Glee: 10 Most Popular Performances, According To Reddit

The problematic upcoming docuseries, The Price of Glee, has been condemned by cast members for vilifying the show’s legacy by exploiting the deaths of beloved former stars. While Glee may have had its problematic elements and off-screen drama, it is still worthy of appreciation for its comedic moments, progressive representation, and the plethora of musical covers that won over the hearts of fans during its airing.

Today, Gleeks continue to celebrate the series for the impact and entertainment it brought with fans commemorating the talented numbers that stood out from the rest. From Rachel and Quinn’s only duet to Santana and Sebastian’s face-off, Redditors have listed some of the most popular performances that have helped immortalize Glee in the world of pop culture.

“Don’t Stop Believin'”

Season 1, Episode 1

Amongst the many experimental and grand Glee performances, there is one that has always resonated with fans due to its simplicity and the nostalgia of the show’s early beginnings: “Don’t Stop Believin'” from season 1.

Related: 10 Musicians Who Loved The Covers Of Their Songs

Redditor Lyd_Euh stated that “it’s a classic” that “still gets [them] every time.” Not only is the first rendition of the Journey song the highlight of the pilot episode, but it also serves as a reminder of the endearing club’s humble beginnings. While the show goes on to cover the song a few more times, none of those performances are as iconic and popular as that perfect end that marked the start of Glee.

“The Scientist”

Season 4, Episode 4

Glee excelled at showing the complexities and nuances behind relationships, whether it was new teen attractions or adults re-framing their ideals of love. As such, many of the show’s performances were centered around heartbreak, the most popular of which was their version of “The Scientist.”

Fans have since adored the tragic yet beautiful number, with Redditor TheWednesdayProject remarking how it “is a great example of the storyline making the performance 100x more enjoyable and emotional.” The simple, ensemble rendition, the scene’s direction, and carefully chosen flashbacks all combine perfectly to create one of the show’s saddest and most popular performances.

“I Know Where I’ve Been”

Season 6, Episode 7

Coach Beiste is easily one of the best side characters in Glee, and he is also a driving force behind one of the most popular performances, “I Know Where I’ve Been.”

Despite the criticisms surrounding Sheldon’s character in the final season, many fans adore this number and consider it to be one of the show’s best, with Redditor fr0ggiz stating that the “performance was amazing” and gives “chills every time.” Not only is the song a beautiful rendition backed by incredible and strong vocals, but it was also an emotional and empowering tribute to the trans community.

“Paradise By The Dashboard Light”

Season 3, Episode 21

While some of Glee‘s greatest song renditions came in important and vulnerable character moments, many came in the more impressive on-stage numbers they did while competing, such as “Paradise by the Dashboard Light,” which they performed at Nationals.

Related: 10 Tiny Plot Holes In Glee That Still Annoy Redditors

The performance has gone on to become one of Glee‘s most popular, with fans like Redditor musicaldigger considering it to be “by far one of their best competition performances.” The high-stakes environment, upbeat and fun ambiance, along with all the intensity and sheer energy behind the performance all make it worthy of its fan hype. Plus, it helps the New Directions win Nationals.

“Teenage Dream”

Season 4, Episode 4

While he may have undergone one of the worst Glee character changes, Darren Criss’ Blaine Anderson gave some of the series’ most electric and memorable performances, with his emotional and raw rendition of “Teenage Dream” being most popular with fans.

Redditor arwenp reminisced about how the scene was amazing: “Blaine’s vulnerability, Kurt slowly realizing something is really wrong, the tension slowly building up… amazing.” Unlike the season 2 version of the song, this performance was a lot more grounded and heartbreaking, earning it a higher rank in fan popularity.

“Bohemian Rhapsody”

Season 1, Episode 22

While Jonathan Groff’s Jesse St. James was not one of the worst side characters in Glee, he was pretty insufferable after his initial betrayal in Season 1; surprisingly, this character trait helped turn “Bohemian Rhapsody” into a fan-favorite performance.

Gleeks like Redditor EddieRyanDC even consider it to be “the best thing Glee ever did…an amazingly high level of performance and sophisticated cinematic storytelling.” Between Quinn’s suspenseful birth scene, Vocal Adrenaline’s brilliant and mesmerizing performance, and the expert editing and merging of the two scenes, it’s no wonder why it remains one of the most iconic and beloved numbers among fans.

“Valerie”

Season 2, Episode 9

Many of Naya Rivera’s performances have been raved about by Gleeks, but “Valerie” has especially and frequently emerged on top as one of the best covers and on-stage numbers performed in Glee.

Related: Will Schuester’s 8 Most Cringeworthy Quotes From Glee

Redditor Rhyme1317 stated that they “really love their version of Valerie [and are] so glad they made Santana’s vocals shine.” Beyond showcasing Naya’s skills, the song also features a charming, entertaining, and energetic performance from the New Directions that has fans grooving along with the fun performance.

“I Feel Pretty/Unpretty”

Season 2, Episode 18

While Lea Michele’s Rachel Berry’s had many cringeworthy quotes in Glee, she also delivered many profound performances, such as her fan-favorite duet with Dianna Agron’s Quinn Fabray, “I Feel Pretty/Unpretty.”

Many Redditors have lauded the mashup as one of the series’ best, with prettylilsloths stating that it will “forever [be their] favorite Glee cover.” Beyond being the only Rachel and Quinn duet, what made the song really stand out was its message about beauty standards and self-esteem, made all the more impactful thanks to Michele and Agron’s raw and heartbreaking performances.

“Rumor Has It/Someone Like You”

Season 3, Episode 6

The Troubletones may have been short-lived, but the group’s formation was undoubtedly one of Glee‘s best storylines. The girl group was a hit with viewers, with the “Rumour Has It/Someone Like You” mashup still being one of the most popular performances amongst fans like Redditor WisdomOtter, who was left speechless at how “they combined those tracks so perfectly.”

Beyond a refreshing focus on different characters, the performance also delivered one of the most fierce and well-choreographed showcases of Naya Rivera and Amber Riley’s talent through Santana and Mercedes. Not to mention how emotionally charged the number was given Santana recently being outed earlier in the episode.

“Smooth Criminal”

Season 3, Episode 11

He may not have been a great character, but Grant Gustin’s Sebastian Smythe delivered an unforgettable performance of “Smooth Criminal” alongside the beloved Santana Lopez.

This duet still remains one of the most frequently revisited Glee numbers, with Gleeks like Redditor ignitethephoenix citing it as “one of Glee’s top covers of all time.” From the legendary song choice to the brilliant musical talent of 2cellos, from Rivera and Gustin’s tension-filled chemistry to their powerhouse vocals, everything in this musical scene works in its favor, rightfully earning it the title of one of the most popular performances.

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