Warbler Ramblings: ‘Glee’ Singer Rilan Recaps ‘What the World Needs Now’

'Chemical' singer Rilan – who's also part of the Warblers on 'Glee' this season — is watching 'Glee' every week and writing recaps of each episode exclusively for PopCrush! Below is his take on the latest episode of 2015. Stay tuned to PopCrush for more 'Glee' guest columns from the rising pop artist.

Episode 606 awkwardly starts with Rachel and Sam officially planning an outing, immediately followed by their duet of a sweet, yet slightly uncomfortable, version of Burt Bacharach’s classic ‘I’ll Never Fall In Love Again.’ The tune sets the lovey-dovey tone of the events that follow in 'Glee'’s appropriately named ‘What the World Needs Now.'

Brittany is confronted by her parents (cameos played by ‘The Hangover’s’ Ken Jeong and ‘American Pie’'s Jennifer Coolidge), who tell her that her smarts come from her real father, Stephen Hawking. They also take the news of their daughter and Santana’s upcoming wedding with much delight. Back at McKinley, Sam and Rachel mutually decide to cancel their date as Sam further expresses his true love for Mercedes.

Celebrating their win at Invitationals, Rachel and Kurt introduce the New Directions to the magic that is Burt Bacharach in this week’s assignment. They also surprise the glee club with their new mentor for the week: the fabulous Mercedes. Mercedes reveals to Rachel that she and Sam are only friends and surprises her with a scheduled, personal audition for Russell Simmons’ new Broadway musical. Reluctant to return back to the hustle and bustle of New York, Mercedes attempts to persuade Rachel into auditioning with her rendition of Bacharach’s ‘Baby It’s You,’ complete with a '60s-themed performance covered in pink sparkles. After all the work and doo-wop-ish fun, Rachel refuses to go back to the Big Apple so soon.

Brittany asks Artie to plan her wedding with the theme of ‘Heaven’ in mind. Naturally, this discussion leads to a heavenly dream sequence where Brittany, Artie, Blaine, Sam, and a handful of dancing angels perform another Bacharach gem, ‘Wishin’ and Hoping.’ Back in glee club, Mercedes gets the New Directions in on a plan to push Rachel back to New York where she belongs. Santana and Brittany discuss their wedding invites, and Brittany tells Santana that she is inviting her abuela. While Santana thinks it an impossible feat, Brittany takes matters into her own hands and visits Abuela Lopez disguised as her new nurse. While watching telenovelas with Abuela and hosting a Spanish version of her show ‘Cheese For Two’ (entitled ‘Queso Por Dos’), Brittany and her special guest discuss all things weddings while Santana live-streams the show online with much confusion.

In a final attempt to convince Rachel that she should follow her dreams once more, the New Directions along with Blaine, Kurt, and Sam perform a dapper rendition of ‘Arthur’s Theme’ in black tails, top hats, and white bowties. Rachel still resists her friends’ persistence, but Mercedes tells Rachel that as long as she remains in Lima, her friends will too. Brittany reassures Santana that she will work to get Abuela Lopez to understand and accept their love for one another. Sam performs an intimate and acoustic version of ‘They Long to Be Close to You’ to Mercedes who politely rejects his romantic advances and formally solidifies their friendship.

Rachel asks Mercedes to take over the glee club (and watch over Kurt) while she finally agrees to go audition for the Broadway show. Rachel cries from fear of failure, and Mercedes reassures her of her talent the only way a diva truly can. On her way back to the city, Rachel performs Bacharach’s Broadway classic ‘Promises, Promises’ as her audition piece. In my opinion, Lea Michele’s performance was the best of the night.

Back in McKinley’s auditorium, Brittany surprises Abuela Lopez with a performance of ‘Alfie,’ sung by none other than her granddaughter Santana. Joined by her friends in the New Directions, Santana moves her grandmother to tears, but regardless of her beautiful voice, Abuela Lopez refuses to accept Santana’s love for Brittany. With Brittany and her friends as her family, Santana parts ways with her abuela once and her for all.

Rachel returns to McKinley, proud of her peaceful audition and surprisingly content with the Broadway show’s unknown cast list. She thanks Mercedes for getting her back in her groove and seeing her full potential once again. Finally, Sam and Rachel sweetly agree to reschedule their date for this coming week. As a heartwarming, happy-cry-worthy finale number, the New Directions along with Will appropriately perform Burt Bacharach’s most famous song, ‘What the World Needs Now Is Love,’ for Brittany and Santana. They hug. End scene.

We were certainly full of love this week, and here’s to hoping some of that passion is transferred from Brittana to Klaine very soon. Talk to you next week, Gleeks. Warbler out.

– Rilan

Watch Rilan Perform His Song 'Chemical' Acoustic