The Ultimate Countdown: The Top Glee Song Performances Revealed!

Summary

Glee's exceptional song performances were characterized by flawless harmonization, breathtaking visual elements, and remarkable camaraderie among the ensemble, exemplified in the remarkable "Singing In The Rain/Umbrella" fusion.

Naya Rivera and Amber Riley displayed their astounding vocal abilities and delivered an unforgettable duet through their rendition of the legendary "River Deep, Mountain High."

Mercedes finally showcased her extraordinary talent with her long-awaited solo performance of "And I Am Telling You," solidifying Amber Riley's immense talent and paving the way for her future success.

Throughout its six seasons and 121 episodes, the cast of Glee delivered nearly 750 remarkable song performances, but there were ten standout moments that truly captured audiences' hearts. Initially airing on Fox in 2009 as a musical comedy-drama, Glee narrated the journey of a misfit glee club known as The New Directions. Led by Mr. Schuester, their objective was not only to keep the program alive but also to triumph in the ultimate high school show choir competition: Nationals. Glee concluded its run in 2015 after six seasons, holding the record for the most Billboard Hot 100 hits in history, a title that remained unchallenged until Drake surpassed it six years later, long after the series had come to an end.

10 “Singing In The Rain/Umbrella”

The Top 10 Memorable Glee Song Performances: Celebrating Diversity and Addressing Important Issues

When it comes to Glee song performances, one cannot overlook the numerous mashups that have become a staple. The introduction of mashups was initially seen in the Glee season 1 episode with the same title. Among these mashups, the season 2 combination of “Singing In The Rain” from the musical with the same name and Rihanna's hit song "Umbrella" claims the tenth spot in this ranking. The seamless blend of these songs is so remarkable that it caught the attention of Tom Holland, who famously performed his own rendition on Lip Sync Battle. The incorporation of rain effects, well-executed choreography, and the undeniable chemistry between Gwyneth Paltrow (Holly Holiday) and Matthew Morrison (Mr. Schuester) heightened the production value and solidified it as one of Glee's finest musical moments.

9 “River Deep, Mountain High”

The Glee cast comprised of exceptionally talented performers with diverse backgrounds and varying levels of experience. While Naya Rivera (Santana) had established herself as an actress prior to joining the series, it was a significant breakthrough for both her and Amber Riley (Mercedes). Rivera and Riley consistently showcased their remarkable vocal abilities through solo performances and group numbers, but their true brilliance shone when they collaborated in mesmerizing duets. Their rendition of "River Deep, Mountain High" by Ike & Tina Turner may not have earned them a complimentary meal at Santana's favorite eatery, Breadstix, but it undeniably became one of the most legendary duets in the history of Glee.

8 “Valerie”

7 “And I Am Telling You”

"Valerie" by Amy Winehouse is unequivocally the anthem that defined Santana's character on Glee. In the first season, Santana was merely a malicious cheerleader and one of Quinn's sidekicks, alongside Brittany who ultimately became her romantic interest. As both Santana and Brittany were promoted to the main cast in the second season, "Valerie" served as a testament to their talents. Not only did it mark Santana's debut as a lead vocalist, but it also showcased the exceptional dance skills of Brittany and Mike. The harmonious fusion of their abilities allowed them to rival The Warblers at the Sectionals competition. This awe-inspiring performance was so remarkable that it was brought back for the monumental 100th episode of Glee.

For a significant portion of Glee, Mercedes was constantly assigned to the "park and bark" role, which meant she only had a few powerful notes during the climax of a song but never received a main solo. However, Mercedes's rendition of "And I Am Telling You" from Dreamgirls during Glee's first season showcased her undeniable talent and proved that she not only deserved a solo during Sectionals but also more opportunities to showcase her exceptional vocal abilities. It is worth noting that in a remarkable case of life imitating art, Amber Riley would later win an Olivier Award for her remarkable portrayal of Effie White in a West End revival of Dreamgirls, thereby elevating "And I Am Telling You" beyond being solely Mercedes's signature song.

6 “Don’t Stop Believin’”

The song that’s most commonly associated with Glee is “Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey. This song became a running gag in the series, portraying Mr. Schue's obsession with the rock band. It was performed four times throughout the show, but the original version in the pilot episode remains the most popular recording in Glee's history. This performance marked the first time The New Directions, consisting of the original five members, truly showcased their cohesion as a group. While it may not be considered Glee's best performance, it will always bring a nostalgic feeling to both viewers and glee club members.

5 “Smooth Criminal”

Throughout its six-season run, Glee paid tribute to various musical artists, such as Britney Spears, Whitney Houston, Billy Joel, and more. One notable tribute episode in its third season was "Michael," dedicated to the legendary Michael Jackson. Back in 2011, a viral YouTube video showcased the outstanding talent of the Croatian cellist duo, 2Cellos, performing "Smooth Criminal." A year later, Glee featured a captivating duet by Rivera and Grant Gustin (Sebastian Smythe), in which they performed 2Cellos' arrangement of the song. Santana and Sebastian engaged in a vocal competition, constantly trying to outshine each other, resulting in a magnificent performance. The addition of the cellos intensified the song, making it one of Glee's most exceptional duets and song performances to date.

4 “Bohemian Rhapsody”

3 “Don’t Rain On My Parade”

: At the start of Glee, The New Directions were considered underdogs in the world of show choirs. They faced challenges in attracting enough members to qualify for competitions and lacked the extensive experience of other glee clubs such as Vocal Adrenaline. However, they relied on their natural talent, strong bond, unwavering determination, and heartfelt performances. Despite their efforts, they couldn't match the powerhouse that Vocal Adrenaline was. Their rendition of a Journey mashup paled in comparison to the show-stopping performance of Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody" led by the charismatic Jesse St. James (Jonathan Groff). This remarkable performance became even more unforgettable as it was intercut with Quinn giving birth in the riveting season 1 finale of Glee.

2 “Rumour Has It/Someone Like You”

Prior to her stint in Funny Girl on Broadway, Lea Michele captivated audiences with her unforgettable rendition of “Don’t Rain On My Parade” in the first season of Glee. When their Sectionals setlist faced sabotage from Sue, Rachel quickly improvised and chose the perfect number to perform on the spot - the iconic “Don’t Rain On My Parade,” famously sung by her idol, Barbra Streisand. Rachel delivered a showstopping performance, leaving audiences mesmerized by her powerful vocals and captivating stage presence, ultimately securing their victory at Sectionals. Among the numerous remarkable solos Rachel performed throughout Glee, “Don’t Rain On My Parade” remains one of the show’s most cherished and acclaimed numbers.

1 “Paradise By The Dashboard Light”

Out of nearly 750 song performances, Glee impressively created over 40 mashups. One of the major plotlines in the first half of Glee season 3 involved the division of The New Directions, as Mercedes, Santana, and Brittany departed to join William McKinley High's latest all-female glee club, under the guidance of Shelby Corcoran (Idina Menzel) called The Troubletones. This girl-powered group showcased their superior dance skills and coaching, proving their prowess through a remarkable mashup of Adele's popular songs, "Rumour Has It" and "Someone Like You." The enchanting performance, led by Mercedes and Santana, once again highlighted their vocal chemistry, delivering a captivating and emotionally charged rendition, particularly by Rivera.

The New Directions, after years of falling short, finally achieved victory at Nationals in the third season of Glee. This triumph coincided with the graduation of the core members. Rachel delivered a powerful solo with a Celine Dion song, while The Troubletones, featuring Quinn, performed a Lady Gaga number. A group performance of "Paradise By The Dashboard Light" by Meat Loaf sealed the victory. This outstanding competition number by The New Directions not only demonstrated their growth as a glee club but also showcased the immense talent of several cast members.