Cory Monteith's 15 Best 'Glee' Performances

As show honors late star, we look back at his top work as Finn Hudson
By Erin Strecker
Updated October 10, 2013 at 04:00 PM EDT

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15. ''Somebody To Love''

Michael Yarish/Fox

From ''The Rhodes Not Taken'' (season 1, episode 5)

Is there anything more joyous than a New Directions group performance? This was one of the first group numbers that allowed audiences to see how powerful and exciting Glee numbers could be. The Queen cover was a hit?and just a preview of great things to come.

Watch the performance here.

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14. ''Pretending''

Fox

From ''New York'' (season 2, episode 22)

Any number that ends in a kiss is bound to be memorable, and this Nationals original number was no exception. Written by Finn on the show, it features both Finn and Rachel grappling with their continued romantic feelings for each other. The harmonies soar, but it's the duo's chemistry that puts it in the winners' column.

Watch the performance here.

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13. ''The Scientist''

Fox

From ''The Break Up'' (season 4, episode 4)

The episode may have been a particularly devastating hour, but from a musical standpoint, it was one of the best. Nowhere was that more clear than with the ending auditorium number, which featured Rachel, Finn, and others mourning the end of their respective relationships. Monteith's child-like vulnerability was on display, ready to break your heart.

Watch the performance here.

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12. ''Don't Stop Believin'''

Fox

From ''Pilot'' (season 1, episode 1)

The song that kicked off a pop-culture phenomenon featured lead vocals by Finn and his powerhouse lady love Rachel. Simple but unforgettable, ''Believin''' was one of the first numbers that let viewers know this show — and the characters — were something special. Though it was far from the last.

Watch the performance here.

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11. ''Jessie's Girl''

Fox

From ''Laryngitis'' (season 1, episode 18)

Finn's considerable charms were on display during this '80s hit-turned-literal song about Jesse (that would be St. James, played by Jonathan Groff). The number gave Monteith an opportunity to showcase his excellent drum-playing ability, a skill that would serve him well in many of his biggest Glee performances.

Watch the performance here.

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10. ''Man in the Mirror''

Fox

From ''Hold on to Sixteen'' (season 3, episode 8)

Glee can do a powerhouse auditorium number (often anchored by Monteith and eventual real-life love Lea Michele) like no other, and this inspiring Michael Jackson cover was no exception. Come for the killer harmonies, stay for the ending chills.

Watch the performance here.

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9. Nationals Medley

Fox

From ''Nationals'' (season 3, episode 21)

The Finn- and Rachel-led performance that finally cinched the New Directions a Nationals trophy. Monteith's goofy likeability — particularly on ''Paradise By The Dashboard Light'' — shows why he has a special place in fans' hearts and why he was a crucial ingredient to the show's DNA.

Watch the performance here.

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8. ''I Don't Want to Know''

Fox

From ''Rumours'' (season 2, episode 19)

Choir room performances allowed the kids to work through their high school angst in song. So when Quinn and Finn were having problems, it was a win for viewers, who got to see them break out iconic agony songs of decades past, such as this Fleetwood Mac ditty.

Watch the performance here.

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7. ''I'll Stand By You''

Fox

From ''Ballad'' (season 1, episode 10)

Sure, Finn was singing this song to a sonogram picture, but let's not focus on that. Part of the reason Cory Monteith was so beloved was his inherent sweetness. Numbers like this one — Monteith's only performance to be reprised in his memorial episode — put that charming characteristic on display. He wasn't the strongest singer of the group, but he could still easily sell musical moments of both hurt and triumph.

Watch the performance here.

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6. ''Can't Fight This Feeling''

Fox

From ''Pilot'' (season 1, episode 1)

The moment many viewers fell in love with Cory Monteith and Finn was right in the pilot, when the hunky football player showed there was more underneath the jersey than brawn. This soulful number set the scene for many standout moments and performances to come, and hooked viewers in for all the drama, singing, and wacky plot lines to play out over the next four seasons.

Watch the performance here.

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5. ''We've Got Tonight''

Fox

From ''I Do'' (season 4, episode 14)

The real-life couple behind Finn and Rachel had chemistry that sizzled onscreen, and their best duets played that up. In this sexy number, both the duo's heat and their vulnerability were out in full force. An unforgettable combo.

Watch the performance here.

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4. ''Don't Go Breaking My Heart''

Fox

From ''Duets'' (season 2, episode 4)

Monteith's best was once again on his beloved drums. His bouncy beat took a frothy choir-room treat to the next level, while both Rachel and Finn's obvious happiness made viewers swoon.

Watch the performance here.

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3. ''Losing My Religion''

Fox

From ''Grilled Cheesus'' (season 2, episode 3)

Monteith's emotional, sweetly searching rendition of the R.E.M. classic in season 2 showcased his everyman vibe, as well as the emotional notes Glee could hit when the show was firing on all cylinders.

Watch the performance here.

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2. ''I Just Can't Stop Loving You''

Fox

From ''Michael'' (season 3, episode 11)

This flirty ballad from season 3 showed why shippers kept rooting for ''Finchel'' — love triangles (or quadrangles) be damned. While these numbers have taken on a bittersweet edge in hindsight, the joy Monteith had making them still radiates off the screen.

Watch the performance here.

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1. ''Faithfully''

Adam Rose/Fox

From ''Journey to Regionals'' (season 1, episode 22)

This chill-inducing group number — anchored by Monteith and Michele's sizzling chemistry on ''Faithfully'' — didn't win the competition, but it captured fans' hearts and proved a highlight among the best of Glee: When those kids get together, they're greater than the sum of their parts.

Watch the performance here.

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