Brunette Ambition (29 page)

Even though we’re in our fifth season, and these past five years have been filled with the greatest ups, some difficult downs, and then, of course, terrible tragedy, I still love
Glee
as much today as I did at the beginning. It is a home for me, where I am surrounded by what has become an extended family—the cast and crew of
Glee
bring me the same comfort and joy as my own parents.

I try not to set limits for myself anymore, because the original limits that I set were proven completely wrong. Here I am now: I have the lead on a TV show, I have a L’Oréal campaign, and I’ve been on the cover of some of my favorite beauty magazines. So here’s a big fat middle finger to the lady who told me to get my nose done.

Dressed up as Gaga for our Lady Gaga episode.

Trip to Disneyland with my mom, Jonathan Groff, and the Glee kids.

Chord, Amber, Kevin, and me at the Golden Globes.

Chris posing with Hillary at the White House.

Cory and me on the lawn of the White House.

The “Total Eclipse of the Heart” dance number, which was one of my favorites from Glee.

Oprah and me.

Dressed up as a cupcake, taking a hilarious photo with Amber.

FAN QUESTIONS

Q
WHAT WAS THE FUNNIEST THING TO HAPPEN ON SET?

A
I had to do a scene where a very intense and determined Rachel rushes into the room and exclaims, “Listen, everybody, this is what happened.” I didn’t realize but my shirt had busted open. Luckily, I was wearing a bra, but still—nobody called cut! I was totally embarrassed.

Q
WHAT WAS THE FIRST
GLEE
SCENE YOU EVER SHOT?

A
The very first scene we shot is a moment when Rachel is the in the women’s bathroom, looking at herself in the mirror, and Santana and Quinn laugh at her. I remember being nervous at the time but thinking that the first day went well.

Q
WHAT WAS THE MOST DIFFICULT SONG TO SING?

A
“I Was Here” by Beyoncé, which ultimately didn’t make it onto the show (it’s on one of the albums). It was incredibly challenging. I also had a lot of trouble with “Take a Bow” by Rihanna in episode 2. It was the first time I’d ever tried to sing a pop song, since I’d spent my career singing classic rock and Broadway show tunes. Ryan was going to cut it and have me sing “I Don’t Know How to Love Him” from
Jesus Christ Superstar
instead, but we made “Take a Bow” work because it was so perfect for the story.

Q
WHAT WAS THE HARDEST THING YOU EVER HAD TO DO ON SET?

A
In an episode called “Wheels,” there’s a scene where I had to put my face into a plate of fettuccine Alfredo. I had to pretend I’d been hit and fall into the tray. I know it’s theoretically not hard, but it really was the most disgusting thing in the entire world.

Q
WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE EPISODES?

A

“Pilot”

“The Break Up”

“Showmance”

“Journey”

“New York”

Q
WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE MOMENTS?

A

When Rachel tells Finn, “You can kiss me if you want to.”

When Rachel sings “Don’t Rain on My Parade”

When Kurt sings “Being Alive”

When Kurt and Rachel are outside of Tiffany The At the Ballet” number with Sarah Jessica Parker
Q
WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE
GLEE
SONGS?

A

“Shake It Out”

“Anything Could Happen”

“Americano/Dance Again”

“Safety Dance”

“Empire State of Mind”

Q
WHAT WERE YOUR FAVORITE GUEST-STAR MOMENTS?