Glee is one of the best adolescent coming-of-age shows to exist. The musical comedy-drama television series started in 2009 and went until 2015. Glee follows the story of a diverse group of teens in Lima Ohio coming together through song and dance. This group of young adults come together from all different backgrounds, struggles, interests, and popularity statuses in their high school and take us through their journey of “individuality”. The series expresses many topics of acceptance, identity, and friendship while including theatricality, passion, and popular hits. The key characters in the show have enormous amounts of vocal talents. It is hard to say which are the top 10 performances with the show having 6 seasons.
Performance #10: If I Were A Boy- Unique Adams
Not only was this song so beautifully emotionally executed but Unique’s vocals are outstanding. The story makes the viewers sympathize and feel for Unique as he’s going through this transition and wants to change his identity but society doesn’t accept her. Her performance leaves you in tears.
Performance #9: Landslide – Santana and Brittany with Gwyneth Paltrow
This song is super wholesome and innocent and so was this performance. For the first time, we saw Santana open up and break out of her usual character, and be vulnerable with Britany. Gwyneth Paltrow is the main vocalist and she just sounds so caring. This performance made my heart feel warm.
Performance #8: Man In The Mirror- New Directions (male version)
I am honestly surprised I added this to the list but it is needed. The male lead singers in Glee Club never get any of the spotlight. This performance highlights the masculinity the Glee club has and all the amazing male voices they have. It was an aesthetically pleasing performance and nice to hear Finn Hudson and Artie Abrams take the lead.
Performance #7: Smooth Criminal- Santana and Sebastian
This musical rendition says enough for itself. The intensity, and the tension while the cellos are going off bring the heat. I was on the edge of my seat watching these two go at it. Naya Rivera (Santana Lopez) does a magnificent job competing with masculine energy holding her ground.
Performance #6: Don’t Stop Believing- New Directions
This song is the anthem and the start of it all for Glee. Such a special and nostalgic performance. It leaves me with chills.
Performance #5: Bohemian Rhapsody- Vocal Adrenaline
I hate to put the Glee club’s arch nemesis in front of them but I have to. The vocal and dance execution exaggerates the difference between them and the Glee Club. Jonathan Groff (Jessie Saint James) is just beyond outstanding and deserves all the fame he can get. They are like dancing robots.
Performance #4: Ain’t No Way- Mercedes Jones
This performance holds such a special place in my heart. Even though it’s number 4, Amber Riley (Mercedes Jones) is hands down the best vocalist in Glee. She has something the others don’t. Whether it’s the passion, the belting, or the jazz soul, she makes music come to life. This song with the church choir in the background brings me to tears. There is so much elegance, anger, and feeling in this performance.
Performance #3: Teenage Dream- The Warblers
The most magical song that has been sung on this show. Kurt and Blaine met for the first time and this song was their anthem. At that moment I just knew he was the one for Kurt just by this performance. It symbolizes so much more than love.
Performance #2: And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going – Mercedes Jones
Again another superior vocal performance was done by Amber Riley. This song is probably the hardest song sung on the show Glee and she NAILED IT. The belts with the anger and fight leave my jaw on the floor. I was just amazed and astonished about how much voice this girl had in her.
Performance #1: Don’t Rain On My Parade- Rachel Berry
Now I know it’s controversial that I only have one Rachel Berry solo but she has so many she needs her own list. This is THE performance I think of when it comes to the overall name Glee. This is the one everyone is going to remember, as it should be. The difference in this performance compared to the others is the theatricality. When this girl opens her mouth I just think, damn this girl can sing. She wants it so much more than everyone else and it shows. She has so much more emotional connection to the song than anyone else. That’s what makes her stand out.