on-stage and surprising just about everybody by kissing Brittany, adding further to their simmering romantic story line on the Series. Will we be seeing more of Britanna in the coming third season of Glee? Les wait and see!  How fitting for Pride Weekend!

In the meantime watch the exchanging of kisses below:

CHORD OVERSTREET POSSIBLY LEAVING "GLEE"

Chord Overstreet in Toronto - June 2011

Breaking news! It appears that Chord Overstreet will not be returning for a third season of Glee as a  Regular after it was just announced that Cast Mates Harry Shum, Jr. and Darren Criss were just added aboard as Regulars on the Series.  Overstreet who had been a part of the Transatlantic Glee Live! In Concert! Tour this Summer notably and perhaps surprisingly, was not promoted.

The second season of Glee had ended on May 24, 2011 and Overstreet who plays Sam Evans, may in fact still return occasionally on the Show this Fall, so don't fret yet if you're a Fan.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

VIDEO PREMIERE: KATY PERRY - LAST FRIDAY NIGHT (T.G.I.F.)

Still from Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.)

That Katy!  Although I've hardly been at a Computer all weekend, I did finally get to watch the new Katy Perry Video for Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.) and if an Award could be given for Best Ensemble of Cameos in a Music Video, it would totally take the cake!  

Watch Perry pay homage to Coming-of-Age Movies of the late '80s, geeking-out in the biggest way possible.  The Video stars also, Kevin McHale and Darren Criss - both in Toronto this past weekend for Glee Live! In Concert! - Corey Feldman, Deborah Gibson, Rebecca Black, Hanson and Kenny G!!  OMG.  Flashback alert!  The fun they must've had filming this.

Watch the full eight-minute Video below:

"GLEE LIVE! IN CONCERT!" AT TORONTO'S AIR CANADA CENTRE - REVIEW, PICS & VIDEO

Glee Live! In Concert! at Toronto's Air Canada Centre

At last, Torontonians have had a chance to witness the greatness that is the Glee Live! In Concert! Tour tonight at Air Canada Centre and it is everything I hoped it would be ...and more!  The 90-minute Show is a high-energy spectacle without a lull to be found. Taking the stage at 9:00 PM to roaring cheers, the Set began with The New Directions appearing on-stage performing what is now known as one of the Cast's signature tunes, Don't Stop Believin' (Journey).

Bridged by brief Video Montages of Sue Sylvester (Jane Lynch) hilariously expressing her distaste for the New Directions, an endless array of spirited Covers were delivered like Dog Days are Over (Florence & The Machine) by Jenna Ushkowitz & Amber Riley; a sultry delivery of I'm a Slave 4 U (Britney Spears) by Heather Morris; a soulful Ain't No Way (Aretha Franklin) by Riley; a Katy Perry one-two of Firework and Teenage Dream - the former sung by Lea Michele and the latter by Darren Criss & The Warblers; River Deep, Mountain High (Tina Turner) by Naya Rivera and Riley; Kevin McHale's wheelchair-free performance of Safety Dance (Men Without Hats); and group deliveries of songs like Born this Way (Lady Gaga) and Somebody to Love (Queen).

The Synergy felt from this extremely-talented Cast simply was magical. Although this evening's Setlist stuck mostly to Pop, steering away from some of the more Showtunesque moments found in the Musical Sitcom itself, this choice in Musical Direction was a right one considering the young demographic of the Audience.  Everything from the Singing to Choreography to Stage Production was tight and I contemplate myself wanting to see it allover again.  

DARREN CRISS & JENNA USHKOWITZ MEET TORONTO "GLEE" FANS

Darren Criss, Mr. Will-W. & Jenna Ushkowitz

As part of my Glee Live! In Concert! Ultimate Fan Package, I got to meet two stars from the Musical Sitcom prior to tonight's Show at Air Canada Centre!  I was v. pleased with the two selected Stars I was granted a chance to meet: Darren Criss and Jenna Ushkowitz.  Both were v. friendly (although you might not be able to see that in Ushkowitz's face above!) at the Meet & Greet and assured me I'd have a blast at the Show.  We even exchanged hugs.

Although Criss arrived in Toronto yesterday and had a chance to enjoy the City, Ushkowitz flew in from New York City this Morning with some of her fellow Cast members before heading straight to the venue.

The opportunity to meet Criss and Ushkowitz was a pleasure (at last!).  The most amazing thing about my Ultimate Fan Package was that mine and my friend Ryan's seats were amazing!  We literally were at the edge of the stage, placed within a Pit where we can see the Cast perform from a 360-degree view!

To read my Review of the Show, click here.

A RESPONSE TO GLEEKS FROM A GLEEK

Wow.  It seems my last Post about the Toronto arrivals of Kevin McHale, Mark Salling, Heather Morris and Darren Criss have caused quite a stir among the most ardent of Gleeks and even some of the Cast members themselves.

Firstly, I thank you for taking the time to read and to have an opinion.  Secondly, I want you to know it is never my intention to upset Readers or even the Talent themselves.  If you're just visiting Mr. Will-W.:Pop Maven for the first time, you'll quickly understand through a quick look through previous entries that this is a Blog which tries to spread a positive energy and celebrate the Fan and Celebrity dynamic.

I have no reason to alter facts or make others' lives difficult.  Neither do I claim to be foolproof in accuracy - I do however report what is observed and verify to the best of my ability.  I have been a die-hard Gleek since its Pilot episode Spring 2009 and own every DVD and CD released thus far, plus having paid $500 for a Meet & Greet which apparently "entitles" Fans and myself either to meet one or two of the Cast members; I'm not even permitted to bring my Camera along also I'm told. I side with the Gleeks but simply cannot report much positive based on yesterday's observations and surely could find at least a dozen people to substantiate those observations.

I fail to see how being given false excuses one moment outside their Hotel and then later on seeing Criss and Salling make exceptions for a few Fans inside their Hotel isn't contradictory?   Or in the least bit, dishonest?  I totally get that Celebrities can't make time for everyone.  That goes without saying.

DARREN CRISS, MARK SALLING, HEATHER MORRIS & KEVIN MCHALE ARRIVE IN TORONTO FOR "GLEE" TOUR

Darren Criss in Toronto for Glee Live! In Concert! Tour

Despite starring in a bold and outrageous Musical Sitcom, some Cast members of Fox's Glee appear to be rather Fan-shy off-Camera.  Arriving in Toronto earlier today, Heather Morris, Kevin McHale, Darren Criss and Mark Salling, plus recent Cast additions Titus Makin Jr., Riker Lynch and Curt Mega had adventures of their own in Toronto.

McHale and Morris enjoyed their afternoon shopping in Yorkville, perusing the Fashions of Holt Renfrew, H&M, Roots, Aritzia and many more.  Catching them on their way back to their Hotel, I was able to get them to sign my Season 1 DVD but when other Fans asked kindly for Photos, Morris replied "We're five minutes later for Dinner.  We're not doing Photos today...", walking away mid-sentence.  Almost an hour later she and some Friends left her Hotel, telling eager and excited Fans, "We don't appreciate you taking our Photo", before rushing into a private SUV.  Click here to see a Photo from Photographer Todd Gillis who snapped Morris out-and-about earlier today.

Meanwhile, Criss, Makin, Lynch and Hall - also known as the Dalton Academy Warblers - rented Bixi Bikes and went on a Bike Ride through the City, winding-up in trendy Queen St. West.  Arriving back to their Hotel separately, Criss took a moment to greet Fans from a distance, telling them "I'm really tired and have to go to bed.  See you guys at the Show?".  It was 8:00 PM.  The remaining Warblers who arrived back a little later however were delightfully friendly, taking time to greet Fans, posing for Photographs.  It was learned that Makin was celebrating his Birthday in the City later this evening.

GLEE LIVE! IN CONCERT! TO HIT TORONTO ON JUNE 11, 2011

Cast of Glee

Best news all year! Fox has announced today that the Cast of Glee will be heading out on the road again with their Glee Live! In Concert! Tour. And Toronto's Air Canada Centre will be one of their stop-offs on June 11, 2011! Yes!!!   Justice is served at last!

The Tour will be running from May 21 to June 18, 2011. Ticket prices have not yet been announced, but I will pay anything for these. ANYTHING.

Cast members who have committed to the Tour include: Lea Michele (Rachel), Amber Riley (Mercedes), Chris Colfer (Kurt), Kevin McHale (Artie), Jenna Ushkowitz (Tina), Mark Salling (Puck), Dianna Agron (Quinn), Naya Rivera (Santana), Heather Morris (Brittany), Harry Shum, Jr. (Mike), Chord Overstreet (Sam) and Darren Criss (Blaine).

GLEE: THE MUSIC - THE CHRISTMAS ALBUM REVIEW

It was only a matter of time before it happened, but the Cast of Glee have gifted us with The Christmas Album. The collection of twelve Holiday classics as expected, is slickly-produced and makes some less-obvious song choices, livening things up with ample amounts of Gospel, Big Band and Swing.

Animated offerings of We Need a Little Christmas, The Most Wonderful Day of the Year, Angels We Have Heard on High, You're a Mean One Mr. Grinch are found on the disc, providing some Yuletide fun to the Listener. A Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)-like version of Deck the Rooftop is one of the stronger tracks here and finally we get a proper physical release of Lea Michele & Cory Monteith's Last Christmas (Wham!) which surfaced last Winter. Merry Christmas Darling, an obscure tribute to The Carpenters, is one of the few tender moments on the Collection, with Michele delivering a more understated performance than what we're accustomed to and know she is capable of.

Interesting is a male-male version of Baby, It's Cold Outside by Chris Colfer and Darren Criss, reminding us that we're definitely in 2010 despite all the Old School Charm here.  Perhaps a foreshadowing of their romantic storyline ahead? Of course, a Glee disc would not be complete without The Diva herself in a shining moment and Michele once again proves why she is the star of the show on O Holy Night, leaving a lasting impression.

NEW MUSIC: CAST OF GLEE - TEENAGE DREAM

Still from Never Been Kissed episode of Glee

For those of you who can't get enough of Katy Perry's Teenage Dream, you will be able to hear it with the Glee Makeover on next Tuesday's Never Been Kissed episode. This will be the much-talked about episode where Kurt (Chris Colfer) meets potential lover Blaine (Darren Criss), whose vocals are featured on the song. I love this version and I'm sure Perry would approve.

Listen to it fully below, courtesy of Sony Music (Flash Player required):

(Photo credit: Fox)