Naya Rivera was a powerhouse performer on disappearing while boating with her four-year-old son, Josey Dorsey. On Monday, July 13, 2020, her body was recovered from California’s Lake Piru. Fans and fellow Hollywood stars have been mourning the loss of one of the most ionate, empathetic, and talented performers in modern television history.
As a tribute, people are re-watching Rivera’s best performances on Glee. She sang emotional, heartbreaking solos, and she was often a featured performer in ensemble numbers. She had some of the show’s most powerful, most stunning performances. In honor of her memory, take a look at 10 of Rivera’s best cover songs from Glee.
“Smooth Criminal”
The season three episode “Michael” is an incredible tribute episode to Michael Jackson. There are many memorable musical numbers, but who could forget the energetic rendition of “Smooth Criminal”? Accompanied by 2Cellos, Santana and Warblers rival Sebastian Smythe (Grant Gustin) performs this cover as a battle duet.
It’s a high-energy cover that even the King of Pop would have probably enjoyed. It’s an iconic number that fans say is one of the best duets on the show. At the end of the performance, Santana says she was better, and no one could argue with her on that.
“Landslide”
During the show’s second season, Santana began to embrace her sexuality and she realized she has romantic feelings for her best friend, Brittany Pierce (Heather Morris). In 2011, lesbian relationships were hardly depicted on television, so it was a groundbreaking moment when Santana had a turning point while performing a cover of Fleetwood Mac’s “Landslide.”
Performed with Morris and guest star Gwyneth Paltrow, Rivera stripped down her emotions through Santana’s interior dilemmas and struggles. Santana was confused, heartbroken, and every member of the LGBTQ+ community could relate to her emotions during the breathtaking performance.
“River Deep, Mountain High”
The best duet partners in McKinley High School’s glee club might just be Santana and Mercedes Jones (Amber Riley). In the season two episode “Duets,” the pair performs a powerful rendition of Ike & Tina Turner’s hit song, “River Deep, Mountain High.”
of the glee club are teaming up to win a free dinner to Breadstix, a fictional Italian restaurant in Lima, Ohio. While Santana and Mercedes don’t win (even though they should have), it was still an incredible performance no one has forgotten. Rivera and Riley were powerhouse singers and they stole the show over and over again.
“Girl On Fire”
Rivera was a standout performer in duets and ensemble numbers, but her solo performances were especially dynamic. In the season four episode “Diva,” Santana returns to McKinley High School after graduation to visit the glee club. When she realizes she should be moving on with her life, she moves to New York City.
While leaving Lima, Ohio, she sings a cover of Alicia Keys’ hit single, “Girl on Fire.” Rivera was the best vocalist for this number. The song showcases her dynamic vocal control as she hits all the high notes like no one else can. Rivera was on fire in this scene.
“Mine”
In the season four episode “The Break Up,” Santana visits Brittany and tells her it’s probably best for them to break up. They can’t survive a long-distance relationship, and it’s mature to end their relationship before it becomes too complicated. She decides to pay a tribute to their relationship in a beautiful rendition of Taylor Swift’s “Mine.”
Santana sings her heart out to Brittany in a soulful, emotional, and stripped-down version of Swift’s hit single. Rivera’s performance proved just how talented she was, and viewers couldn’t help but cry along with the couple.
“Don’t Rain On My Parade”
Throughout the six seasons of Glee, Rachel Berry (Lea Michele) is presented as the ultimate star. She has many solo performances, including a cover of Barbra Streisand’s “Don’t Rain on My Parade” from Funny Girl. Rachel sings the song in the show’s first season, and everyone thought she was the only one who could perform the number.
However, Santana proved everyone wrong in the season five episode, “Frenemies.” Rachel was cast as Fanny Brice in the Broadway production of Funny Girl. Santana surprises her by auditioning as her understudy, including performing her own version of “Don’t Rain on My Parade.” Her rendition is more upbeat and rhythmic, giving the number a new life. Michele may have claimed that song as her own during her time on Glee, but Rivera proved she’s her own star.
“Songbird”
Santana’s best solo performances are often addressed to Brittany and their relationship. After realizing she has feelings for Brittany, Santana confesses these emotions to her while performing Fleetwood Mac’s “Songbird.”
Rivera’s performance might just be one of the best performances from the entire show. Rivera sang with so much love and heartache—perfectly capturing the emotions of someone who is scared and still trying to figure out her feelings. Many viewers could relate to Santana’s emotions, and they were cheering for her the whole time.
“If I Die Young”
When Glee star Cory Monteith ed away in 2013, the show paid a tribute to the actor (and his character, Finn Hudson) in the season five episode, “The Quarterback.” Rivera performed The Band Perry’s country hit “If I Die Young” in front of the cast, and it was a moving number at the time.
However, since the news about Rivera’s own untimely death, the performance has a different impact on fans. Fans acknowledged the song and the lyrics, especially the line “Sink me in the river at dawn.” The song showcased Rivera’s singing and acting abilities, but viewers will never be able to watch the scene the same way again.
“Rumor Has It/Someone Like You”
In the season three episode “Mash Off,” Santana is publicly outed (without her permission) to McKinley High School and across Lima, Ohio. Later, Santana performs an ensemble mashup of Adele’s “Rumor Has It” and “Someone Like You.” The mashup is undeniably the best mashup in the entire show.
The performance mirrors Santana’s tense situation. She’s angry, afraid, and vulnerable. Rivera had a stunning performance that steals the whole show. The scene ends with Santana slapping Finn for not understanding her dilemma. It’s a scene fans will never forget.
“Valerie”
In the season two episode “Special Education,” the New Directions are competing in a sectionals competition, and Santana performs a cover of Mark Ronson and Amy Winehouse’s powerhouse anthem, “Valerie.” The performance remains one of her most iconic, well-known covers.
The performance was the first time Rivera took center stage during a competition, and she deserved the spotlight on her. Her sultry vocals were on par with Winehouse’s, resulting in an elaborate, unforgettable performance. Rivera proved she is anything but a background performer.