The success of 'Glee' is as much about the music as it is about the quirky, lovable characters that sing the songs viewers love.
While fans of 'Glee' have grown to appreciate the unique traits that each character brings to the show, it seems to be these characters' musical performances-including the related storyline and emotional pull to support them-that really help to define them as distinct and interesting personalities, and help the audience to relate to them in a very real way.
Rachel Berry, for one, is in a musical class all her own.
She stands apart, although desperate to fit in, because of her quirky- yet superior-attitude toward her peers.
She's arguably the Glee Club's best singer-and she knows it.
Rachel sings big songs, as only someone with her talent can, and viewers can easily see the connection between her song choices and the development of her character.
Here are her most memorable and meaningful performances from the first season: 1.
"On My Own" in "Pilot.
" This is the perfect first solo for Rachel to sing; it establishes her as both different than and separate from the rest of the characters, but also shows that it's her dynamo vocals that really define who she is.
2.
"Take a Bow" with Mercedes Jones and Tina Cohen-Chang in "Showmance.
" This song really sets up the storyline between Rachel and Finn, and emphasizes the large rift that forms after the two share an intimate moment.
3.
"Taking Chances" in "Preggers.
" Rachel is out to prove that she deserves the spotlight in the club, and her performance on this Celine Dion classic does just that.
She thus becomes synonymous, in a way, with New Directions' resident "diva," and she accepts the title with pride.
4.
"Defying Gravity" with Kurt Hummel in "Wheels.
" This competitive duet provides an important glimpse into gender-based stereotypes on the show, and Rachel's last "perfect" note of the song reiterates her position as top performer of the Club.
5.
"Don't Rain on My Parade" in "Sectionals.
" Even when faced with adversity and limited time at Sectionals, Rachel manages to pull together a show-stopping performance of this number, proving that her musical ability knows no bounds.
6.
"Hello" with Jesse St.
James in "Hell-O.
" This duet establishes a huge change (and a budding, integral relationship) in Rachel's life; viewers see and connect with her softer, more vulnerable side through this performance.
7.
"Total Eclipse of the Heart" with Finn Hudson, Noah Puckerman, and Jesse St.
James in "Bad Reputation.
" Rachel's desire to be accepted by everyone backfires on her, and singing this song with Finn, Puck, and Jesse signifies an important break in each relationship.
8.
"I Dreamed a Dream" with Shelby Corcoran in "Dream On.
" This amazing duet allows viewers to hear Rachel sing with the mother she's never met, providing the impetus for their inevitable, much anticipated reunion in a future episode.
9.
"Poker Face" with Shelby Corcoran in "Theatricality.
" Rachel finally meets her mother, and the two unite for this seemingly unemotional Lady GaGa song.
But both Rachel's and Shelby's facial expressions and their haunting, flawless vocals bring a musical chemistry to the pairing that may stand as the single most moving moment of the entire season.
Every song that Rachel sings is, in some way, connected to her story and her character.
These selections from the first season are especially colorful and meaningful, and have shown not only the evolution of Rachel's character, but also the evolution of viewers' relationship to her-and to 'Glee.
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