Hear ‘Glee’s’ original ‘Seasons of Love,’ featuring Cory Monteith

Glee’s heartbreaking season 5 episode, “The Quarterback,” featured Broadway classic “Seasons of Love,” but an unused version of the track, recorded by the Glee cast several years ago, was recently leaked online.

Glee season 5, episode 3, “The Quarterback,” paid tribute to the life of Finn Hudson – and, in turn, late star Cory Monteith, who died in July, age 31. The episode opened on New Directions past and present coming together on “Seasons of Love,” the showpiece of Jonathan Larson’s Tony award-winning musical Rent. You can watch Glee’s “Seasons of Love” tribute performance below:

   

 “Seasons of Love” is an incredibly significant musical number, known to every Broadway lover. Speculation on how the song would one day be used on Glee has abounded right from the show’s first season – there was no doubt among Glee fans about whether it would eventually be covered. Some theories included at a Nationals, as the final performance of the original twelve New Directions, or in the final episode of the entire series. 

Chance, or perhaps instinct that it was needed for something greater and more important than the creators ever originally envisioned, kept the song unused until Finn’s tribute, but it was a close thing, because it was recently discovered that the cast – including Monteith himself – once recorded a version of “Seasons of Love” for an earlier episode, but the number did not make the final cut.

The track, leaked online earlier this week, seems to have been intended as part of season 3, and features most of the original New Directions seniors – Rachel, Santana, Mercedes, Quinn, Brittany, Puck, Kurt and Finn. It’s possible it was an intended extra track for Glee: The Music, The Graduation Album, or an extra scene from one of season 3′s final episodes. It is unknown how the leak came about, but you can listen to the unreleased recording below.

Given how it ended up finally being used on the show, it’s oddly fitting, and a very emotional experience to hear Cory perform this song. What’s your take on Glee’s two versions on “Seasons of Love?” Would you like the earlier track, featuring Cory, to have been added to The Quarterback EP along with the final version?

Glee - Last Christmas

Did you watch?

Let the tears begin.....

So not ready for this next week!

'Glee' Cory Monteith Tribute Episode Synopsis Revealed

Glee has released a synopsis of its upcoming Cory Monteith tribute episode which will say goodbye to his character "Finn Hudson."

See what's in store as the show says farewell:

"In the wake of Finn’s sudden death, former members of New Directions return to McKinley to remember their fallen friend. While a stoic Mr. Schue encourages all the gleeks to “memorialize him the way we do everything – by singing about it,” some of the kids find the exercise more cathartic than others.

At the Hudson-Hummel home, Kurt, Burt and Carole sort through Finn’s belongings and what begins as a somber occasion blossoms into a poignant and much needed family moment.

Meanwhile, Emma grows concerned when she believes Will is so busy taking care of others that he’s not allowing himself time to grieve; Santana struggles with using her “bitch” mask to hide her fond feelings for Finn, and has a run in with Bree, McKinley’s "New Santana"; and following a heart-to-heart with Coach Beiste, Puck honors Finn’s memory by making a life-changing decision about his future."

Will you be tuning in on October 10?

Lea Michelle/Rachel Berry sing Beatles' Yesterday

Hmmm? From the way she sings this I wonder if we get some pre-story to Finn's death even in episode 1?

The ‘Glee’ Cory Monteith/Finn Hudson Tribute Episode Has Started Production

Over the past few weeks we’ve been hearing a lot of news about the upcoming tribute episode to Cory Monteith on the new season of Glee. Initially, writers on the show were gearing up to create a script that would use Cory‘s character Finn to actually deal directly with the issue of addiction, but creator Ryan Murphy later had a change of heart. He decided, instead, to create a tribute episode that would be more celebratory of Finn‘s life than anything. The final script has been written and the Glee cast has started production on the episode. Click inside to hear what sources are saying about this important moment.

E! has the story:

“Gut-wrenching” and “so, so good.”

We’ve talked to sources who have read the script for Glee’s Cory Monteith tribute episode, which is scheduled to begin production today in Los Angeles, and by all accounts, it does not disappoint.

“You will cry from beginning to end,” says one insider.

“I cried as I read it, on every page,” says another.

No spoilers here, but we can tell you that the episode takes place in Lima, Ohio, and centers around the death of Cory’s character Finn Hudson. As promised, it is not revealed how Finn died, but the episode starts off with the news of his death and then moves on to focus on all the characters remembering and mourning him, and celebrating his life.

We are told that Lea Michele (Rachel) does not appear in the episode until the final act. Her presence is limited but incredibly powerful. And yes, she does sing.

We can also tell you that Santana (Naya Rivera) has a great, memorable part in the episode…

“Just read Cory Monteith memorial episode,” Jane Lynch tweeted on Wednesday. “Most beautiful thing. Thank you, @MrRPMurphy @BFalchuk Ian Brennan.”

Glee creator Ryan Murphy previously revealed he felt it best not to include Finn’s cause of death in Cory’s tribute episode.

“At one point, we were going to have his character die after an accidental drug overdose—that was something we had considered,” he said. “But we have decided that we’re not going to have him pass from that.”

It sounds like fans will be both moved and pleased with this tribute to Cory. I can’t imagine what it will be like to sit through it, but I expect it to be a difficult, and necessary experience. I also thought it made a lot of sense to have Lea‘s character have a little less screen time; it sounds like they are really trying to be sensitive to everyone’s needs here.

The new season of Glee will premiere September 26 on Fox.

‘Glee’ season 5 premiere may be pushed back to November following Cory Monteith’s death

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Sources are reporting that due to the death of lead actor Cory Monteith, Glee season 5 may be delayed until November 2013.


The shocking news of Cory Monteith’s death broke this past Saturday, after the star was found in his room at Fairmont Pacific Rim Hotel in Vancouver, Canada.

He and the rest of the cast were meant to begin shooting season 5 of Glee later this month; the first two episodes had already been written, and Fox was hoping to air the premiere as early as September 19.

Fox executives and Glee‘s production team met Monday to discuss how to proceed following the unexpected and tragic death of Monteith, who played one of the main characters Finn Hudson.
Now, NY Daily News is reporting that although it is too soon to tell, one of the likely outcomes of these talks will be that Glee is pushed back until November, “to let everyone breathe.”

As to how the Glee writers will choose to handle Cory Monteith’s passing on the show, we hope they find a respectful and tasteful way to do it.

Cause of death

Monteith’s initial autopsy was conducted Monday, but no conclusions have yet been drawn about the cause of death. The actor was very open about his struggles with substance abuse, and checked into a rehab facility last year. However, The Independent reports that the initial findings indicate that it is unlikely that his death was caused by substance abuse.

Monteith’s cast mates pay tribute

Co-star Naya Rivera (Santana) has released an official statement in which she expresses her and the entire Glee cast’s sorrow at their friend’s passing. She writes, “Cory was and always will be a part of my own family and a good friend. He was a special part of this world and will forever be missed.”
Further, Rivera echoes what Lea Michele (Rachel)’s rep stated only hours after the news of Monteith’s death broke, asking the public for privacy in this difficult time.

Darren Criss (Blaine) showed up at the premiere of his new movie Girl Most Likely in New York wearing a black ribbon to honour his late co-star.

Sunday night, Matthew Morrison (Will Schuester) dedicated his concert to Monteith, while actors Curt Mega and Riker Lynch performed “The Scientist” in honour of the actor.

Remembering Cory

‘Glee’ star Cory Monteith dead at 31

Glee star Cory Monteith has died in Vancouver at the age of 31.


His death was confirmed by various sources on Saturday night, and Vancouver police announced the information just past 10 p.m. this evening.
The news was first reported by Canadian outlet CTV. Police say there is no indication of foul play.
Fox issued a statement shortly after his death was announced:

“We are deeply saddened by this tragic news. Cory was an exceptional talent and an even more exceptional person. He was a true joy to work with and we will all miss him tremendously. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones.”

Monteith was best known for his role as Finn on the Fox musical dramedy and was set to have a role in season 5 which kicks off this September.

His real life girlfriend Lea Michele, who plays Rachel Berry, shared a photo of the cast including Monteith during a photoshoot just two weeks ago.

The actor had struggled with substance abuse in recent years. His troubles occurred again in early 2013 which led Monteith to take a leave of absence from Glee season 4. He had recovered and was ready to shoot season 5.

Below is a below of Monteith during the aforementioned photo shoot:

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