"GLEE" CREATOR RYAN MURPHY JOINS TWITTER: TWEETS KATE HUDSON SET PHOTO

Lea Michele & Kate Hudson

Now here's someone you want to follow. Hot on the heels of Naya Rivera visiting Toronto yesterday, we get the amaze news that Glee Creator Ryan Murphy has joined Twitter finally. Seems like a fitting move since the FOX Series certainly isn't without its share of Rumours and Gossip. And who better to set us straight than Murphy himself?

Murphy who simultaneously is working on Season Two of American Horror Story, just posted a Set Photo of Lea Michele and Kate Hudson - yes, she will be featured in the upcoming fourth Season!  Those of you who have seen NINE will know that she's the real deal and if you've never heard Hudson sing, you're gonna be wowed. It is said that Hudson somehow is tied into the Story in Rachel's (Michele) time at the New York Academy of Dramatic Arts.

(Photo credit: Ryan Murphy)

NAYA RIVERA PARTNERS WITH WINNERS & HOMESENSE IN TORONTO FOR THE SUNSHINE FOUNDATION

Naya Rivera in Toronto - July 2012

"It didn't take much. It was just a question of whether I had the day off and I'll be there!", says stunning Glee Star Naya Rivera. The Actress/Singer flew into Toronto yesterday, her first-ever appearance in the City on her own other than having toured with her Cast Mates last June. Dressed in an eye-catching neon number, she colour-coordinated perfectly to shine a bit of her radiance to the Occasion.  That Occasion of course being her working together with Winners and HomeSense in their on-going efforts for the Sunshine Foundation. The Clothing and Home Furnishings Retailers since 1999 have been helping make the dreams of disabled and severely ill Children come true.

Attaching her name to a noble Cause is nothing new to Rivera.  Since propelling to Stardom in her starring role as Cheerleader Santana Lopez on Fox's prolific Musical Comedy Series, the Actress/Singer has shown her support for a variety of Organizations raising awareness for the GLBT Community, Alzheimer's Disease, Autism and Down Syndrome.  "I'm definitely always looking for any cause that I feel really is making a difference and it doesn't matter where it is", Rivera says. "Obviously, Kids are very near and dear to my Heart having Siblings and always growing-up with younger Kids.".

Appearing alongside Rivera this Morning were Fraternal Twins Ty and Jasmine (pictured above), born prematurely and  suffering from Cerebral Palsy.  Although Jasmine appears calm and reserved, her Brother Ty is the Yin to her Yang, being the outspoken one.  They are just an example of the Children who are benefiting from the kind and hard work of the Sunshine Foundation, recently spending a magical week at Great Wolf Lodge with fond memories of endless Buffets and Prizes. "A Kick-off?  Is she here to play Football or something?", jokes a spirited Ty, drawing a big laugh from Rivera after she is introduced to myself and two other Journalists on her reason of visit. "He's definitely a Comedian!", Rivera jokes.

NAYA RIVERA IN TORONTO FOR THE "SUNSHINE FOUNDATION OF CANADA"

Naya Rivera in Toronto - June 2011

Gorgeous Glee Star Naya Rivera will be arriving in Toronto on Monday, July 30, 2012 to lend her voice to a Cause dear to her Heart.  Rivera will help launch the Spread a Little Sunshine Campaign for Winners and Homesense's 13th annual Fundraising efforts in support of the Sunshine Foundation of Canada.  

The Foundation was established in 1987 by a London, Ontario Police Officer whose Son passed away from Muscular Dystrophy.  It aims to make the dreams come true of Children with severe disabilities and life-threatening illnesses. Currently the Foundation has eight Chapters throughout Canada.

This marks Rivera's first-ever Canadian appearance outside of the Glee Franchise. The 25-year-old Actress who stars on the Series as Santana Lopez, also currently is at work on her debut Disc to be released via Sony Music.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

CHORD OVERSTREET LEAVES TORONTO FOLLOWING 2012 MUCHMUSIC VIDEO AWARDS

Chord Overstreet in Toronto - June 2012

Glee Star Chord Overstreet looked barely recognizable in this his second visit to Toronto in the past year. Arriving in Toronto on Frirday, the now-scruffy Actor/Singer spent a bit of time partying in the City with a bit of Award-presenting thrown in-the-mix at last night's 2012 MuchMusic Vídeo Awards.

Despite being 30 minutes late for his Flight, he still accomodated waiting Fans at Toronto Pearson International Airport after being able to check-in his bulky Luggage which included a Guitar.

For those curious, the fourth Season of Glee premieres Thursday, September 13, 2012 on FOX at 9:00 PM EST.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

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.)

KRISTIN CHENOWETH AT TORONTO'S MASSEY HALL

Kristin Chenoweth in Toronto - June 2012

The brilliant Kristin Chenoweth arrived in Toronto yesterday for a one-night-only Show at Massey Hall.  Known best for originating the role of Glinda in the Broadway Musical Wicked, the Tony and Emmy Award-winning Singer/Actress' profile was boosted further by a Guest Role on FOX's Glee as April Rhodes and also a starring Role on the now-defunct GCB.

Although she was scheduled to appear at Holt Renfrew's Holiday Window Reveal alongside Feist back in November 2009, she unfortunately had cancelled, making it a long gap between Toronto visits. Fans however were left satiated after her Concert tonight with Reviews on Twitter ranging from "amazing" to "fantastic" and "floored".

Chenoweth arrived at Massey Hall in good spirits a few hours early after doing a bit of shopping around Yorkville, stopping-off at Holt Renfrew (coincidentally) and also Hazelton Lanes' TNT.  Complaining of a headache, she still was a Good Sport signing Autographs and taking Photos with a select few Fans despite her Handler deterring others from asking.

There is no rest for the "wicked" indeed, as Chenoweth is Ohio-bound after tonight's Show, wrapping-up her Tour at the end of June in Oklahoma.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

NEW MUSIC: "GLEE" CAST - "I WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU" (WHITNEY HOUSTON COVER)

Official Artwork for "Glee" Cast - I Will Always Love You

In what could only be labelled a coincidence, a version of Whitney Houston's I Will Always Love You was unveiled on tonight's Valentine's Day-themed Episode, just three days after the Pop Diva's tragic passing. After breaking the heart of her former Flame Shane (Lamarcus Tinker) and professing her intentions to be with Sam (Chord Overstreet), Riley's Mercedes let-out her take on the Classic, faithful to Houston.

Listen to Riley's Version of I Will Always Love You:

(Photo/video credit: Sony Music)

NEW MUSIC: "GLEE" CAST - BLACK OR WHITE

Official Artwork for Glee Cast: Black or White

The Cast of Glee paid tribute to Michael Jackson on tonight's episode and they absolutely went all-out for the King of Pop in a much-needed boost in public confidence after some pretty mixed reviews over Season Two. 

Among other surprises, Blaine (Darren Criss) did a rendition of Wanna Be Startin' Somethin', while Artie (Kevin McHale) was front and center on Bad and also a Duet with Mike (Harry Shum Jr.) on Scream.  The on-going love story between Rachel (Lea Michele) and Finn (Cory Monteith) was told through I Just Can't Stop Loving You and also, the budding but questionably believable romance of Mercedes (Amber Riley) and Sam (Chord Overstreet), was told through Human Nature.

By a mile my favourite though was the entire Cast's version of Black or White! 

Check it out below:

MARK RUFFALO TAKES LEAD IN RYAN MURPHY'S "THE NORMAL HEART": JULIA ROBERTS, JIM PARSONS, ALEC BALDWIN & MATT BOMER ALSO ADDED

Mark Ruffalo at TIFF 2008

2012 will be the start of Mark Ruffalo's long-overdue rise as a bona fide Leading Man in Hollywood.  The Actor has been confirmed to take the lead in Glee/American Horror Story Creator Ryan Murphy's new Film, The Normal Heart.  The HIV/AIDs Drama is based upon a TONY Award-winning Play of the same title and centers on Ned Weeks, who is one of the first Advocates in New York to raise awareness about the disease.  Written by Activist/Writer Larry Kramer, the Play largely is autobiographical.

The Cast for The Normal Heart is rather impressive including Julia Roberts, who last teamed with Murphy on 2010's Eat, Pray, Love.  She will be playing a wheelchair-bound Doctor who also is among the first to raise concern about HIV/AIDs.  Matt Bomer, whose star dramatically is on the rise, takes the role of Weeks' Boyfriend contracting the Disease, while another openly-Gay Actor Jim Parsons will tackle the role of an Activist from the South.  Alec Baldwin also has been named to play the Lawyer Brother of Weeks, struggling to cope with the sexuality of Ruffalo's character.

Ruffalo currently is filming Now You See Me, a Bank Heist Thriller which has the FBI circling a team of Illusionists who rob banks as part of their act, rewarding their audiences with money; Isla Fisher, Morgan Freeman, Woody Harrelson and Jesse Eisenberg star. His upcoming Drama Thanks for Sharing has him alongside Gwyneth Paltrow, P!nk, Tim Robbins and Joely Richardson, about three Sex Addicts on the road to recovery.  His marquee release however is Disney's all-star The Avengers, in theatres May 4, 2012 which has him starring in what is said to be an important role as Bruce Banner/The Hulk.

(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".

IDINA MENZEL IN TORONTO FOR KOERNER HALL SHOWS

Idina Menzel in Toronto - November 2011

TONY Award-winning Singer/Actress Idina Menzel might be somewhat familiar to Fans of Glee as Teacher Shelby Corcoran, but Theatre Enthusiasts have been loving her for years. Having originated the iconic roles of Maureen in RENT and also Elphaba in Wicked, Menzel flew into Toronto along with Actor/Singer Husband Taye Diggs on a red-eye flight to prepare for her two Shows  this Thursday and Friday night at the Telus Centre for the Performance and Learning - Koerner Hall.

Diggs was seen leaving Rehearsal on his own - he will be doing a special Guest Performance - declining Photos with Fans.  "How you doin'?" he asked back as he headed out the door of the Venue briskly. Menzel absolutely was Fan-friendly though, rewarding her Admirers generously after some had waited close to six hours for her, taking Photos and signing Autographs. She recognized one Fan who has long been following her Career, presenting her with various Photos of them together over the years. "Oh, look how good we look!", she observed with cheer, pointing at one of the Photos of her in Braids.

Click here to find out more about Menzel's Toronto Shows, which will be recorded for an upcoming PBS Special.

See more of the beautiful Menzel below:

NEW MUSIC: CAST OF "GLEE" - "DO THEY KNOW IT'S CHRISTMAS?" | GIVEAWAY

Official Artwork for Glee the Music: The Christmas Album, Volume 2

Although it won't be in-stores until November 15, 2011, one of the highlights off of Glee the Music: The Christmas Album, Volume 2 has just surfaced. The Cast of Glee cover Band Aid's 1984 Classic, Do They Know It's Christmas and this version kicks it up a notch on the scale of festiveness.

Check it out below:

The Full Track List for Glee the Music: The Christmas Album, Volume 2 is as follows:

"GLEE" CAST IN SEPTEMBER 2011 ISSUE OF "VOGUE"

Cast of Glee

Lucky New Yorkers! The third annual Fashion's Night Out will be taking place on Thursday, September 8, 2011 in New York City, allowing Fashion-conscious Shoppers to mingle with Celebrities and Designers and also watch some performances.  Among those taking part this year are the Cast of Glee!

In the September 2011 issue of Vogue, you will find an awesome Photo of the Glee Cast by Norman Jean Roy for the Event itself.

Glee Creator Ryan Murphy tells Lynn Yaeger, "When I met Lea (Michele), she was only sort of interested in clothes¬but in the last two years she’s become a Red-Carpet Star. I think what happened is Lea went to an event, and someone said, ‘Oh, you look pretty.’ It was an interesting moment for her.”.

Chris Colfer admits in his younger days to shopping pretty frugally, but now on the Series he is the only Cast member who gets to wear Designer labels. Colfer says, "I did all my shopping at my small-­town Target. Maybe if I dressed better I wouldn’t have had such a hard time in school.".

Read the Piece in full here.

(Photo credit: Norman Jean Roy/Vogue)

"THE RISE OF THE PLANET OF THE APES" ON-TOP FOR A SECOND WEEK: "THE HELP" BOWS STRONG

Still from The Help

For the second straight week, The Rise of the Planet of the Apes finds itself on top of the Box Office, taking number one spot with $26.5 million.  In two weeks it has garnered an impressive $104 million for 20th Century Fox.

The Help from Disney/Dreamworks exceeds expectations with $24.8 million in its debut, despite having opened in theatres on Wednesday.  In five days, it has grossed $34.7 million and likely will keep going strong for the next few weeks.

Fans of the Final Destination franchise clearly aren't bored yet, with its fifth installment bringing in $17.5 million in its debut for Warner Bros., landing just ahead of The Smurfs 3-D in fourth spot with $13.7 million in its third week.

30 Minutes or Less starring The Social Network's Jesse Eisenberg and Aziz Ansari, debuts in sixth spot for Sony Pictures, with $13 million.  Meanwhile, Glee: The 3-D Concert Movie despite selling out arenas in North America, failed to enthuse Moviegoers earning only $5.5 million from 2,040 theatres for 20th Century Fox.

The well-reviewed Crazy, Stupid, Love. continues to go strong in eighth spot this weekend with $7 million earned, bringing its North American tally to $55.3 million.

CALGARY GIRL MEETS "GLEE" CAST AT LOS ANGELES MOVIE PREMIERE

Chris Colfer at Los Angeles Premiere of Glee: The 3-D Concert Movie

Congratulations to Calgary's Marilyn Cameron who got to fly to Los Angeles earlier in the week for Glee: The 3-D Concert Movie's big Premiere.  Acting as an Entertainment Tonight Canada Correspondent on the Red Carpet, the 13 year-old got to meet her Idol, Kurt (Chris Colfer)!  And any of you Gleeks who've ever tried to meet the Cast will know that he's pretty much the most difficult one to meet.

Jayne Cameron, Marilyn's Mother, says “We watch the show every Tuesday as a family. So it brought tears to my eyes to watch her dreams come true… she was crying after she met the Cast of Glee at the Movie Premiere!”.  She adds, “She won’t let me wash the pink sweater she had on that night…ever.”. 

Learn more about Glee: The 3-D Concert Movie here!  The Movie opens this Friday via 20th Century Fox!

(Photo credit: 20th Century Fox)

LEA MICHELE COVERS SEPTEMBER 2011 ISSUE OF "HARPER'S BAZAAR"

Lea Michele on September 2011 Issue of Harper's Bazaar

Say what you will about Glee’s Lea Michele but the Girl definitely has Style. She never ceases to amaze me on Red Carpets and despite only having been a major star for less than two years, she already is teaching Starlets who’ve been in the game much longer than her, exactly how it’s done. Either that, or her Stylist is just amazing and deserves all the credit.

Michele covers the September 2011 issue of Harper’s Bazaar and looks absolutely amazing in Photos by Mark Selliger. Although the reaction to her in a turquoise Gucci dress seems to be quite positive, I think she totally pulled off a $6k floral print Lanvin number best. Not everyone can make it work, trust me.

The 24 year-old Actress/Singer tells Marshall Heyman admittedly she isn’t a big spender, opting for shops like Anthropologie and Urban Outfitters for everyday wear. She also admits to being a huge fan of her Glee Co-star Gwyneth Paltrow, subscribing to her GOOP Newsletter.

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).

"GLEE THE 3D CONCERT MOVIE" SOUNDTRACK TRACK LIST

Glee the 3D Concert Movie Motion Picture Soundtrack

If you had a blast at Glee Live! In Concert! like me, soon you'll be able to re-live the magic as Glee the 3D Concert Movie hits theatres on August 12, 2011! Preceding its release is the Motion Picture Soundtrack for the Movie, in-stores on August 9, 2011, featuring all tracks performed on the Tour.  To read my Review of one of their four Toronto Shows, click here.

The Track List for Glee The 3D Concert Movie (Motion Picture Soundtrack) is as follows:

"DEGRASSI" RECEIVES FIRST PRIMETIME EMMY NOMINATION

Clare Edwards, Sav Bhandari & Holly Sinclair from Degrassi

Congratulations to the Cast and Crew of Degrassi, who received their first-ever Emmy Award nomination earlier today for Outstanding Children's Program. Seeing the complex and sophisticated ideas which have evolved out of The Kids of Degrassi Street - which I watched  religiously growing up - brings me a sense of pride and joy as a Torontonian.  

Despite negative reviews, Toronto-filmed Mini-series The Kennedys also received a handful of nominations!  No love for Katie Holmes though.

LEA MICHELE, CHRIS COLFER & CORY MONTEITH NOT RETURNING FOR "GLEE" SEASON 4

Cory Monteith & Lea Michele in Toronto - June 2011

No!  Don't say it's so!  All good things must come to an end and The Hollywood Reporter just broke the most heartbreaking news.  In an exclusive, they had confirmed with Glee Producer/Writer/Director Ryan Murphy that Chris Colfer, Cory Monteith and Lea Michele will not be returning for a fourth season of Glee.  

In the Piece Murphy tells Lesley Goldberg, "You can keep them on the show for six years and people will criticize you for not being realistic, or you can be really true to life and say when they started the show they were very clearly sophomores and they should graduate at the end of their senior year.”.  Read more here.

In the v. least, we have one more season to enjoy the talent as Rachel, Kurt and Finn prepare for Graduation. The upcoming season premiering on Tuesday, September 20, 2011 on FOX.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)