Nicole’s Picks
Teenage Dream [Blaine and the Dalton Academy Warblers, ep. Never Been Kissed]
Although Katy Perry made this semi-ode to summer love enjoyable, Blaine and his band of Warblers made me appreciate this song in a whole new way. Maybe it was the smooth choreo or perhaps it was just the thrill of “meeting” Blaine for the first time, but I was in love by the time he practically pleaded to “be your teenage dream tonight” in the last moment of the song.
Dream On [Bryan Ryan and Mr. Schuester, ep. Dream On]
An episode directed by Joss Whedon (the same creative musical genius that birthed Once More with Feeling and Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog) was bound to have one number that would stand out. Hearing the Schuester and Doogie literally belt out this Aerosmith classic during their “face-off” was one of my (many) favorite moments from Glee’s first season.
Landslide [Holly Holliday and Brittany and Santana, ep. Sexy]
Holly may have taken the lead on this Fleetwood Mac cover, but for me, this ballad was all about the growing love story between Brittany and Santana. Usually, Santana flings around tons of bitch, so when she sang to Brittany with such warmth it revealed a layer to the character (something I wish Glee would do a little more of in this upcoming third season) and made me cry a little bit.
Will’s Picks
Toxic [The New Directions and Mr. Shuester, ep. Britney/Brittany]
Brittany S. Pierce (Heather Morris) did more things to my body than puberty did in this episode but the Toxic performance stole the show. I’m not sure if it was Mr. Shuester being SO perfectly inappropriate with his students, Brittany giving me that sex filled downroll – I’m sure that’s an actual term in the dance community – at the 1:06 mark, Santana belting out notes towards the end of the performance or simply the looks on Sue Sylvester’s (Jane Lynch) face as she had to sit back and witness it all. Here’s a hint, whichever one you choose the win is inevitable.
When I Get You Alone [Blaine and the Dalton Academy Warblers, ep. Silly Love Songs]
Have you ever been unsure of what a bold declaration of teenage “love” is? Well Blaine gave a near ideal example with this performance. Kurt (Chris Colfer) was clearly not as invested in helping his crush swoon another man but he stuck it out…awkwardly enough. I also love the fact that even though Blaine was clearly singing to a male the pronouns from the original song never changed. Don’t you try to trick me with your subtleties!
Don’t Rain On My Parade [Rachel Berry, ep. Sectionals]
Simply put, Rachel Berry (Lea Michele) can sing! The choreography wasn’t complex. The “mash-up” wasn’t needed. Put the spotlight on Rachel and let her go all Streisand on the crowd. Rachel may catch tons of flack for her narcissistic and obsessive behavior but if translates to a performance like that one then I would give her the occasional break…I’m looking at you Santana my love.
Honorable Mentions
“PYT” [Artie and Mike, ep. Silly Love Songs], “Loser Like Me” [The New Directions, ep. Original Song] “Don’t Stop Believing” [The New Directions, ep. Pilot]
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