Matthew Morrison: Glee “Inspired” by American Idol

Glee star Matthew Morrison has no problem admitting his hit series wouldn't have happened if it wasn’t for American Idol.  In an interview with Britain’s Sun newspaper, Morrison admits, “I don’t think Glee would be around if [Britain’s] X Factor and American Idol did not exist.  It was inspired by those shows.”  The actor adds, “I’m glad they exist, otherwise I wouldn’t be here.”  A U.S. version of the Simon Cowell-produced X-Factor debuts on Fox this fall.

Morrison may credit American Idol with his show becoming a hit, but he doesn’t like the overnight success Idol brings to people.  The 32-year-old actor tells the Sun, “People on those shows go from being nothing to everything overnight, and that’s not real.  I feel bad for them.  They get the lifestyle but then can’t take the fall, because there’s always a fall.”

Morrison spent ten years doing shows on Broadway and shot six TV pilots that failed before he was offered the role of drama teacher Will Schuester on Glee.  The actor remembers that when producers described it as a “musical TV show,” he immediately thought to himself, “Oh, God.  That’ll suck.”  Morrison admits it wasn’t until after they filmed the Glee pilot that everyone felt they were “part of something special.”

Morrison admits to the newspaper that he wishes he had been a little bit more prepared for the fame that comes with a hit show because “it is weird.”  However, he’s quick to add, “I love that I didn’t go into show business for that reason.”

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