‘The Glee Project’ Exit Q&A: The eliminated contestant says, ‘I’m so ready to get out there and rock the world’

This week on Oxygen’s The Glee Project, viewers said goodbye to adorable Hannah McIalwain. The 20-year-old was sent home after doing a last chance performance of Taylor Swift’s “Back to December.”

“It was kinda hard [to watch], like I got a little upset,” says Hannah. “Thank the Lord it was months ago. I’ve had time to kinda get over it otherwise I’d be a hot mess right now.  I tried my best with what I had. You can always try to look back and say, ‘I wish I would have done this differently’ but that will drive you crazy. I’m proud of what I accomplished.” EW talked to Hannah about her crush on Damian, her friendship with Cameron, and what’s next. 

ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY: You and Cameron were my two favorites!
HANNAH MCIALWAIN: Well that’s awful! One right after the other!

Do you think it was because you weren’t as good of a singer, like Ryan said last night?
I hate to use excuses, but I wish I would have gotten a different song. I was super excited when I first heard that was the song because I love Taylor Swift, like she’s one of my favorites. But when I got in the rehearsal room and I started singing through it, I felt like it didn’t really show off my voice. I knew that Sam and Lindsay had stronger voices technically speaking. But I felt like if I would have had a different song, I would have had a better shot at being on the same level. Honestly, watching it back, I get why Ryan sent me home. I was kinda surprised though, because all along it’s been who he can write for, who is best for the show. He basically told me, “I really like you. You are the show.” The only critique I got was I needed to seem more confident and see myself in a better light. I was kinda surprised when he was like, “When it comes down to it, it’s about talent.” So well I guess that’s different. It’s whatever Ryan wants I guess.

Your crush on Damian kinda came full circle. Was that awkward to watch on camera? How do you feel about Damian now?
He’s a great guy. We’re still really close and he’s going to be one of my best friends forever. I think it’s kinda funny though: The way they portray it on the show it’s kinda like I’m a crazy fangirl that’s just absolutely in love with him. He totally admitted to liking me back on camera at one point. I’m not totally crazy. I might be a little crazy, but I’m not that crazy. Let it be known that Damian McGinty had feelings for this awesome ginger. He’s a great guy. I figure I might as well be honest. I’m done with the show so I’m not holding anything back now.

You had a really good friendship with Cameron too?
Absolutely. He was my rock throughout the whole thing. He offered a lot of guidance. We’d pray together a lot. He was just an amazing friend.

Were he and Damian your best friends on the show?
Yeah. I was also really close with Marissa and Emily but after they were gone I feel like I got a lot closer with Damian and Cameron. They’re like my brothers.

Have you been able to see them?
Yeah. We’ve been doing some promo stuff, like we got to go to the Glee [The 3D Concert Movie] premiere the other night.

How was that?
Oh my gosh, Tim! It was the bomb! You have no idea! It was basically the best night of my life. I couldn’t believe it. Someone made me a sign, it said, “MC Hannah, you make koala bears sexy.” It was the best night of my life. I was walking the red carpet next to like Harry Shum Jr. and all the other stars. It was crazy.

Looking back on the show, was it still a good experience?
Absolutely. It’s hard not winning, because I definitely wanted that role on Glee more than anything. But I’ve grown leaps and bounds since doing the show. I feel like it’s really molded me into someone I always kind of strived to be. I appreciate every moment on the show. I was pretty heartbroken leaving and it was definitely a sad moment for me but I really wouldn’t change a thing.

Where are you living now?
I live in L.A.

Are you pursuing acting?
Absolutely. I haven’t been able to do much. But now that I’ve been eliminated hopefully things will start happening for me. I’m so ready to just get out there and rock the world. I’ve been like a tiger in a cage for months, waiting to get out there. So who knows? This town isn’t gonna know what hits ‘em, I’ll tell you that much.

Follow Tim on Twitter: @EWTimStack

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‘The Glee Project’ Exit Q&A: This week’s eliminated contender says, ‘I’m glad I could shock some people’