Let's take it back to the late 2000s, a time when TV musicals were a rarity. Of course, you had Disney musical television movies like The Cheetah Girls, High School Musical and Camp Rock. But a weekly primetime show mixing drama, comedy, and show choir performances? That was something completely new.
Glee burst onto the scene in May 2009 with its fresh, bold take on high school life and show choir drama, and it quickly became a cultural phenomenon. Regardless of how the popular musical comedy-drama ended, it's still remembered and loved by many. We're seeing this now with the celebration of Glee's 16th anniversary.
On May 19, 2025, it marks 16 years since the groundbreaking Fox show first premiered. Who could've known that a show about a high school glee club would go on to change the face of television, spark important conversations about identity and inclusion, and leave an indelible mark on pop culture? I'm sure the show's creators, Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk, and Ian Brennan, never imagined just how far their bold vision would reach and how deeply it would resonate with audiences around the world.
Over its six seasons, Glee delivered countless memorable musical moments that showcased the incredible talent of its cast. From powerful solos to electrifying group numbers, the show gave us performances that still echo in our minds and remain unforgettable to this day. So, in honor of Glee's 16th anniversary, we’ve rounded up seven of the best Glee performances we still can’t get enough of. All of the fellow Gleeks out there will surely appreciate this nostalgic trip down memory lane!
Don't Stop Believin'
It just wouldn't be right if we didn't include the Glee performance of Journey's "Don't Stop Believin'." This was the very first performance by the New Directions in the pilot episode. It’s iconic because it set the tone for the entire series and became an anthem for the show. This song would go on to be sung another five times in the series, including in the sixth and final season.
River Deep, Mountain High
Every Gleek knows that Mercedes and Santana made an incredible singing duo, and their performance of Ike and Tina Turner's "River Deep, Mountain High" stands out as a powerhouse moment on Glee. From their soulful vocals to their commanding stage presence, this rendition showcased Amber Riley and the late Naya Rivera's extraordinary talent and undeniable chemistry.
Rumour Has It/Someone Like You
When you're talking about some of Glee's best mash-ups, the mash-up of Adele's songs "Rumor Has It" and "Someone Like You" should definitely be at the top of the list. Once again, we get to hear the soulful and powerful vocals of Riley and Rivera. But what truly elevates this performance is the emotional weight behind it. At that moment in the episode, Santana was facing an internal battle, coming to terms with her sexuality and the fear of being vulnerable and exposed. That emotional struggle seeps into every lyric and movement, transforming the mash-up into something far deeper than just a musical number.
Bad Romance
I vividly remember eagerly anticipating the moment Glee would take on Lady Gaga's music, and when it finally happened in the first season, I was absolutely thrilled. The female glee club members plus Kurt performed a rendition of Lady Gaga's "Bad Romance," and I just couldn't get over the outfits and the energy they brought to the stage. From the elaborate Gaga-inspired costumes to the dramatic choreography, the entire number felt like a celebration of individuality and self-expression.
Run the World (Girls)
Glee featured plenty of memorable numbers set in the McKinley High gym, but none quite compare to Brittany’s powerhouse performance of Beyoncé’s "Run the World (Girls)." Even before hitting the gym floor, she’s seen confidently dancing through the school hallways and the choir room with her fellow Cheerios, setting the tone for an unforgettable number. With Santana lending her voice to parts of the song, the performance becomes a fierce display of empowerment, confidence, and sheer talent.
Valerie
Santana and the glee club's performance of Amy Winehouse's "Valerie" holds a special place in my heart not only because it was Santana's first song she got to sing solo, but it gave her the moment to prove she was more than just a supporting character. She would go on to have many more solos after this.
Empire State of Mind
"Empire State of Mind" by Jay-Z and Alicia Keys is already an iconic song by itself, so when Glee tackled the song, the expectations were high. The show's version, a dynamic duet between Rachel and Mercedes, perfectly captured the vibrant energy and essence of New York City, while highlighting the amazing vocal chemistry between the two performers.
Below, we shared a list of 15 other iconic Glee performances worth mentioning:
- I'm a Slave 4 U
- The Boy Is Mine
- Me Against the Music
- I'm So Excited
- We Found Love
- Somebody to Love
- Keep Holding On
- Jump
- Singin' in the Rain/Umbrella
- Blame It
- Light Up the World
- Home
- You Learn/You've Got a Friend
- Hand in My Pocket/I Feel the Earth Move
- I'm So Excited
You can currently stream all six seasons of Glee on Hulu with a subscription.