‘The Glee Project’ Recap: Contestants Wrap ‘Firework’ Music Video, Bryce Vine Voted Off

The debut episode of 'The Glee Project' centered around the introduction of the 12 contestants, but more importantly, the recording of their rendition of Katy Perry's 'Firework' video and the elimination of one hopeful. Did we mention 'Glee' Warbler Darren Criss made a guest appearance? PopCrush has your recap.

As our beloved 'Glee' cast ages and inevitably nears their senior year at McKinley High, Ryan Murphy decided it was time to find new blood. Now that the thousands of MySpace videos and live auditions have been narrowed down to twelve contestants, it's time for them to show the world what they can do. Their only job in the Episode 1? To stand out.

Emily, Alex, McKynleigh, Ellis, Cameron, Samuel, Damian, Bryce, Lindsay, Matheus, Marissa, and Hannah took on their first homework assignment of the summer season, Stevie Wonder's 'Signed, Sealed, Delivered.' Each student was given one line and instructed to show their individuality in just a few seconds. Criss guest-starred to help the judges pick this week's homework winner, and this week, Matheus Fernandes stood out with his individuality.

His shining moment got him the starring role in the big group project, 'The Glee Project' version of Katy Perry's 'Firework' music video. As expected, in the first episode each contestant had their heart on their sleeve and their best at the forefront, as they walked into a recording studio with the 'Glee' music producer and a dance studio with the show's choreographer for the first time ever.

Like the previous challenge, the 'Project' kids each got a line suited for their voice, and Matheus got to kick off the recording studio time. There, each contestant faced the music: This competition will be harder than they expected. The elite and professional 'Glee' crew didn't play games and make things easy on the dreamers, they laid it all on the line and told them when they were missing notes and missing the point ... Which was true of all of the contestants.

After recording the big music video, the judges selected three hopefuls who they felt didn't perform as well this week, for whatever reason. The trio were then challenged to stand before 'Glee' creator Ryan Murphy and perform to keep their spot.

The judges decided that Ellis could really step it up, so they assigned her 'Hey Big Spender' from the Broadway musical 'Sweet Charity' to belt in front of the head honcho. As for Bryce Vine, he had just a little too much attitude on this episode, so they challenged him with Bruno Mars' 'Just the Way You Are.' Damian, on the other hand, just couldn't find his place, and he was given a song he'd never heard to sing for Murphy -- Rick Springfield's 'Jessie's Girl.'

At the end of the show, Murphy decided that Bryce just didn't have what it takes to earn the big prize, which is a seven-episode role on Season 3 of 'Glee.' But he didn't go out without a few last words. As Episode 1 drew to a close, Bryce told viewers, "This is not the end of the road for me and my music career." We sure hope not!

See Darren Criss Meet 'The Glee Project' Contenders