Gleeks have another reason to wig out. "The Glee Project," a reality contest that premieres on Oxygen in March, will give the winner an opportunity to guest star on "Glee." Cast director Robert L. Ulrich said he's narrowed the field from 40,000 applicants to about 80, which will be whittled to a dozen by next week.

"This competition is as creative as 'Glee' itself," said executive producer Michael Davies.

Others at Thursday's TV critics press tour included Summer Glau, a cast member on NBC's "The Cape," who is adding to the sci-fi fan base she established on "Firefly" and "Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles." She said the fan boys are wonderful except when she's "in the grocery store with no makeup on. Then I'm humiliated."

Another fan boys favorite is Olivia Munn who has abandoned her "Attack of the Show" followers to star in NBC's sitcom, "Perfect Couples." She said, "I loved 'Attack,' but you want to see if you can make other dreams come true."

Others addressing critics: Jewel, Keith David, Bobby Flay, Kathy Bates and the cast of "Community."

NEAL JUSTIN