Cameron Mitchell was a contender on the competition series The Glee Project - which basically allows the winner to be the next new character on Glee Season 3 this fall.
Cameron was my absolute favorite out of all the contenders - really the only reason I watched the show. He was different, new, refreshing, talented and genuine. This man has pure talent in music and an absolutely charming awkwardness about him. On the last episode of the show he decided to quit.
The main problem? Conflicts between what was demanded of him versus his personal religious beliefs and morals.
Nowadays - people are so willing to compromise and cut corners in what they value and believe in just so they can get a shot at fame or make millions of dollars or become super popular. You will rarely come across someone willing to throw it all away because they actually stick by their morals and beliefs to the fullest. Can you really say you believe in something if you're so willing to dismiss it "just this one time"? How many times will that "one time" occur. Cameron wasn't willing to bend in his morals and for that I truly admire him. This man worked so hard each week pushing himself for this goal but when the goal became something he'd have to sacrifice what he's always believed in - he decided to follow his heart and find fulfillment down some other path that didn't require him to give up on something so important to him. GOOD FOR HIM.
It is so hard to stand up for what you believe in - especially when everyone is against you and very few understand you. But Cameron did so anyway. Not wanting to be involved with promoting promiscuity, sexuality and kissing other girls because of his Christian beliefs and faithfulness to his Girlfriend was refreshing. Even though it was just acting and playing a role - he felt wrong. I may not be as passionate about the same beliefs as him - but I can understand and highly respect that decision.
It was clear everyone loved him on the show - even Ryan Murphy (creator of Glee) didn't want to see him go and went out of his way to try and convince Cameron otherwise. But as Cameron said, if your heart isn't in it than you need to go where it is and this just wasn't something for him. Doesn't mean this is the end for him, he knows he's got a lot ahead of him. I know whatever he ends up doing , this time it will be something he can do with his whole heart.
"Regrets? Absolutely not. Although it was one of the hardest decisions I've ever had to make, it was the right one. I can't regret standing up for myself. I hope my decision can truly show people that it's okay and right to stand up for yourself if you believe it, even if the spotlight is on you. I've always learned that when one door closes another one opens. That’s what life is all about. Making decisions." - Cameron
Goodbye Song from The Glee Project
I have to admit - this episode was very emotional and honestly by the end - watching him sing the closing anthem for those leaving each week made my eyes water - Im HORRIBLY sad to see Cameron go but I feel very proud of him too.
"I was surprised Cameron decided to quit the competition. I knew he had been struggling – I had talked to him about it – but I didn’t know quite how hard it was on him until he actually said he was leaving. I was terribly disappointed. Obviously, I have been a tremendous fan. I hated to see him leave after all he had been through. I felt that his growth as an actor had been slower than the others, but he was growing. I felt he added a lot to the competition and selfishly didn’t want to see our show lose him. I always felt he would be great on GLEE. Also, I was concerned he was making a potential life-changing decision at the height of exhaustion and stress. At this point in the competition all the kids were so tired – emotionally and physically, and none more so than Cameron. I was sad, we all were, but never for a minute was I upset at his reasoning. Even though I didn’t see the big deal in kissing, he did – and that is all that really matters. However, putting him in the bottom three this week had nothing to do with his not kissing Hannah. I respected him for standing by his convictions – and I still do. In hindsight, if he hadn’t been so absolutely exhausted, who knows if he would have quit. Maybe he still would have. Yet, he made the decision, he stood by it, and it was a pretty impressive stand for a young man to take – whether you agree with it or not. As sad as I was with Cameron leaving, I was happy that what came out of it was Damian staying. We will all miss Cameron, but he will do great in whatever he does. He is a fine young man. As I have stated several times. I think he has “it” – that special something that cannot be described. I love his voice and I think he is an impressive song writer. I think Cameron is a star!" - Robert (Glee Casting Manager)
Always always rooting for you Cameron ~ Don't let ANYONE ever break down your beliefs.
GO NERDS! <3
