I’m not sure what it is about Katy Perry and Glee.  I mean, in the abstract, I’m all for Katy Perry.  Her music is fun, uncomplicated, and is full of great, danceable beats.  She’s got pretty eyes, a killer rack, a body that doesn’t quit, and perhaps best of all; she knows how to work the whole package, accordingly.  What’s more, it’s apparent that Ryan Murphy and the powers-that-be at Glee agree.

What I think is rather thought-provoking is that Perry’s songs are performed far better by the singers on Glee.  What initially made me prick-up my ears was that the Beezelbubs (the Tufts University men’s a cappella singing group who provide the vocals that are lip-synched to by the actors who portray the Dalton Academy Warblers) did such a bang-up job singing Perry’s “Teenage Dream” – and with such vim and gusto!  No wonder Kurt swooned for Blaine (himself the very embodiment of a teenage dream).  And that’s the guys!

Imagine the circles that a classically trained vocalist like Lea Michele can sing around (not-so) poor Miss Perry – a prime example of today’s record industry, where image is just as (if not more) important than actual singing talent.   When Michele, as the angst-ridden Rachel, sinks her teeth into Perry’s “Firework” (actually one of Perry’s best vocal accomplishments, as the range is far better suited to her vocal limitations), she chews it up and spits it out in one of the series’ best emoted performances, thus far.

I’m not saying that I think every performance on Glee is without flaw.  For instance, I’m a big fan of proper context.  It was cute when the Warblers did “Teenage Dream” as it signified Kurt’s crush on Blaine.  But when they sang “Bills, Bills, Bills” by Destiny’s Child, I was a bit thrown.  A song where the protagonist is undeniably an urban woman, singing to a “triflin’ good for nothing type of brother” is probably not the best musical selection for a group of loafer-wearing, prep school-attending, suburban white boys.  I suppose that, so long as their next song isn’t by Helen Reddy or Carol King, I’ll be fine.

So, what does all this mean to you?  Damned if I know.  Meanwhile, that Glee deserves every award it’s won, and then some!  As for Katy Perry – I loved her, this week, on How I Met Your Mother!

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