Cory Monteith arrives at the MTV Video Music Awards on Sunday, Sept. 12, 2010 in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
When Vancouver police announced that “Glee” star Cory Monteith was found dead in his hotel room Saturday, July 13, my hands shook and my voice broke.
As silly as it may sound, I’ve never been so emotionally affected by a celebrity death. It’s been almost two weeks and it still feels so surreal. I’m still expecting media outlets to announce that this whole thing was a hoax.
According to the coroner’s report released Wednesday, July 17, Monteith died of an accidental heroin and alcohol overdose. The 31-year-old actor quickly rose to fame on the hit show “Glee,” where he played Finn Hudson, a jock with a hidden passion for singing.
Monteith was open about his struggles with addiction as a teenager. He told Parade magazine in 2011 that he was “lucky to be alive.” “Glee” creator Ryan Murphy told TV Line he and the cast and crew staged an intervention for Monteith earlier this year, and he excluded him from the last two episodes of Season 4 so he could get help. Monteith checked into rehab earlier this year.
Monteith and “Glee” brought hope to fans all over the world. “Glee” was an underdog’s fairytale, bringing about hope and joy to people of all ages and stereotypes.
Yes, “Glee” is not the same show it was when it started. But Monteith worked hard, having little to no singing or dancing experience, and he dealt with heavy storylines that showcased the range of his acting abilities.
Without Monteith, I would never have met the dozens of friends I have now. Gleeks are a family, and we’ve embraced the cast and characters as our own as well. I never got to meet Monteith or see the “Glee” live tours, but he felt like someone I knew.
In memory of Monteith’s talent, I’ve compiled a list of his best performances on “Glee.”
From left, cast members Kevin McHale, Jenna Ushkowitz, Amber Riley, Dianna Agron, Chris Colfer, Lea Michele, Cory Monteith, and Mark Salling pose for photographers during The Gleek Tour for the television show “Glee” in Los Angeles on Friday, Aug. 28, 2009. (AP Photo/Matt Sayles)
10. “I’ve Gotta Be Me” (originally by Sammy Davis Jr.)
After Finn accidentally breaks Rachel’s nose during dance practice, Rachel considers getting a nose job. In an effort to convince her to love everything about herself, Finn sings this crooner classic and dances with Mike Chang (Harry Shum Jr.), and although Finn’s dancing is clumsy in comparison to his partner, he embraces that part of him and is not afraid to make a fool of himself.
9. “Just The Way You Are,” season 2, “Furt” (originally by Bruno Mars)
This performance isn’t on this list for its vocal brilliance. (This song was obviously autotuned and Monteith’s voice didn’t particularly shine.) But it is on this list for the backstory. Finn, realizing how he hasn’t been protecting Kurt from his bully, dedicates this song to his new stepbrother at their parents’ wedding, taking his hand out onto the dance floor to dance. It’s an extremely touching moment.
8. “Pretending” (“Glee” original)
In New Directions’ first trip to the national show choir competition, they decide to perform all original songs. As a duet, Rachel and Finn sing this song penned by Finn, igniting another spark in their on and off relationship.
7. “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” (Greg Laswell version)
When Santana Lopez (Naya Rivera) struggles with coming out as a lesbian, Finn dedicates a slowed-down stripped version of the Cyndi Lauper hit, showcasing Monteith’s sensitive side. This tender moment highlights Finn’s leadership in the club and his compassion for his gleemates.
6. “We’ve Got Tonite” (originally by Bob Seger)
After a shaky breakup, Finn and Rachel reunite at Will Schuester (Matthew Morrison) and Emma Pillsbury’s (Jayma Mays) wedding. After telling Rachel that they’re “end game,” they sing this classic together simply and without any vocal gymnastics from Rachel, as she normally does.
5. “Losing My Religion” (originally by R.E.M.)
In Season 2, Finn sings R.E.M.’s “Losing My Religion” as a way to express his confusion about his newfound faith. Monteith’s voice fits well for this song, and he was able to showcase the angst that the song originally portrays.
4. “Jessie’s Girl,” season 1, “Laryngitis” (originally by Rick Springfield)
In this episode, Finn is at Rachel’s side at a doctor’s appointment and gets jealous at the thought of Rachel and then-boyfriend Jesse St. James. His rendition showcased some of his range and rock influences.
3. “Can’t Fight This Feeling,” pilot episode (originally by REO Speedwagon)
In Monteith’s first debut as Finn Hudson, he sings this 80s rock ballad in the shower. Unbeknownst to him, glee club teacher Will Schuester is lurking around and is so impressed by Finn.
2. Journey medley (“Faithfully,” “Anyway You Want It / Lovin’ Touchin’ Squeezin’” and “Don’t Stop Believin’”), season 1, “Journey to Regionals”
For the first time in more than a decade, McKinley High’s New Directions is at regionals. With the future of the club on the line, the kids sing a long Journey medley, inspired by their first performance back in the pilot. The performances are primarily lead by Finn and Rachel, marking a turning point in their relationship. If you couldn’t feel the passion in their “Faithfully” duet, then I am sad for you. The mashup of “Anyway You Want It / Lovin’ Touchin’ Squeezin’” is an extremely feel good performance, and if that hadn’t have you rooting for this bunch of misfits, then surely their reprisal of “Don’t Stop Believin’” did.
1. “Don’t Stop Believin’,” pilot episode (originally by Journey)
Oh, like you weren’t expecting this to be on this list. This was the first performance where Monteith’s Finn and Lea Michele’s Rachel Berry lead the four other original members in this classic awe-inspiring Journey number, instilling hope and confidence in the hearts of millions across the world. The “Glee” cast’s version of the song was so popular that it debuted on Billboard’s “Hot Shot Debut” at No. 4, surpassing Journey’s original debut at No. 9 in 1981. Journey’s version of the song was downloaded 42,000 times and was up 48 percent in May 2009, according to Billboard.com.