Just like our shared love of Buffy as shown in our launch post, Glee is also a large part of our friendship. While we often wish we had known each other as teenagers, we do think the joint Glee fixations may have been too much; because our current rewatch has proven to be quite the journey as we revisit our individual favourite episodes and realise that we can finally share our niche thoughts and references with somebody who gets it.
If you’re a loser like us then stick around, because today, we’re walking you through each character’s best solo performance on Glee.
First, some conditions: to qualify, the character has to have at least two solos, and be enough of a featured character to be recognisable. Season 6’s Clint has like four or five solos but Jamie hates him and nobody cares about him, and therefore won’t be here.
And yes, we have included W*ll. We’re not happy about it, but he’s here for the sake of completion. You think your life is hard? Try actively selecting Mr Schue’s best solo, that’s hard.
Hit it.
Roderick Meeks
Mustang Sally
Even though Roderick only has two solos in his thirteen episode run on the show, it was still pretty difficult to pick between them. Noah Guthrie has an outstanding voice and both songs complement his smoky tone perfectly – but his audition song has to take the cake. Mustang Sally by Wilson Pickett is a great choice, backed by the soon-to-be-gushed-over Unholy Trinity.
Honourable Mention: Father Figure
To be honest the highlight of this number is watching Jane Lynch react to it.
Cassandra July
Americano/Dance Again
Again, with only two solos we’re able to mention them both here, but both are extremely fun numbers that demonstrate Kate Hudson’s singing and dancing ability. We opted for the mashup because it was such an inspired song selection and came out of absolutely nowhere at the beginning of the fourth season, just when everything was changing massively. What didn’t change is the show’s ability to create memorable and exciting performances!
Honourable Mention: Uptight (Everything’s Alright)
Probably one of the last moments Glee was genuinely good before it went off the rails. But more on that later. We still love it though!
Harmony
Buenos Aires
Lindsay Pearce’s debut on the third season’s premiere marked the first appearance of the four Glee Project contestants who were awarded roles on the show. Even though Harmony only appeared in two episodes, while the others became series regulars (a point we’re not even going to get into right now), her two vocal performances are excellent. We have to give the edge to her Evita showstopper at Sectionals, just for the simple fact that it’s a competition number and we really love those.
Honourable Mention: Anything You Can Do/Anything Goes
Overshadowed by the little scream Kurt does at the end when the little confetti cannon goes off. We mean, not really but yeah kinda.
April Rhodes
Home
Although April’s suggestion to fund and stage an “all-white production of The Wiz” was maybe the worst idea since the dawn of time, it can’t be denied that Kristin Chenoweth absolutely bodies this song and her glory note at the end will deliver full-body chills every single time.
Honourable Mention: Last Name
The Carrie Underwood number at Invitationals is fun, but the idea of a grown woman slithering all over a group of sixteen-year-olds is decidedly not.
Kitty Wilde
Signed, Sealed, Delivered
This is really such a fun number and Becca Tobin gets a rare opportunity to shine, which is nice! Her best vocal performances seem to be in duet or group settings but her take on the Stevie Wonder classic is also pretty great.
Honourable Mention: Look At Me, I’m Sandra Dee
It’s so good when Glee manufactures scenes that would never happen simply so they can use a specific song. See also: At the Ballet
Emma Pillsbury
Wedding Bell Blues
It’s wild that Emma, being such a consistent character on the show, was underutilised as a musical talent. Jayma Mays’ voice does not get discussed enough and she did not sing nearly enough on the show. It’s absolutely disgusting that she’s singing to Will Schuester, but it can (almost) be forgiven because the song is a little fun. And who doesn’t love a wedding that wasn’t?
Honourable Mention: I Could Have Danced All Night
A number from My Fair Lady in a wedding dress is usually enough to send us over the edge but this woman needs to get AWAY from Will Schuester.
Sue Sylvester
Vogue
I mean…do we really need to say why this is the best one? The lyric change to “Will Schuester, I hate you” plus the iconic duo of Kurt and Mercedes looking GOOD while dancing around? This song is absolutely everything and Jane Lynch rightly won an Emmy for her performance in this episode, Vogue being a particular highlight.
Honourable Mention: Little Girls
You almost wonder why she didn’t sing this song earlier than Season 4 considering how much she goes on about wanting to assault children in almost every episode.
Sebastian Smythe
Glad You Came
Honestly, none of Sebastian’s solos really show off Grant Gustin’s great voice. His iconic and timeless duet of Smooth Criminal with Santana is a much better showcase of his talents, but we think Glad You Came is best for showing off his range.
Honourable Mention: Live While We’re Young
These competition numbers have crack in them or something because they’re just so so good.
Sunshine Corazon
Listen
Speaking of crack, Sunshine was sent to a crack house with the express purpose to be unable to audition because it scared Rachel. But hearing Jake Zystra absolutely belt the Beyoncé number to the heavens of the McKinley auditorium makes you kind of understand why Rachel went to such desperate measures.
Honourable Mention: As Long as You’re There
Once again, a competition number! The pressure of Nationals really made this one so brilliant, plus we have to stan the original songs!!!
Rory Flanagan
Take Care of Yourself
Our second Glee Project alum! Damien McGinty’s Rory Flanagan introduced himself to the Glee Club with his take on Teddy Thompson’s gorgeous ballad and honestly he should’ve sang more on the show. The falsetto notes at the end…incredible stuff.
Honourable Mention: Home
Probably the weakest of the three songs titled Home performed on the show (technically four, but one was in a mashup) but still good!
Jesse St James
Bohemian Rhapsody
Now…name a better scene than Vocal Adrenaline’s Regionals Performance spliced together with Quinn Fabray giving birth. Genuinely we’re asking because as far as we’re concerned it’s pretty unbeatable. Iconic editing aside, Jonathan Groff actually does body this, as he does everything he sings on the show. To take on one of the world’s most famous songs single handedly, with just the right amount of growl, breathiness and full on belting is just… an experience.
Honourable Mention: Burning Up
It’s quite hilarious that the honourable mention wasn’t even featured on the show, though it would’ve been amazing to see a Vocal Adrenaline Madonna number to put the cherry-flavoured slushie on top of the delicious cake that is The Power of Madonna.
Ryder Lynn
I Only Have Eyes For You
Honestly, all of Ryder’s romantic solos are soured due to Blake Jenner’s personal life, especially the ones directed towards Marley, which just feel wrong, but the original is a classic and his voice fits very nicely with it.
Honourable Mention: Everybody Hurts
The scene itself is an absolutely travesty and does our boy Sam so dirty, but the unplugged nature of the song is quite good sonically.
Jake Puckerman
Never Say Never
It’s a shame this audition gets cut off in the actual episode because Jacob Artist absolutely nails this song and the full version features some really gorgeous vocal moments.
Honourable Mention: I Wish
Yes another Stevie Wonder mention, but I Wish combines vocals with great dancing and we’re always up for a bit of Mike Chang.
Marley Rose
Chasing Pavements
It seems like Melissa Benoist’s gorgeous voice mostly got to shine during group numbers that will definitely be discussed in a later post, but her annoyingly limited solos only left so much choice. Still, Chasing Pavements by Adele feels like a solid pick for her to instate herself into the Glee Club and become a real standout member of the club.
Honourable Mention: Everytime
Oh, the Britney episodes…instant television classics, even the second one which does pale in comparison to the majesty of Britney/Brittany (coincidentally the first Glee episode we watched together, albeit online but still), but Melissa still nails this.
Unique Adams
If I Were a Boy
Alex Newell is an absolute powerhouse of a vocalist, as evidenced by…well everything they ever did on Glee, as well as on Broadway and elsewhere, but this even more emotional take on Beyoncé’s power ballad resonates with us even 8 years later.
Honourable Mention: I Know Where I’ve Been
Pretty much everything that happened in Season 6 was…yeah…but Alex tackling this classic Hairspray number has to be up there with the highlights.
Quinn Fabray
You Keep Me Hanging’ On
The fact that QUINN FABRAY only had FIVE solos is a travesty of international proportions, both she and Dianna Agron deserved better, but naturally, that will be further explored in future posts – don’t worry Bestie Dianna, we got you. But yes, Quinn’s first full-length solo is unsurprisingly a banger and Dianna sounds great on it.
Honourable Mention: It’s A Man’s Man’s Man’s World
Sorry, but the Unwed Mothership Connection is literally the most hilarious group to have at a school – is it school-sanctioned or just an informal gathering of pregnant teenagers? Either way, it’s really good. And Dianna growling on this is just…everything.
Holly Holliday
Turning Tables
Gwyneth Paltrow knocks it out of the park here with this impactful, controlled yet passionate performance of the Adele great. That final chorus? Sensational. Also, how could we not pick the solo that sees her deservedly break up with Will Schuester? How does this man get so many brilliant women?
Honourable Mention: Landslide
A really important scene in the journey of Brittany and Santana’s beautiful relationship and Gwyneth sounds really lovely on it, with the harmonies in the background and the simplicity of it? This one is pretty.
Brittany Pierce
I’m A Slave 4 U
The Britney Spears fantasy sequences are unmatched and what a way for Heather Morris to bust into the spotlight on the show and prove that she’s a triple threat. This whole episode was a game changer for Brittany’s character and talent as she gives other Britney, frankly, a run for her money.
Honourable Mention: Gimme More
Sensing a theme? Brittany S. Pierce doing Britney Spears? Legendary!
Tina Cohen-Chang
I Follow Rivers
So many of Jenna Ushkowitz’s gorgeous solos end up as awful attempts at pushing Tina further into the background. The first 30 seconds of her cover of Revolution by The Beatles had so much promise, but we were denied. My Funny Valentine also could’ve really been great if they’d played it seriously. I Follow Rivers is probably the best example of this, though. Jenna’s voice was perfect for the offbeat Lykke Li selection for the benefit concert.
Honourable Mention: Hung Up
Even though Tina’s post-Season 3 storylines were never good, this same episode saw her do some questionable things, Jenna always brought it and we have so so much respect for her. Hung Up is an absolute anthem and one that always gets stuck in our heads.
Sam Evans
Something
It’s best if this is kept brief because there will be a full-on rant about everything surrounding this song, but Chord Overstreet covering The Beatles is just wonderful. His vocal style suits the dreamy style of the original so beautifully, and how he shapes the rises and falls of the song is stunning. He has one of the best voices on the show honestly, and it’s always nice to see him get a solo.
Honourable Mention: Girls on Film
If you know why that’s italicised, you’re a Blueprint VIP.
Noah Puckerman
Only The Good Die Young
You can’t really go wrong with Billy Joel, can you? In an episode full of gorgeous solos (some to be mentioned later), this one doesn’t really stand out, but Puck was given a lot of useless solos throughout the show so this is perhaps the best example of one that isn’t just thrown in there for the sake of it.
Honourable Mention: Sweet Caroline
Before this inexplicably became a football chant, Glee was using it to try and push a relationship that lasted a single episode. Neil Diamond, we’re so sorry.
Finn Hudson
Girls Just Wanna Have Fun
This was performed so beautifully that it made Santana Lopez cry and we can’t help but agree. The low notes, how it’s so stripped down, Artie’s harmonies, full full chills. Cory Monteith really relaxes into this performance in a way that allows a real genuine performance: crucial when it’s such a change from the original. Very special.
Honourable Mention: Jessie’s Girl
You’ve gotta love the way Finn was so open and earnest about his emotions that he would just get up in front of the entire club and directly reference the girl he was trying to win over…full credit, Finn Hudson.
Will Schuester
Bust A Move (we guess)
Literally, the only credit we both will give this is because the opening “Bust it!” is really funny, and it’s the reason why we know all the words to this song. Other than that, Will you’ve got to be joking this was insane.
Dishonourable Mention: Sway
I mean…we love a wedding I guess? We flat out refuse to say anything nice about Will Schuester.
Santana Lopez
Back to Black
Picking a favourite Santana solo is like picking a favourite child…but way harder because there are so many iconic ones. Back to Black feels like Santana at her best, a song full of building power and emotion but with enough theatricality to give her gorgeous voice the delivery it needs. Captivating.
Honourable Mention: Songbird
We’re just going to go and cry, nothing more to say about this.
Artie Abrams
For Once In My Life
Yes, back to Stevie Wonder once again, but Kevin McHale truly shines in this number and showcases his amazing voice and ability to pull off runs and high notes like a natural. The fact that it comes at the end of one of Artie’s few genuinely interesting storylines is just a bonus and feels cathartic.
Honourable Mention: Dream a Little Dream of Me
See, another Artie storyline with some actual meat to chew on and voila! Another amazing solo! Almost like good writing should be a consistent factor on a television show…almost…
Kurt Hummel
Being Alive
Perhaps the hardest choice out of all of them? Kurt has a variety of vocally interesting solos, let us never forget the last 20 seconds of Le Jazz Hot, thank you very much. But Being Alive was a moment in history. The tension of an impromptu audition, the lack of continuity when they forget that Carmen Tibideaux said she was tired of hearing it, and then Chris Colfer steps up to his mark and delivers a gorgeous performance. As usual.
Honourable Mention: I Want To Hold Your Hand
Kurt’s emotional performance of this classic Beatles track re-contextualises it in the most heartbreaking way, and the raw emotion and sincerity Chris Colfer puts into it is one of his best moments on the show. Crying.
Mercedes Jones
And I Am Telling You
In the first thirteen episodes, Mercedes only had two released solos. This was her second, originally meant to be her Sectionals solo, but this proved what Amber Riley could really do. This song gives us chills every time and the fact that she went on to perform the role of Effie in London, winning an Olivier Award for it???? Yeah, this is the only pick that really makes sense.
Honourable Mention: Try a Little Tenderness
Another Season 2 Nationals audition song! Like Santana’s, Mercedes pulled out all the stops for this one, and if we were running the New Directions Mercedes would have a lot more competitions solos. Because how do you not just automatically win every time?
Blaine Anderson
Cough Syrup
The strangeness of Blaine singing over that montage aside, this feels like one of Darren Criss’ best vocal performances, using the majority of his range and letting him emote the hell out of it in the scene, creating something that’s deeply emotional and really resonates. There was a lot to pick from with Blaine, and some of the Season 2 stuff is solid, but this one stands out.
Honourable Mention: Somewhere Only We Know
See, Season 2! Once again, the song and scene are emotional, which brings out the best in Darren’s voice and acting chops, and you’re lying if you said you didn’t feel anything watching him and Kurt embrace at the end of it.
Rachel Berry
It’s All Coming Back to Me Now
And with the most solos in the show by a long shot, Miss Rachel Berry. And while Don’t Rain on my Parade might be her most well-known solo in the entire show, it’s a different competition solo that takes the cake this time. Season 3’s Nationals episode is a brilliant one and the ND setlist is untouchable. It’s no surprise they won with Lea tackling Celine Dion. The vocals, the outfits, everything was there for this song. And it is insane.
Honourable Mention: Without You
Probably a surprising pick for an honourable mention, where things like My Man and Make You Feel My Love might have shown up instead, but Lea’s downbeat take on the Usher song was a surprising one in the middle of Glee’s third season and it’s one that we love very, very much.
Just so you all know, these picks are now objective facts. Nothing we write in The Blueprint is up for debate.
It’s safe to say that you should expect many more Glee-centric posts in the future because there is a LOT to dive into and now that we have a joint platform to express our thoughts, we’re never going to shut up about Quinn Fabray and how dirty she was done right from the very beginning.
What are your favourite solo performances on Glee? Maddy’s only a little bitter we didn’t award Teenage Dream: tweet us your thoughts or leave a comment!
We’re tempted to sign this off with the signature outro of the show, but typing the “do do do”s seems a step too far. Instead, we’ll just say: and that’s what you missed on Glee.
the blueprint. 