Whitney Houston
In its three season run, Glee has paid tribute to many people including Britney Spears, Lady Gaga, Madonna, Michael Jackson, The Rocky Horror Picture Show. You would think the tributes would be over for the season after the unfocused hour that fell more upon Karofsky than Regionals seemed to point out that the writers need to focus. However, with Whitney Houston’s passing, of course Glee wasn’t going to miss an opportunity.
E! Online reports that a source from the set says the series is planning a tribute episode to the singer-songwriter before the show’s third season is up, and it won’t be a “typical tribute episode”. It will be more of a “character piece” about the kids letting go and saying goodbye as they deal with graduation. ”It’s using Whitney’s music as a way to say goodbye,” the source reveals. “A way to respectfully say thank you for her music.”
Lea Michele also teased the news, tweeting yesterday, “Starting a new episode today. A very special tribute to one of the worlds most amazing singers. Very excited about this one.”
I’m honestly somewhat interested in seeing how Glee pulls this off. The other tribute episodes have been full-out tributes that honor the person, while seemingly relating it to the kids’ ongoing problems. If this next tribute is more about the kids than it is Whitney, it’ll be intriguing to see what can come of this.
However, is it the right call? Everyone under the sun will be aiming to do a Whitney Houston tribute before summer rolls around, as American Idol and The Voice are confirmed to be stuffing tributes down our throats. Does Glee need to do one more this season, especially so soon after their last tribute? “Michael” perfectly showed audiences that there needed to be no time-relevance to honor famous musicians who have passed, and that the singer’s words are still meaningful long after the time is relevant. Is Glee doing this because it’s relevant now and they feel obligated to, or are they doing it because it’s the right thing?
It seems we’ll have to see for ourselves as the episode airs before the season finale at a date that remains to be determined.
