In Memoriam: Naya Rivera’s Top “Glee” Performances
by Milly McKinnish
While it’s been 11 years since “Glee” first premiered, Naya Rivera is still fondly remembered for her role as Santana Lopez.
Initially, Santana was just a bitchy cheerleader with particularly cutting, insult-filled monologues. However, Rivera championed to bring depth and vulnerability to the character. As a result, Santana became a well-developed character who, over a decade later, is still beloved by the LGBT and Latinx communities.
Rivera was a knock-out singer and dancer, so it’s only natural to remember the late actress through her performances. Read below about her best musical numbers on “Glee.”
Credit: Fox
“I Say A Little Prayer”
Rivera started off strong with her first performance on the show. While Dianna Agron (Quinn Fabray) is front and center, Rivera and Heather Morris (Brittany Pierce) are the attention grabbers. If it wasn’t for this performance, Rivera would have remained a glorified extra. “Glee” creators Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuck and Ian Brennan told Vulture, “it didn’t take more than an episode or two for us to realize that we had lucked into finding one of the most talented, special stars we would ever have the pleasure of working with.” After “I Say A Little Prayer,” both Rivera and Morris were promoted to series regulars.
Watch the season 1, episode 2 performance here.
Credit: Fox
“Valerie”
“Valerie” was Rivera’s first big solo on the show and—unsurprisingly—it’s unforgettable. On stage, Rivera is like the sun; she’s at the center of it all and everyone on stage is revolving around her. When watching this performance, there’s no doubt that Rivera’s a star.
Watch the season 2, episode 9 performance here.
Credit: Fox
“Landslide”
“Landslide” was not only a revolutionary moment for Santana, but for network television as well. Santana uses the song to profess her love for Brittany (with the help of a free-spirited substitute teacher, played by Gwyneth Paltrow). Brittany and Santana were one of the first lesbian high school relationships on network television. Rivera deeply understood the importance of “Brittana.” According to Murphy, Falchuk and Brennan, “Naya always made sure that Santana’s love for Brittany was expressed with dignity, strength and with pure intentions.”
Watch the season 2, episode 15 performance here.
Credit: Fox
“Smooth Criminal”
There’s a reason why “Smooth Criminal” is one of Glee’s most popular songs on Spotify. Rivera and Grant Gustin (Sebastian Smythe)’s cover of the Michael Jackson classic is filled with tension and intensity. I remember watching this scene when it originally aired and my eyes being glued to the TV for the entire 3 minute, 34 second runtime.
Watch the season 3, episode 11 performance here.
Credit: Fox
“Don’t Rain on My Parade”
There are no other words to describe this performance other than “glorious” and “magnetic.”Seriously, try to listen to Rivera’s rendition without smiling—it’s impossible. In 2016, Rivera told Cosmopolitan that “Don’t Rain on My Parade” was her favorite “Glee” performance. “It was funny because going into it I didn't think I would love it, but then it ended up being something special to me,” Rivera said.
Watch the season 5, episode 9 performance here.
On Jul. 8, Rivera went swimming with her four-year-old son in Lake Piru, Calif.. Later that day, she passed away from drowning. According to the Ventura County Police, Rivera’s last moment on earth was spent saving her son.
"She mustered enough energy to get her son back onto the boat, but not enough to save herself," Sheriff Bill Ayub said in a press conference, according to CNN.
While Rivera will forever be immortalized through her iconic “Glee” performances; family, friends and fans alike will always remember her kindness, wit and bravery.
Listen to all of Rivera’s “Glee” performances on Spotify here.