Lea Michele is undoubtedly one of the most gifted vocalists of her generation. She sings with so much passion and emotion that it’s impossible not to feel in your bones. It is as if she can choose any song she wants and sing it perfectly without even trying. We have found ten impeccable performances by Ms. Michele that never fails to give us goose bumps.
On My Own
Lea Michele began her career by playing Young Cosette in Les Misérables when she was eight years old. However, it is her performance of “On My Own” as Éponine in Hollywood Bowl’s Les Mis Concert in 2008 that truly stands out. Lea pours her heart out in this rendition of the song and she has the ability to break your heart. She later performed the same song as Rachel Berry in the pilot episode of Glee.
Poker Face
When Lea starred on Glee she performed Lady Gaga’s song “Poker Face” alongside her on-screen mother played by Idina Menzel. The duo’s version of the song is slowed down and is only accompanied by a piano. It’s a beautiful rendition that shows both singers’ incredible vocals. It’s a performance that everybody surely will enjoy, as long as nobody thinks about the fact that a mother and daughter are singing lines like: “bluffin’ with my muffin” (awkward!).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wUhA0oXnpq4
Maybe This Time
This song was also performed on Glee by Lea and actress Kristin Chenoweth. Lea later performed it alone live at the Glee Official Emmy Nomination Party. It should be impossible, but the live version of the song beats the studio version. Here she puts more emotion and power into it which makes you feel every single word she sings. The highlight of this video is her cast mates’ reactions as they are watching her sing – it’s priceless!
My Man
During the second season of Glee Lea performed “My Man” from the musical Funny Girl. The song was originally sung by Barbra Streisand who is Lea’s biggest idol. Lea later performed the same song in front of Ms. Streisand herself and nailed it, even though we think she must have been a little bit anxious before the performance. She ended the song with a beautiful note that, without a doubt, gave everyone goosebumps.
A Boy Like That/I Have A Love
During Glee’s third season they made a tribute to the musical West Side Story. Lea sang “A Boy Like That/I Have A Love” alongside co-star Naya Rivera. The two are outstanding duet partners and their voices harmonize perfectly at the end of the song. This song allows Lea to show off her soprano skills to the fullest with gorgeous high notes. The scene is both vocally and visually beautiful, and it definitely does the original version justice.
Without You
Lea Michele made everyone cry with her slow rendition of Usher’s hit “Without You” during the third season of Glee. This version was stripped of the fast beat and all the gimmicks. This made it possible to feel every word she sang. The second verse is perhaps the most powerful part of the song where Michele’s voice really shines. It is a gorgeous cover that will make you look at the song in a whole new light.
To Love You More
According to Lea, she begged Glee creator Ryan Murphy to let her sing this Céline Dion song on the show. It is maybe one of her greatest covers to date. It will without a doubt bring tears to your eyes. Lea sings it so effortlessly that it makes you wonder if it’s really that difficult. If you try to sing along you will find out that, yes, it is that difficult. There are not a lot of people who are able to sing a Céline Dion song and do it justice, but Lea has proved that she can.
Battlefield
“Battlefield” is one of the tracks on Lea Michele’s debut album Louder. It’s a ballad that not only has great lyrics, but amazing vocals as well. This version is live and it is almost better than the studio version, which was pretty incredible as well. It is refreshing to watch a performer who manages to sound just as good, if not better, in real life as in a studio.
I’m The Greatest Star
When Lea’s character Rachel Berry got the role of Fanny Brice on Glee, many fans hoped that they would finally get to see her perform “I’m The Greatest Star” from Funny Girl. It finally happened in the episode Opening Night in the fifth season. With her cover of the song, Lea proved that she is a born Fanny Brice. The song shows that Lea can go from comedic to emotional in the split of a second. Her voice sounds so controlled that it seems like she could easily do it in her sleep.
This Time
“This Time” was written for Lea by fellow Glee actor Darren Criss. It was featured in the final episode of the show. The song was her final solo as Rachel Berry and it described her character’s journey perfectly. The lyrics are genius and Lea’s voice is so moving it makes you want to cry. She is singing her heart out and it makes you wonder how her voice is even real. This song is extraordinary beautiful, which is also why it was nominated for an Emmy award earlier this year.
We have only listed ten songs that show off Lea Michele’s amazing voice, but there are so many others out there! Which one is your favourite? Leave a comment below or tweet us at @CelebMix