'The Glee Project': Nellie Veitenheimer Talks Britney Spears, 'Glee' & Being 'Terrible' At Expressing Herself

If you've been tuning into "The Glee Project" this season, then you probably already know that Nellie Veitenheimer isn't the most eloquent when it comes to expressing herself. But then again, not many 19-year-olds are.

This week's "Glee Project" tested the "Glee" hopefuls' theatricality by challenging them to step into the iconic shoes -- or in Shanna's case, Lady Gaga's meat dress -- of superstars, past and present. Tomboy Nellie underwent a head-to-toe Britney Spears transformation, but she just wasn't bringing "Baby One More Time" flirtiness that Ryan Murphy and the mentors wanted.

We chatted with the "Glee Project" castoff -- who recently moved to Los Angeles -- about her elimination, becoming Britney Spears and the bromance between Blake and Michael.

For the past few weeks, you had been getting the same criticism: It didn't seem like you wanted to win the competition. Why do you think it was so hard for you to express yourself in front of Ryan Murphy?
I've always been terrible at expressing myself. I was so intimidated by everyone else and how badly they wanted it. I didn't like the idea of my desires being compared to everyone else's desires. It was a little bit frustrating, but I am happy with my responses. I think they came off as being weak, but I hope everyone did see how much I really did want to be on "Glee."

Robert Ulrich said that felt a lot of teenaged girls would relate to you and root for you on "Glee" because you are so awkward and introverted. Did you take that as a compliment?
I didn't before! But I see it now, especially after seeing everyone's reactions toward me on the show. I realize now that I didn't need to compare myself to everyone else, and that I'm representing a large group of young adults. People have been reaching out to me and telling me that I've helped them get through the day at school. It's amazing and kind of inspiring to be a part of that. And they help me too. I need to keep growing and not be afraid of what's out there.

During "Sexuality Week," you completely broke out of your comfort zone, but then during the next few weeks, you experienced a sort of regression. You didn't feel comfortable being sexy, and it seemed like that was all they wanted you to be on the show. How did you respond to that?
There were so many things that I was trying to focus on. One of my big critiques throughout the competition was that I needed to pop more in the group, and it became frustrating. I was being put in these sexy roles, and they wanted to push me out of my comfort zone, but it only made me get up into my own head. I think I left on a good note, but I do agree that after "Sexuality Week," my confidence took a dip. But I felt great for "Theatricality Week!" I finally felt like I was showing them what they wanted, but I guess they wanted even more.

What was the first thought that popped into your head when they told you that you were going to be Britney Spears?
I about died! The first thing I thought of was her sexiest, most provocative outfit and I was like, "WHY?" I was truly terrified that I was going to be half-naked with a snake around my neck. But the outfit I ended up getting wasn't that bad at all. It ended up being really fun, but initially, all I could imagine was the newer Britney and all of her provocative outfits. Thankfully, I got the younger, cuter, more innocent Britney.

After they announced that you were going to be Britney, the first thing I thought of was "I'm a Slave 4 U" Britney.
I know! That's what everyone was wondering too! I'm so happy that they went with school girl Britney.

That being said, I think everyone can identify with a Britney. I'd like to think that I'm "Sometimes" Britney, while Ryan [Murphy] is definitely "Toxic" Britney and Zach [Woodlee] is "Oops!...I Did It Again" Britney. Which Britney do you think you are?
[Laughs.] That's amazing! You know what? I've never been a fan, and I've never been a hater. I'm just kind of indifferent when it comes to Britney. But I didn't mind being "Baby One More Time" Britney.

If you could have been any other icon, who would you have chosen?
It would have been more fun to play a rocker chick, but the reason that I didn't have an answer for Ryan is because I ended up embracing Britney. She was really fun to play.

Well you didn't have much to work with. They put you in the fruit aisle.
It was definitely an odd situation. There were only two things that I could do: stand there and lean back. I think the problem that they noticed was that I didn't jump into it quickly enough. That was understandable. But yeah, it was awkward.

At least you didn't get the meat dress!
That would have been awful! Shanna did an amazing job. It was terrible. It might have been the most awful thing that I've ever smelled. I can't imagine wearing it. People were trying to spray perfume on her, but it wasn't helping. It was literally nauseating. She's so tough.

You were paired with Blake quite a bit throughout the competition. It seemed like you two worked well together. Were you and Blake close?
Michael and Blake were definitely my best friends in the competition. I think after "Sexuality Week," the mentors realized that I worked really well with him. I just felt so comfortable working with him, and I'm so thankfully for that. He's amazing and such a fantastic actor. We had a lot of similar ideas, so it was very seamless getting to work with him.

Blake and Michael have serious bromance.
Oh yeah! For sure! It was a bromance. I wish the show could showcase more of those behind-the-scenes moments because it really is such a huge part of the "Glee Project" experience. We've all remained so close even after the show.

What sort of character did you see yourself playing on "Glee?"
The ironic thing about that is when I was on "The Glee Project," I never had an answer for that question. That was part of my problem. I wasn't confident on where I would fit on "Glee." But now that the show's over, and after seeing all of these amazing responses, I realize that I could have been that voice for all of the awkward, more introverted girls in school. I think it would have been really fun to play a tomboy character who is kind of in the background, but then she joins the glee club and totally rocks the house and surprises everyone. I feel like a really vulnerable character, like me, could have been great for the show.

Who's your favorite character on the show?
It's probably between Puck and Santana. I love their sarcasm. I would have loved to play a more introverted, female version of Puck. It would have been hilarious to play a quirky girl who thinks she's a badass but she totally isn't at all.

I know you recently moved to L.A., so what are you working on now?
Right now, honestly, I'm playing it by ear. I have no immediate plans. I just want to keep acting and singing. I know everyone thinks that I just want to be a singer-songwriter, but I do have a love for acting, and I'm going to be pursuing that as well.

'Made In Chelsea' given fourth and fifth series by E4

Made In Chelsea will return for a fourth and fifth series, it has been confirmed.

E4 will air at least two more runs of the constructed reality show, which follows the lives and romances of a selection of West London socialites.

Spencer Matthews, Millie Mackintosh and Ollie Locke are all expected to return to the show, but producers are searching for new personalities to join the programme.

Caggie Dunlop and Hugo Taylor have both quit Made In Chelsea, so there is room for expansion in the cast.

Spencer Matthews told Digital Spy that his recent stint on Channel 5's The Bachelor shouldn't affect his position on the show.

Made In Chelsea, which first aired in May 2011, has been a hit for E4 online and was nominated for a BAFTA earlier this year.

Misha B: 'Nicole Scherzinger will add spice to X Factor panel'

Misha B has revealed that she thinks Nicole Scherzinger will add "spice" to The X Factor.

The former Pussycat Doll joined the UK version of the singing competition earlier this year after Kelly Rowland declined an offer to return.

Asked if she was a fan of Scherzinger, Misha B told Digital Spy: "I love Nicole. I actually got the chance to meet her and she was very, very sweet and supportive.

"She's very passionate and you can see she's very genuine. I think she'll add an extra spice [to the UK panel].

"She'll add that US flavour and she emotionally connects. She's had the experience she needs to be a judge."

Scherzinger, along with fellow X Factor judges Gary Barlow, Louis Walsh and Tulisa Contostavlos, are currently in Liverpool filming the boot camp stages of the competition.

Meanwhile, Misha B's debut single 'Home Run' is available to download now.

'Absolutely Fabulous' star Julia Sawalha: 'I was unsure about return'

Absolutely Fabulous star Julia Sawalha has admitted that she was initially unsure about returning to the show.

The actress explained that she had "put to sleep" her character Saffy, the daughter of Jennifer Saunders's Eddie Monsoon, before the BBC series was revived for three specials.

Asked for her thoughts on next week's Olympic Games episode, Sawalha said: "I really had so much fun making this special, especially given I was reticent about the idea of doing more Absolutely Fabulous.

"I had put Saffy to sleep and I know it sounds all actressy to say this, but I wasn't sure if I could climb back into her skin.

"But as soon as I knew everybody was on board and I became aware how excited Jennifer was about it, everything started to click into place."

Sawalha went on to praise her other co-stars Joanna Lumley, Jane Horrocks and June Whitfield for their humility on set.

"What I love about doing Ab Fab is there are no egos to battle with," she told The Mirror.

"We have huge respect for each other and there is so much generosity and support. That is quite rare on a show."

The first pictures from the Absolutely Fabulous London 2012 special - the final of the planned 20th anniversary shows - have now been released.

Ab Fab's 'Olympics' airs on Monday, July 23 at 9.30pm on BBC One.

'SVU' Snags 'Criminal Minds' Star - for Episode Airing Opposite 'Criminal Minds'

Did you vow to stop watching "Criminal Minds" when Paget Brewster left? If so, NBC would like to invite you to watch her on "Law & Order: SVU" when it premieres on Sept. 26 -- opposite the premiere of "Criminal Minds."

The two-hour "Law & Order" episode -- which also looks like a naked grab for the Brewster fans in the "Criminal Minds" audience -- will air opposite the one-hour premiere of the CBS procedural.

Brewster announced her exit from "Criminal Minds" last season, for the second time. She joined the series in its second season, left briefly during season six, and returned for the seventh season. The season premiering Sept. 26 will be the show's eighth. "SVU" is starting its fourteenth season.

Brewster, who played Emily Prentiss on “Criminal Minds,” will guest star on "SVU" as the head of the DA’s Public Integrity Unit. She will handle the case against Captain Cragen (Dann Florek), who is under suspicion of murder.

Several guest stars from last season’s finale will return for the "SVU" premiere, including Laura Benanti (“The Playboy Club”), Pippa Black (“Outsourced”), Peter Jacobson (“House M.D.,” “The Starter Wife”), Ron Rifkin (“Brothers and Sisters,” “Alias”), Brooke Smith (“Grey’s Anatomy,” “Weeds”), and Dean Winters (“30 Rock,” “Rescue Me”).

Pete Rose Gets a Reality Show

Pete Rose can't join baseball's Hall of Fame, but he is joining such esteemed company as Jon and Kate Gosselin, the "Sister Wives," and "Cake Boss": He and his fiancée are getting their own TLC reality show.

It will be, unfortunately, one of those relationship shows built around a ginned up conflict: Rose's ladyfriend, Kiana Kim, lives in Los Angeles with her children, while the 71-year-old Rose, banned from baseball for gambling, lives and works in Las Vegas. (Because where else?)

You might think Charlie Hustle would have the stamina to fly from Los Angeles to Vegas every morning, but that wouldn't make for a very exciting show, would it?

Amy Winter, general manager of TLC, says that show will "open the door into a very modern family dynamic of trying to blend families when your kids are no longer children, and when your private life is in the public spotlight." Never mind that Rose's private life was out of the public spotlight until he decided to reclaim it with a reality show.

The show will also focus on whether Rose will appeal to end his permanent ineligibility from baseball, which also makes him ineligible for the Hall of Fame. Rose had admitted to betting on the team he played for and managed, the Cincinnati Reds, which for some reason isn't allowed. (Isn't betting on your own team just confidence?)

Ratings: 'America's Got Talent' on Top, But Gordon Ramsay Is Cooking

NBC's "America's Got Talent" was the night's top-rated and most-watched program Tuesday night despite a slight downturn, but Fox took an overall ratings win on the strength of "Hell's Kitchen" and "MasterChef," according to preliminary numbers.

Fox took first place in the advertiser-friendly 18-49 demographic with an average  2.5 rating/8 share and third in total viewers with 6 million.

Both "Hell's Kitchen" and "MasterChef" showed dramatic growth, with "Hell's Kitchen" at 8 p.m. rising 20 percent in the demo from last week with a 2.4/8 and taking 6 million total viewers. "MasterChef" the following hour rose 25 percent from two weeks ago, posting a 2.5/7 and drawing 6.1 million total viewers.

NBC took second place in the demo and first in total viewers with an average 2.2/6 and 8.2 million. "America's Got Talent" from 8 to 10 was down slightly in the demo but was nonetheless the night's best-rated and most-watched program with a 2.6/8 and 10.1 million total viewers. "Love in the Wild" at 10 showed modest demo growth over last week with a 1.3/4 and drew 4.4 million total viewers.

ABC came in third in ratings and fourth in total viewers with an average 1.2/3 and 4 million. "Wipeout" at 8 dipped slightly to a 1.4/5 and drew 4.6 million total viewers. Back-to-back episodes of "Trust Us With Your Life" the following hour both posted demo decreases, with both episodes posting a 0.9/3. (The 9 p.m. and 9:30 airings attracted 2.7 and 2.6 million total viewers, respectively.) "ABC News: N.Y. Med" was even with two weeks ago, receiving a 1.2/3 and taking 4.7 million total viewers.

CBS, which ran repeats throughout the night, drew fourth place in ratings and second in total viewers with an average 1.0/3 and 6.2 million.