17 "Glee" Covers That, Dare I Say, Are Better Than The Original

Santana Lopez has the voice of an angel.

1. "New York State of Mind," originally by Billy Joel

Fox

I am not discounting the Billy Joel or Babs Streisand versions of this song, but something about the way Rachel and Marley's voices blend together throughout this cover sends a chill down my spine.

You can watch the full performance here.

2. "Don't Rain on My Parade," originally by Barbra Streisand

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Rachel's 16-second-long (yes, I counted) belt of "parade" was LITERALLY life-changing. IDK how such a tiny person could produce so much sound.

You can watch the full performance here.

3. "Poker Face," originally by Lady Gaga

Fox

I honestly didn't even realize this song was "Poker Face" until the chorus. This version made me believe that this pop song is way better as a ballad. Also, whoever was the mastermind who got Lea Michele in the studio with Idina Menzel is an UTTER genius.

You can watch the full performance here.

4. "Teenage Dream," originally by Katy Perry

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The first time Blaine sang this song with the Warblers was fabulous, but AGAIN, like with "Poker Face," this solo version made me believe this song is better as a ballad. Whew, I tear up every time I think of this song.

You can watch the full performance here.

5. "I Feel Pretty / Unpretty," originally by Julie Andrews / TLC

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OK, I know this is a mashup, but somehow these two COMPLETELY opposite songs came together to make an even better song? Also, it taught us a valuable lesson about accepting ourselves in the skin we're in? Two birds, please meet this one stone.

You can watch the full performance here.

6. "Pure Imagination," originally by Gene Wilder

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OK, I swear not every song on this list is a sad one, but when New Directions sang this song at Sue's sister's funeral, I truly saw it in a different light.

You can watch the full performance here.

7. "Thriller / Heads Will Roll" originally by Michael Jackson / The Yeah Yeah Yeahs

Fox

An UPBEAT mashup, y'all. Again, these two songs — by these two DRASTICALLY different artists — shouldn't work together, but they do. A little TOO well, if you ask me.

You can watch the full performance here.

8. "The Only Exception," originally by Paramore

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This one is a bit of a deep cut, especially considering it was the bookend to the iconic "Britney/Brittany" episode, but IDK. This cover just really struck a chord. Dare I say it was...exceptional?

You can watch the full performance here.

9. "Valerie," originally by Mark Ronson ft. Amy Winehouse

Fox

Any song that heavily features the vocals of Santana Lopez is top-tier in my book. Also, any performance that heavily features the dance moves of Mike Chang and Brittany is also top-tier in my book. This cover has both, so it's double top-tier.

You can watch the full performance here.

10. "Baby, It's Cold Outside," originally by Margaret Whiting and Johnny Mercer

Fox

I love a queer spin on an otherwise heteronormative song, and this song is exactly that! Plus, Blaine and Kurt's dulcet tones blend beautifully together, which makes this quasi-problematic song that much more bearable.

You can watch the full performance here.

11. "To Sir with Love," originally by Lulu

Fox

"Glee club will never end, Mr. Schue, because you are glee club." I'M NOT CRYING, YOU'RE CRYING.

You can watch the full performance here.

12. "Smooth Criminal," originally by Michael Jackson

Fox

Again, y'all know how I feel about a Santana-centered song. Also, the addition of those cellos (hats off to 2Cellos) was the cherry on top. I can tell you right now that Annie was NOT okay after hearing this dope cover.

You can watch the full performance here.

13. "Friday," originally by Rebecca Black

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Two words: Artie's rap.

You can watch the full performance here.

14. "Make You Feel My Love," originally by Adele

Fox

The EMOTION in this song is gut-wrenching. You can truly feel Rachel's love for Finn and also Lea's love for Corey in every single note. Sure, I hear the lyrics and the melody, but what makes this cover stand out is the way it makes me FEEL — specifically, how much I'm able to ~feel their love~.

You can watch the full performance here.

15. "Call Me Maybe," originally by Carly Ray Jepsen

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After watching Blaine, Unique, Tina, and Brittany perform this song, I now am of the belief that this song should only be sung in a quartet and not with a solo voice.

You can watch the full performance here.

16. "Somewhere Only We Know," originally by Keane

Fox

Every time I hear this cover, it makes my heart swell and fills me with unadulterated joy. Simple as that.

You can watch the full performance here.

17. "Don't Stop Believin'," originally by Journey

Fox

This is the song that put Glee on the map and put Journey BACK on the map. My entire knowledge of Journey comes from Glee covers, and this is simply the best one.

You can watch the full performance here.