‘Glee Project’ winner, Damian McGinty has spoken about how his parents will always help him keep his feet on the ground, in the wake of his new found stardom.

In an interview with his local newspaper the Derry Journal the rising star spoke fondly about his parents Joanne and Damian senior, as well as his brother and sister.

“I couldn’t do it without them,” he said, “They have given me amazing opportunities and have encouraged me in everything I’ve done. From day one, I have had their support but they’ll never let me get above my station! Not a chance,” he laughed.

McGinty said he has always related to the musical comedy drama, in which he will now star: “It’s just such a feel-good show,” he said, “And I could really relate to it. It’s essentially about being proud of who you are and about the underdog coming out on top.”

“I cannot explain how amazing these people were. There was just so much talent in that room - I was sure I was in the wrong place. I was astounded and delighted to make it through to the final 12.”

Speaking about the intense film schedule, the Derry teenager spoke about how he was lived with his fellow contestants for ten weeks, where they were allowed only one 15 minute phone call a week.

“It was pretty intense,” Damian said. “Every episode of The Glee Project was filmed over a four day period which was pretty mad. It was non-stop.

“At times it got very tough, especially when I had to sing for Ryan Murphy four times. That was hard - to find myself in the bottom three those times.”

He described “Glee” creator Ryan Murphy as a “very nice and approachable man” .

“Over the weeks I got to meet Ryan and got to know him. He’s very tough, but very fair. I didn’t disagree with anything he said. When he said my performance of ‘Oh Danny Boy’ (seen in last week’s Glee Project on Sky One) was rubbish, he was right.

The young man said throughout the process he just tried to remain true to himself.

“I try to just be myself. In my mind there is no room for cheekiness, or bitchiness. What I do, I do from the heart and I just want to make a good job out of it.
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“Yes, I’m like any other 18-year-old and at times I’m just a lazy get who want wants to stay in my bed, but when it comes to an opportunity such as this I want to give it my all and be true to myself.”
He credits his time with the Irish band Celtic Thunder as an “unforgettable experience”.

“I learned so much from the experience and from the other singers and performers. They really helped me grow up - but now is time is move on”.

Although the details of Damian’s new Glee character are still not known, he is very excited to start filming.

“I just can’t wait to get in and do it. And I can’t wait to meet the cast - I mean they are amazing. So talented. To meet the likes of Matthew Morrison (Mr Schu) or Jane Lynch (Sue Sylvester) - who have done everything. I can’t wait to pick their brains.

“This is what I want to do and I will give it my everything. And this is an amazing opportunity. I just can’t wait to do myself, my family and everyone proud.”

Watch the moment below when Damian found out he had won the ‘Glee Project'.