The cast of the TV show "Glee" performed a memorable rendition of "Don't Stop Believin'" by Journey in the very first episode of the series, titled "Pilot." Here are some interesting facts about their performance:
Iconic Opening: The performance of "Don't Stop Believin'" in the pilot episode is one of the most iconic moments in "Glee" and is often considered the show's signature performance.
Song Revival: Journey's "Don't Stop Believin'" originally released in 1981 and had a resurgence in popularity after being featured in the pilot episode. It re-entered the Billboard Hot 100 and became a hit once again.
Single Release: The cast's version of "Don't Stop Believin'" was released as a single and debuted at number four on the Billboard Hot 100. It eventually became one of the best-selling Glee songs.
Cory Monteith's Audition: Cory Monteith, who portrayed Finn Hudson on the show, landed his role partly because of his impressive audition for this song. He was initially asked to play drums, but his singing performance of "Don't Stop Believin'" convinced the creators to give him the lead role.
Spontaneity: The performance in the pilot was intended to be spontaneous and impromptu, reflecting the nature of the show's glee club. The cast's reactions and interactions during the performance were genuine.
Location: The performance took place in the William McKinley High School auditorium, which became a central location for many of the show's musical performances.
Lea Michele's Solo: Lea Michele, who played Rachel Berry, sang the majority of the song as a solo. Her powerful vocals and emotional delivery contributed to the success of the performance.
Journey's Approval: Journey's lead guitarist, Neal Schon, expressed his approval of the cast's performance and even said that they did a "killer job." This praise from the original band added to the performance's credibility.
Influence on the Show: The success of this performance set the tone for the entire "Glee" series, which featured numerous iconic musical performances throughout its run.
Reprisals: "Don't Stop Believin'" was reprised several times throughout the series, becoming an anthem for the Glee Club and a symbol of hope and perseverance for the characters.
The "Don't Stop Believin'" performance in the "Glee" pilot episode left a lasting impact on both the show and its viewers, becoming a symbol of the show's message of resilience and pursuing one's dreams.