Cory Monteith: 5 Most Memorable Glee Musical Performances

From "Don't Stop Believing" to a Michael Jackson tribute, watch our favorite Finn musical numbers

By Jenna Mullins, Tierney Bricker Jul 14, 2013 6:07 PMTags
Cory Monteith, Kevin McHale, Harry Shum Jr., Amber Riley, GleeBeth Dubber/FOX

Hollywood was rocked by the sudden and tragic passing of Glee's leading man Cory Monteith yesterday, and celebs have been tweeting their memories and kind words nonstop since news of his death broke.

Most fans will remember Monteith as the handsome and lovable Finn on Fox's hit series, who joined the glee club New Directions after Mr. Schue (Matthew Morrison) caught him singing REO Speedwagon's "Can't Fight This Feeling Anymore" in the shower. Since that scene in the first episode, Finn has had some truly wonderful musical moments on the show, covering hits from Journey to Bruno Mars. To honor Monteith's musical legacy, here are our five favorite Finn performances from Glee:

1. "Don't Stop Believing," Season One: The number that started a TV phenomenon, the New Directions' cover of the Journey hit re-established a classic for a new generation; one they could adopt as their anthem. Making the song, arguably Glee's most well-known and loved cover to date, even more poignant was the season four performance of "Don't Stop Believin'," which reunited the original members on stage and showed us just how far they'd come, especially Finn, who had transformed from cardboard cut-out quarterback into an inspiring mentor. 

2. "Just The Way You Are," Season Two: Oh, how far Kurt and Finn had come since the former's massive one-sided crush on the latter. Kurt had a rough-go of it in season two after he became some of Finn's football buddies favorite punching bag because of his sexuality and Finn didn't stand up for him. So imagine the rainfall of tears Finn's performance of "Just the Way You Are," which he dedicated to his new step-brother at their parents' wedding, inspired...and still does every time we watch it. 

3. "The Scientist," Season Four: One of Monteith's strongest vocal performances on the series ever, this season four group performance emotionally gutted fans of many of the favorite couples, especially Finn and Rachel, played by Monteith's real-life girlfriend Lea Michele. The pain is written all over their faces and can be felt in every word they sing.

4. "Losing My Religion," Season Two: A controversial episode due to its religious themes, Monteith's cover of the R.E.M. classic, which was artistically shot in black and white, was one of the hour's highlights, revealing a deeper, emotional layer of Finn's personality.

5. "Faithfully," Season One: Monteith and Michele's off-the-charts chemistry was always at the heart of Glee and this duet in the finale is arguably their best, perfectly showing off their emotional and vocal connection. And the smiles Finn and Rachel give each other right before the song begins? Chills. Every. Single. Time. 

What are your favorite memories of Finn on Glee? Share in the comments and let's celebrate Cory together.