Glee Wrap-Up: 35 Best Performances

Glee was the out-of-nowhere underdog when it debuted in 2009. A cast of unknowns - most of them shockingly normal looking - in a musical series was such crazy idea to begin with. I mean, it was something that hasn't been successful since, umm, never!! But for whatever reason, this scripted series just became one of the most highly talked about show in its first two seasons and I'm not going to deny that I was obsessed about the show since it's pilot.

I wrote episode reviews until Season 3 and posted the music as well. I even made a separate page for the show because it came to a point where Glee had more views in DAM NATION than American Idol. It had everything going for them until they messed up the storyline as the show eventually became too preachy and came off like a constant public service announcement.

Fast forward to 2015 and Glee aired it's final episode last week. It's bittersweet. While I did stop covering the show at the middle of Season 3 - though I came back to review The Quarterback in Season 5 -  Glee will always be part of DAM NATION. Thank you!

And now that the series came to a close with 728 musical performances under it's sleeves, it's just about right to take a look back at some of the most unforgettable interpretations of classics, showtunes, pop hits, and even obscure songs

So for the last Glee post, here's the All-Time 35 Best Performances of Glee.

Glee Season 5: The Quarterback Episode Review

The Quarterback
Season 5, Episode 3

How can you grieve so much for someone you've never met?

I know. I know. I stopped watching (and covering) Glee in Season 3 just because I didn't enjoy the show anymore, but I'd make a special episode review as this somehow brought closure to Finn's character and Cory Monteith as a person. Of course, there will always be a void in there, especially for fans of the show since Season 1, but it's time to say farewell to our beloved Quarterback, Finn Hudson.

This episode transcended the Glee storyline. It was cathartic, which felt like something jammed its fist into my heart and ripped the lid off a well of old pain. If a tribute was supposed to make you "let it all out", then Congratulations Glee. You officially became the only comedy show that has this innate ability to send a grown man to tears.

THE GOOD:

- Let me say it right off the bat, this tribute episode was perfectly well written and tastefully executed. I could not have been happier at how the show and writers handled this terribly hard situation - managing to capture both grief and positivity in one episode.

- I was also in awe that the whole cast was able to harness their own grief to give the audience this chance to say goodbye. Thank you.

- Kurt's voice over at the top of the episode was spot on. "Everyone wants to talk about how he did, but who cares? That's one moment in his whole life. I care more about how he lived." I appreciated how they simply wanted to show the legacy of the character and not dwell on how he actually died.

- Carole's speech with Burt and Kurt felt so raw and powerful, I completely lost it. "How parents go on when they lose a child? How do they wake up everyday? How do they breathe? You don't get to stop waking up. You have to keep being a parent even though you don't get to have a child anymore". This scene alone was beautifully written and acted from everyone involved. It felt very real.

- I liked how this episode highlighted how different people grieve and I got Santana's storyline. She and Finn had a troubled relationship, but Santana genuinely thought that he was a nice person despite the "outing" debacle in Season 3 and she's grieving over the fact that he died not knowing that. It's moving, especially how she and Sue Sylvester had the same sentiments.

- That locker room scene with Puck and Beiste was pretty intense and emotional. I felt like Puck was more afraid than angry as he no longer has his Quarterback in life to guide him. But what Beiste told him made sense, "It's time for you to be your own Quarterback".

- Sue Sylvester's moment was poignant! She was still pretty feisty and straightforward, but what she said got me thinking, "There's no lesson here. There's no happy ending. There's just nothing. He's just gone. It's just pointless. All that potential.."

- Rachel Berry (Lea Michele) was outstanding and I have a new level of respect for her. I went to the ugly cry during her scenes.

- Memorial plaque was brilliant and the quote "The show must go.. all over the place.. or something" was what he said right before competing against Vocal Adrenaline and New Directions had no songs to perform. It was classic and I felt sad remembering that.

- The final scene with Mr. Schue holding Finn's Letterman jacket crying was absolutely heartbreaking. I'm no fan of Will Schuester, but I felt his pain and sadness. Those kids have always been his heart and I thought it was hard to see him be in such pain. Sad.

THE BAD:

- I understand that Tina's coping mechanism was her grieving onto something trivial, but what did she do to deserve such writing? Ryan Murphy must really hate her.

- Or maybe Ryan Murphy hated Dianna Agron (Quinn Fabray) more that he didn't even invite her to appear on the episode. Next to Rachel, Quinn had such a long history with Finn and her absence was just SO obvious.

THE MUSIC:

SEASONS OF LOVE. Perfect song to open the show as this sounded more like a prayer than anything else. I liked that the performance opened with the sophomores and then the seniors and the graduates. The solos were great, but when Mercedes started hollering, the whole thing brought this to something more fantastic, especially when they turned around with Finn's picture at the wall.

I'LL STAND BY YOU. Oh My God. Even before Mercedes started singing, I was already bawling. I remember Finn singing this song and I liked how Mercedes took the song and just went all out as if singing her frustrations and pain because of Finn's death. Powerful.

FIRE & RAIN. This was quite lovely. Loved how Sam sounded, which complemented Artie's voice. Very nice.

IF I DIE YOUNG. The a capella intro was sublime, and how she interpreted this song was a thing of beauty. Also, was it just me or was her scream at the end felt real?

NO SURRENDER. We made a promise / We swore we'd always remember/ No retreat / Baby, no surrender. The song got to me even more because of the lyrics.

MAKE YOU FEEL MY LOVE. This song seriously changed the entire tone for me. I was able to separate the characters from the actors up until this moment. I somehow felt like the casts' reaction during this performance was how they felt exactly during that moment. It's them crying for Cory and not anymore to Finn the character. Rachel's voice was beautifully raw and I admired her for having the courage to even do this. Thank you!

Glee Music 5: The Quarterback

Look, this maybe my last post about Glee - unless, something comes up again - so savor this moment.

Here's The Quarterback soundtrack, which will be part of Glee's farewell/tribute episode to one of its lead, Finn played by the late Cory Monteith. This episode airs this Thursday, October 10, 2013. Now, the songs are pretty emotional, but the clear stand outs are Santana's If I Die You, the whole casts' Season of Love, and lastly, Rachel's heart wrenching take on Bob Dylan's Make You Feel My Love.

The last one particular sounds like Lea Michele was having a hard time singing the song considering the fact that she's usually so masterful in her vocal control. Her version was raw that I seriously felt sad for her. Sad.

1. Season of Love

2. I'll Stand By You

3. Fire And Rain

4. If I Die Young

5. No Surrender

6. Make You Feel My Love

DAM NATION

Glee Season 5: The Quarterback Promo

When was the last time I posted about Glee? Yes, that's when Cory Monteith, playing the male lead Finn, died last July. So, here's another Glee post all about the upcoming episode of The Quarterback, which is basically a tribute to Cory Monteith's character Finn. 

I seriously don't know if I'm emotionally stable to watch this episode as I'm too young to drown on my own tears. Haha. I remember watching the pilot way back in the summer of 2009 and instantly loving the show, which prompted me to add Glee on this blog next to American Idol. So watching this 30-second promo is hard. Plus, just listening to Rachel Berry (Lea Michele) covering Bob Dylan's Make You Feel My Love was painfully beautiful. Sigh. Ready your 50 box of Kleenex for next week's episode.

Glee News: Glee's Cory Monteith Found Dead

Tragic news. Glee Star, Cory Monteith, who played Finn was found dead at a hotel in Canada.

(CNN) - Cory Monteith, who played heart throb Finn Hudson in the Fox hit "Glee," was found dead in a Vancouver hotel room Saturday, Vancouver police said. He was 31.

Police said the cause of death was not immediately apparent, but they ruled out foul play.

Monteith spent time in rehab early this year, checking into a drug addiction treatment facility in April.

He had been frank about his struggles with substance abuse, telling Parade magazine in 2011 that he began using drugs at 13, and by 19 went into rehab after his mother and friends intervened.

Monteith had been on the musical comedy show since it began in 2009.

In 2011, he won a Teen Choice award for top actor in a comedy. The show's cast won a Screen Actors Guild award for an ensemble in a comedy the prior year.

A couple of months ago, he voluntarily checked into a rehab for his substance abuse, which he was battling since he was young. Despite his problems, it seemed like Cory always tried to remain professional on the show and was always well liked. This is unfortunate particularly because I think he was really trying to break free of this addiction.

I know. I know. I stopped blogging about Glee since Season 3, but this was VERY shocking. Cory, to me, was a fantastic actor and has always been an important character on the show. I will always remember his first scenes from the first season of Glee. Sad.

Rest in Peace, Cory Monteith.

Glee Music 4: The Role You Were Born To Play (Episode 5)

After almost a month of Glee hiatus, they are back this week with it's fifth episode The Role You Were Born To Play, which is sort of the casting for the Grease production. The music are a bit of a mixed bag and two of them are included in the Glease soundtrack - I will review this once the actual soundtrack has been released.

Blow Me (One Last Kiss)

JUST. NO. This was awful. I'm a fan of Marley's full and warm voice, and Unique is actually growing on me, but I hated their version of this. It seems like their harmonies were mixed incorrectly. Unique sounds WAY higher during the chorus, which makes his voice annoyingly shrill and Melissa sounds like she was barely there. Individually, they sound fine, but when they hit the chorus, it's just ridiculously messy. Blech. 3/10

Everybody Talks

Fun. Catchy. Full of energy. I love the original, but I think Jake and Kitty sound good together. I've been a fan of Jake's voice since Never Say Never, but Kitty surprised me. I know she's a Broadway actress in real life, but to tackle a pop song that's believable is kind of impressive. To me, they actually breathe new life to the song. Very nice. 7.5/10

Juke Box Hero

This Finn and Ryder (Blake Jenner, The Glee Project 2 Winner) duet sounds really good. Not exactly a fan of old school rock songs, but I think they sort of pulled it all off. I'm just having a hard time telling them apart. It's like the song is a duet for a person. Haha. 7/10

Idol/Glee News: Jessica Sanchez Is Officially Part Of Glee

I'm not sure if I should post this as Glee News or Idol News. Haha. I love how two worlds will soon be colliding in my blog. Haha.

According to Michael Ausiello of TVLine, Jessica Sanchez has been cast for a recurring role on Glee this season:

It’s a done deal: Jessica Sanchez, whose monster pipes and near-perfect pitch carried her all the way to a second-place finish on Season 11 of American Idol, has closed a deal to recur on Glee, TVLine has learned exclusively.

There are no details on what role Glee executive producer Ryan Murphy might have in store for the 16-year-old California native or when she will first appear on screen. (Might she be the much-buzzed-about new love interest for Finn?!)

To me, this is another opportunity for Jessica to diversify her career and pick up more fans. I think this is a great opportunity for her and she will fit in quite nicely on Glee. Plus, with big voiced divas like Amber Riley leaving the show, that choir room in McKinley needs some vocal prowess no?

Glee Season 4: The Break Up Preview (Episode 4)

Check out a preview of Glee's next episode entitled, The Break Up. Yes, they went there. Ha!

Aside from the fact that The Break Up has the best set of songs in recent memory, I think that this episode will be just as good. I've had my heart ripped out of my stomach and torn into a million pieces by just watching the preview. Ok, that's a little melodramatic, but you know what I mean. Genuinely interested for whats to come in this episode. Glee Season 4 is turning out to be a good season after all.

Glee Music 4: The Break Up (Episode 4)

Truth be told, I've never been more pleased with any Glee song set since Journey to Regionals. Possibly the strongest combination of songs the show had in a very long time. Not a dud in the bunch. When Glee does something right, it's freaking right!

Barely Breathing

While nothing spectacular, their cover of this Duncan Sheik tune is still quite nice. Blaine and Finn sounds good together and I like that it's a duet. It's just a little faster than I think it should be, but that's nitpicking already. 7.5/10

Don't Speak

Something about this isn't really working for me - maybe the amped up vocals of some drowning out the others and the uneven harmonies - but this still sounded way better than I expected. Never been a fan of this song to begin with, so whatever. 7/10

Give Your Heart A Break

A lot better than their first duet, A Change Would Do Good, as I feel Rachel and Brody's vocal chemistry here. The piano arrangement is lovely and the harmonies are great. Of course, Rachel sounds flawless, but I think Brody holds her own in this song as well. Good job. 8/10

Mine

STUNNING! Not entirely fan of this Taylor Swift song, but Santana turned it around for me. The acoustic arrangement is fantastic, she sounds sublime and I feel her in this song. Oh, and that bridge, awesome. Possibly one of my favorite Santana solos EVER. 9.5/10

Teenage Dream (Acoustic Version)

This song will kill us all! Haha. Yes, I adore Glee's original version of this Katy Perry song as an introduction to Blaine's character in Season 2, but I love this one WAY better. The piano arrangement serves well with Blaine's melancholic delivery of the words. I really appreciate the emotional depth he gives to it. It broke me and I died. 10/10

The Scientist

Admittedly, I was worried that this will be the biggest mess with all four couples singing in this Coldplay ditty - I love this song, mind you! - but I find it rather lovely. Everyone sounds amazing and the harmonies are gorgeous. I like that every single one has a different sound and it makes their cover surprsingly interesting. Plus, Brittany and Kurt sound exquisite in this song. 10/10

Glee Music 4: Makeover (Episode 3)

 Not going to lie, musically, this episode is a little week. I can't really hate any of it, but everything's rather underwhelming. Good thing, I'm looking forward to the actual episode than the music. Anyway, Enjoy!

A Change Would Do You Good

I like the faster arrangement, but somehow the whole thing sounds weird. I don't know if it's the song or the production as it overpowers both Rachel and Brody. I think they sound good together, but I want to hear how they sound on a better produced song. 6/10

Celebrity Skin

Just like what I wrote last episode, one shouldn't be critical about Brittany's vocals because she's obviously NOT a singer. With her, it's all about the actual performance. So while I find her snarling tone a bit strange, it's fun and that's pretty much all it has going for it. Oh, and Sam's quite decent here. 6.5/10

Everybody Wants To Rule The World

I love Tears for Fears, and I think Blaine sounds pretty on this song - it feels like something straight out of a John Hughes movie. Haha. It gets a little dragging toward the end, but that's me nitpicking. 7/10

The Way You Look Tonight/

You've Never Fully Dressed Without A Smile

That a long title no? Haha. This mash up is adorable, cute, and theatrical. I think Isabelle (Sarah Jessica Parker) sounds lovely and the song is also a great fit for Kurt's voice. Possibly the strongest song in this episode. 7.5/10

Glee Season 4: Celebrity Skin Sneak Peek

Watch the full performance of Celebrity Skin by Brittany and Sam. This is part of Glee's Episode 3 entitled, Makeover, where Sarah Jessica Parker will guest star.

As for the performance, I actually enjoyed it. Never thought Glee would even dare touch a '90s grunge ditty, but this works for me. I mean, it's very amusing even if it involves zero dancing. That said, I wouldn't listen to the song without the visuals. Haha. Enjoy!

Glee Season 4: Makeover Preview (Episode 3)

Here's the preview for Glee's next episode entitled, Makeover, where Sarah Jessica Parker will appear as a guest star (Isabelle Klempt). Oh, and the campaign showdown between Brittany and Blaine for Student Council President begins. Can't. Wait.

Glee Season 4: Oops.. I Did It Again! Sneak Peek

Here's the full performance of Oops.. I Did It Again! by Rachel Berry, which will air this Friday as part of the second tribute episode for Britney Spears.

While I LOVE the recording mostly because of the fresh arrangement of the song to suit Rachel's voice, the performance is actually even better. This is absolutely fantastic! This is by far the sexiest we've ever seen Rachel perform. Simple as it may seem, it's sexy without going too risque, it's well executed and made good use of props - and by props I mean, Brody, the tables and her legs.

Oh, and Cassandra July gives outstanding b*tchfaces! Haha. Enjoy!

Glee Season 4: Hold It Against Me Sneak Peek

Here's the full performance of Hold It Against Me by Brittany and Kitty, which will air this Friday for the Britney 2.0 episode.

I love the dancing, but the camera work is too choppy that it didn't do her any justice at all. I mean, these are professional dancers in the real world right? Do they really need to use all these cuts and editing to make them look good? To me, Brittany's I'm A Slave For U is her best performance yet. Oh, and the best part of this video, KITTY! Haha. 

Glee Music 4: Britney 2.0 (Episode 2)

Another Britney episode! I admit, I was a little iffy when I heard the news, but listening to the featured music this week, who am I to complain? I somehow enjoyed the Britney songs in Season 2, but I love the risks Glee took with the arrangement of most songs this time. Tribute episodes, save for the Michael Jackson episode, are usually a mess, but I'm hoping that this one will be good enough.

3

Wow. This version is SO good, it's not even funny. I think the arrangement is spectacular and the 3-part harmony between Tina, Sam and Joe is just delicious. Sam sounds good, but Tina owns this song. As for Joe, I laughed at his line "living in sin is the new thing". Guess someone changed his ways. Haha. 9/10

Boys/Boyfriend

On paper, a Justin Bieber/Britney Spears mash-up sounds like a complete train wreck, but it's not as horrible as I initially thought. Not my favorite song in this episode, but it's decent, to say the least. I think Blaine and Artie sound good regardless. I wonder why they didn't include Sam in this song. 6.5/10

Crazy/(You Drive Me) Crazy 

 Gorgeous. I think the songs work really well together, it's nicely arranged and the vocals from both Jake and Marley are pretty solid. It may sound a little boring to some, but I actually like this. Not crazy about it, but still. 8/10

Everytime

 Marley's version of this song is quite lovely. For me, there's something about her voice that brings a different air and freshness to a song that's very appealing. Sure, it's not as powerful as Rachel's, but I love that quality of sweetness in her tone. 8.5/10 

Gimme More

It's Britney bitch! Haha. Brittany is clearly not the best singer in the group - she actually sounds flat and dull for the most part - but I digress. With her, it's ALWAYS about the actual performance. To be fair though, I think she's sounding better as the song progresses. 6/10

Hold It Against Me

To be brutally honest, although this cover sounds decent, I think Till The World Ends is a much better song choice for Brittany. I don't know. Not a big fan of her voice on this one - it's as if she was badly autotuned. But again, it's ALWAYS about the actual performance when it comes to Brittany. 5/10 

 

Oops.. I Did It Again

I hated Rachel's rendition of Baby One More Time, but this is pretty fabulous. The arrangement is by far the best thing about this song. See, my favorite Glee songs are when they twist the original version and make it sound fresh and they did just that with this iconic Britney tune. Oh, and of course, Rachel vocal is flawless. 8.5/10

Womanizer

What a pleasant surprise! I admit, this sounds way too overproduced for my liking, but it's a fun, catchy cover. Plus, Unique sounds fierce on this one with Tina and Marley providing great background vocals. Nice. 7.5/10

Glee Season 4: Call Me Maybe Sneak Peek

You know how the remaining glee club members fight for that lead part on New Directions? Of course, sing the most overplayed song of the year, Call Me Maybe. Haha.

I like Glee when it's not too preachy and not too serious, so this is good in my book. I just hope they didn't include Unique in this number. I mean, his voice is too loud for my liking and they need to focus more on the original cast, especially Tina. Give that girl a break. Seriously.

Glee Season 4: Americano / Dance Again Sneak Peek

Here's Kate Hudson performing a Lady Gaga / Jennifer Lopez mash-up, Americano / Dance Again just to show the NYADA newbies, which includes Rachel Berry how it's done.

Not crazy with the recording, to be honest, but this performance is quite impressive. Plus, the production looks stunning. I'm a fan. Enjoy!

Glee Music 4: The New Rachel (Episode 1)

.. and this part of the blog is back. I know I somehow ditched the show after it's hiatus last time, but I'll try my best to keep up with everything this season. Unless, the show frustrates me yet again. Haha. I'm kidding.

Americano / Dance Again

I didn't expect much from Kate Hudson's recording, but I'm pleasantly surprised by this. It's certainly not the best, but she sounds solid for the most part especially in the Americano bits. Not a fan of the mash up though. 6.5/10 

Call Me Maybe

It's just a matter of time for Glee to cover this song no? Haha. The song itself is fun and upbeat, but I'm just tired of this song. Plus, the last few bars sound a bit messy. 5/10

Chasing Pavements

WOW. This sounds really good. Marley - a new character - has this gorgeous soothing tone to her voice that compliments the song perfectly. I like her dynamics and the liberties she took with the melody. Very nice. 8/10

It's Time

 For some reason, this may probably be one of Blaine's strongest solos ever. I think the smoother laid-back quality of Darren's voice gives the tune an interesting twist. This actually reminds me of his Cough Syrup rendition. 7.5/10

Never Say Never

Jake Puckerman - yes, Puck's half brother - is joining New Directions and I'm really impressed. A rich voice that has so much strength, emotion and control. Plus, his falsetto is lovely. Finally! A male lead that I can get behind. 8/10

New York State of Mind

So, Marley is the new Rachel? This duet by Marley and Rachel is, arguably, the strongest recording in this episode. As usual, Rachel sounds phenomenal, but I think Marley holds her own in this song as well. Oh, and I like how their voices are totally different from each other. Beautiful. 9/10