The jig is almost up at “Glee.”
The show’s producer, Ryan Murphy, confirmed that after five seasons, FOX’s prime-time darling will end next year. Determined not to fizzle into “High School Musical” obscurity, the cast is using their fame to propel recording careers.
Following the death of Cory Monteith and a sharp ratings dive in the 18-49 demographic, the show will meet its end in 2014. The optimistic group with a solid set of vocal chops has their sights set on intruding the music world for long-lasting careers.
We’ve taken a look at the show’s co-stars who also have recording careers — and how their upcoming releases might fare with music fans.
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1. Naya Rivera a.k.a. Santana Lopez
Naya Rivera as Santana Mike Yarish/FOX Lane: Rihanna/Miley Cyrus Pop Mix
Album Release Date: TBA
Single: “Sorry”
Rate of Success: 8/10
Naya Rivera who plays the feisty Santana Lopez was the first to announce her foray into music at the 2013 MTV Video Music Awards. With the help of her Grammy nominated rapper fiancé, Big Sean, Rivera released her first single, “Sorry” in September. The single takes jabs at her soon-to-be husband’s ex-flames, reminding them that their time in his life is over. The budding singer is clearly driving into the sexualized pop-driven lane of Rihanna and Miley with her hot pants, crop tops and steamy Terry Richardson magazine covers to boot.
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2. Lea Michele a.k.a. Rachel Berry
Lea Michele as Rachel Berry Tommy Garcia/FOX Lane: Katy Perry/Jessica Simpson
Ballad-tress mix Album Release Date: 2014
Single: “You’re Mine”
Rate of Success: 10/10
Lea Michele’s world came crashing down after Cory Monteith’s sudden death last summer. The star who plays the bubbly Rachel Berry has come to grips with her new reality and vowed to keep making music per his wishes. Expected to make a huge splash in 2014 with a yet-to-be-named debut album, Michele will memorialize her tragic love with song called “You’re Mine.” After her tearful tribute to Monteith with Bob Dylan’s “Make You Feel My Love,” there’s no doubt her spot as a pop princess is cemented.
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3. Darren Criss a.k.a. Blaine Anderson
Darren Criss as Blaine Anderson Justin Lubin/FOX Lane: Less Blues-y John Mayer/Justin Timberlake Blend
Album Release: TBD
Rate of Success: 8/10
Darren Criss captured audiences as a founding member of StarKid Productions, a music theatre company in Chicago, Illinois. He joined the show in 2010 as Blaine Anderson, one of William McKinley High School first openly gay high school students. It wasn’t until his character dedicated a heartfelt rendition of Katy Perry’s “Teenage Dream” to his onscreen beau, Kurt Hummel. Criss’ emotional rendition added Perry’s humdrum original. The hit became the fastest selling Glee single and earned a spot in the top 10 of the Billboard 100. The 26-year-old wrapped his first country-wide sold-out music tour with a forth-coming album to be released soon.
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4. Amber Riley a.k.a. Mercedes Jones
Amber Riley as Mercedes Jones Mike Yarish/FOX Lane: Jennifer Hudson Powerhouse
Album Release: TBD
Rate of Success: 7/10
It was obvious from season one when Amber Riley, who plays Mercedes Jones, belted out her first note of Jasmine Sullivan’s heartbreak single, “Bust Your Windows,” that she was born to be a star. Fast forward to 2013 and Riley is now breaking hearts on the dance floor as a front-running contestant on ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars.” The actress took everyone’s breath away with Helen Reddy’s 1972 hit, “I Am Woman” for her first solo performance on BET’s “Black Girls Rock!”
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5. Matthew Morrison a.k.a. Mr. Schue
Matthew Morrison as Will Schue Adam Rose/FOX Lane: Young Frank Sinatra
Album Release Date: Where It All Began Released in June 2013
Lead Single: “It Don’t Mean A Thing”
Rate of Success: 6/10
Playing the director of the high school choir as William Schuester has more than prepared Matthew Morrison for his entrance in the jazz music genre. The Broadway veteran released his first album, “Where It All Began” in June and now he’s gearing up to drop a Christmas album, “A Classic Christmas” later this month.