Another Top 10 Glee Covers
We're back for another Top 10 Glee covers! We've included covers like Toxic, Born this Way, Shake it Out, Don't Rain on My Parade, The Scientist, Cough Syrup, Smooth Criminal, Defying Gravity, Paradise by the Dashboard Light and Valerie!
#10: “Valerie”
“Special Education”
Sometimes music and dance go together so well that you can’t help but break out in goosebumps. This is one of those performances. “Valerie” is performed by New Directions with Santana singing lead, and she does Mark Ronson and Amy Winehouse justice, as she brims with energy and enthusiasm. The excellent vocal performance is backed up by some terrific dancing by Brittany and Mike, complete with stellar synchronization and eye-popping moves. It’s easily one of the show’s most energetic covers, and it’s a fine example of why “Glee” was so much fun.
#9: “Shake It Out”
“Choke”
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“Glee” can be fun, but it can also be devastating. Santana, Tina, and Mercedes perform Florence + The Machine for Shannon, as an apology for their comments about her abusive relationship. “Shake It Out” is one of the show’s most beautiful and emotional covers, particularly due to the story and difficult theme behind the performance. Seeing Shannon cry is also very wrenching, and it has the power to make viewers tear up with her. All these elements combine to make this one of the show’s sweetest and most personal pieces.
#8: “Toxic”
“Britney/Brittany”
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OK, now that we’re done crying, let’s get back to the fun. “Toxic” is performed at a school assembly (much to the chagrin of Sue), mostly as a means for Will to seduce Emma. We’d call it a success, because damn does he look hot in that getup. Aside from the amazing outfits, the performance is also energetic and filled with some terrific harmonizing, particularly between Will and Rachel. The hilarious and downright inappropriate reactions from Jacob elevate this scene from greatness to near-perfection. The early seasons of “Glee” are often considered its best, and it’s exactly because of amazing scenes like this.
#7: “Born This Way”
“Born This Way”
While “Don’t Stop Believin’” may be the “Glee” anthem, “Born This Way” is certainly a contender. This anthem encapsulates everything that the show is about, including the idea that we should all flaunt our flaws and be proud of our individuality. The song adheres closely to Lady Gaga’s original, but hey, the “Glee” club nails the vigor and passion required for the song. The performance just has infectious energy, complete with Chris Colfer’s tremendous attitude and some awesome dancing. It’s a treat for both the ears and the eyes.
#6: “Paradise by the Dashboard Light”
“Nationals”
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Now this is what “Glee” is all about – everyone performing together, absolutely slaying, and giving viewers a hell of a time. While the group had performed some great covers before, their version of Meat Loaf’s timeless anthem is the ensemble the peak of their talents. We’re clearly see the progression made as a group over three seasons: their energy is infectious, and many performers, including Finn, are given their own moments to shine (seriously, how awesome was Finn’s voice here?) Season 3 marked the end of an era, and this performance was a stellar piece of art to go out on.
#5: “Defying Gravity”
“Wheels”
This performance proves that you don’t need production values and theatrics to put on a great show – sometimes all you need is the spotlight and a fantastic voice. Both Rachel and Kurt perform “Defying Gravity” from the musical “Wicked” and both are equally great. Kurt’s mesmerizing performance makes the fact that he intentionally blew the song, to protect his father, even more difficult and emotional. The scene is based on Chris Colfer’s real experience, as his high school teacher wouldn’t allow him to perform the role of Elphaba due to his gender, and his residual emotion is on full display in this beautiful and touching performance.
#4: “Don’t Rain on My Parade”
“Sectionals”
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And here’s why Rachel is considered the most talented member of the Glee club. Like “Defying Gravity”, there aren’t many theatrics to this song – just Lea Michele absolutely murdering her performance and giving viewers one of the tastiest vocal treats of the entire run. Those final few notes alone make it worthy of this list. Michele performed the piece at the 2010 Tony Awards, indicating the impact that “Glee” had in the early parts of the decade. Lea deserves all the acclaim she receives, and this performance is a spectacular display of her vocal prowess.
#3: “The Scientist”
“The Break Up”
Top 10 Glee Covers
This episode isn’t called “The Break Up” for nothing. Here, Finn and Rachel, Kurt and Blaine, and Santana and Brittany all end their relationships. And what better song to accompany the depression than Coldplay’s moving ballad “The Scientist”. The imagery alone makes this performance iconic with the dark outfits and motionless performers giving the song a suitable air of sorrow and grief. The waterworks really start flowing when the strings and harmonizing kick in, complete with flashbacks to happier times. It’s both one of the show’s saddest moments and a great cover of an iconic moden song.
#2: “Smooth Criminal”
“Michael”
It seems as if “Glee” always nails the Michael Jackson songs. (xref) The “Thriller/Heads Will Roll” mashup from Season 2 was great, but it was arguably topped by Santana and Sebastian’s performance of “Smooth Criminal” from Season 3. “Glee” puts an interesting spin on Jackson’s classic song by performing it with cellos and alternating male and female vocals, making it one of the most unique covers of the show. And that’s saying something. It’s also probably the sexiest performance too. The performance may be hot hot hot, but it doesn’t get much cooler than this “Smooth Criminal”.
Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
“Bohemian Rhapsody”
“Journey to Regionals”
“I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For”
“City of Angels”
“It’s Time”
“The New Rachel”
#1: “Cough Syrup”
“On My Way”
There is perhaps no sadder scene in the entirety of “Glee” than this. Blaine performs Young the Giant’s “Cough Syrup” with intermingled images of Karofsky preparing for suicide. Darren Criss does an amazing job in relaying the pain behind the song, and Max Adler’s performance as the pained and suicidal Karofsky is simply heartbreaking. The editing, difficult subject matter, lyrics, and Criss’ stellar vocals combine to create an overwhelmingly emotional sequence. “Glee” entertains, but it also has repeatedly shown its ability to touch viewers on a deeply personal level. We don’t know about you, but we cry every time.
