'Glee' Singer's Scenes Cut to Keep Star Lea Michele Happy, Sources Say

(The New York Post) - Singing sensation Charice Pempengco’s scenes in the last season of "Glee" were cut dramatically to avoid upsetting the show’s star, Lea Michele, the New York Post reported Tuesday.

Pempengco was cast as Sunshine Corazon, an exchange student who competes against lead character Rachel Berry, played by Michele. But after they recorded their knockout version of the Lady Gaga and Beyonce hit “Telephone” for the season opener, Pempengco’s scenes were cut, sources said.

“Charice was signed for a minimum of five episodes and did a press junket with [fellow new star] Chord Overstreet," a source said. "She had a big debut, but things changed, and they didn’t put her back in. The word is, Lea is the big star, and producers want to keep her happy.”

Creator Ryan Murphy introduced Charice with fanfare, saying, “When that girl opens her mouth, angels fly out.” He also said later, “She’s coming back for five episodes at the end of the year. Lots of big, big, big ballads for Charice.”

But Pempengco only reappeared in the two final episodes of the season in a much reduced role and “was made to look much less adorable,” a source said.

Despite the rumored rivalry, Michele praised Pempengco. “She’s definitely the tiniest ball of talent I’ve ever seen in my life," she recently said. "Charice is beyond talented!”

A “Glee” spokesman denied reports of tension on set. “This is categorically untrue," he said. "We love Charice, and she was a wonderful addition to 'Glee' last season."

The spokesman added, "Lea is a consummate pro who couldn’t be more welcoming of other powerhouse singers on the show, from Kristin Chenoweth to Idina Menzel, who is set to reprise her role as Rachel’s birth mom this fall.”

Source: The New York Post