Glee: 10 Best Songs Covered By Santana

Glee was one of those shows that managed to create some of the most lovable and yet (at times) infuriating characters in the history of television. What’s more, they all managed to show different sides of themselves as the series progressed, uncovering new depths and complexities that weren’t immediately obvious when they first appeared. Santana is, arguably, one of the best characters to have ever appeared on the show.

From the start, she made it clear that she wasn’t the type to be trifled with, and as the seasons went on, she became a richer, deeper, more emotionally complex character, one who almost always had the best musical numbers.

10 “Valerie”

There’s something infectiously delicious about this particular cover. It’s both intensely sensual and yet bouncy, and it manages to showcase Santana’s formidable vocal talents.

One can’t help but admire the ways in which she manages to imbue this song with tremendous heart, while also giving a lighter touch on some of the notes that sweep the listener up in the song’s broader moments. It’s also great to see Brittany and Santana performing a song together.

9 “Me Against the Music”

If there’s a musical pair that was seemingly made to sing this Britney Spears song, it was definitely Santana and Brittany. It is, of course, one of Britney’s most compelling and sensual songs (aided by Madonna), and Santana and Brittany manage to bring this out in their own performance.

It’s one of those moments that makes it clear that they are not only made for one another romantically but also musically, as their talents just seem to mesh seamlessly with one another.

8 “Smooth Criminal”

If there’s anyone in New Directions who seems to have been tailor-made for a musical duel, it would have to be Santana. She is, after all, the kind of young woman who isn’t going to take anyone’s nonsense, and that includes the vindictive Sebastian.

This is a very fast-paced version of this already very speedy song, and one can’t help but be in awe of the way in which Santana manages to keep pace with both Sebastian and with the beat of the song.

7 “If I Can’t Have You”

One of the things that was always truly astonishing about Santana was how adept she was at adapting to various musical styles and genres. Indeed, it’s not everyone who could perform a disco song and somehow manage to make it a ballad, full of heart.

As the scene makes clear, it’s a truly moving song, since it manages to bring Brittany to tears (yet another indication that the two of them share a bond forged out of both love and mutual musical talents).

6 “I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)”

There’s an infectious sort of beat about this song, and it’s a bit of a unique take on the number, one of the best that Whitney Houston ever sang. Furthermore, it’s one that features the talents of both Brittany and Santana.

As they move together and sing, their voices beautifully meshed and it’s impossible not to sense the electrifying chemistry between the two, who share one of the most moving bonds in a series that is known for wearing its heart on its sleeve.

5 “Girl On Fire”

This is one of those songs that seems to have been made for Santana. It is, of course, one of Alicia Keys’ most notable songs, a powerful, belting song that speaks of a young woman’s’ empowerment.

This is, of course, precisely how anyone who has seen the show would describe Santana, particularly at this moment, when she is trying to determine what her future will look like and whether and how she will move on from her love for Brittany.

4 “A Hard Day’s Night”

Anyone who knows anything about this musical genre knows that there’s something infectious about it. After all, who doesn’t want to live in a world where two waitresses can spontaneously burst into song and no one bats an eye?

That’s precisely what happens with this number, and it’s great for two reasons: one, it’s always a pleasure to hear Santana sing a song where she can really let go, and two, it’s nice to see her have a duet with Rachel (a formidable talent in her own right).

3 “Don’t Rain On My Parade”

One of the ongoing conflicts in this show is between Rachel and Santana. While there is clearly a strong bond of friendship between the two, there is also quite a bit of competition.

In this case, Santana is singing one of the most iconic songs that Rachel ever performed, even going so far as to copy some of her mannerisms. It’s one of those moments that reminds the audience of the fact that Santana is a good friend, but she’s not afraid to do what it takes to get ahead.

2 “Hand In My Pocket / I Feel The Earth Move”

The mashups in this series have been a little hit or miss in their quality, but there’s no question that this is one of the best, largely because Santana has such an infectiously powerful voice.

More than that, though, is the fact that it also allows Brittany and Santana to show to everyone how much they truly love one another and how their bond (both musical and romantic) has only grown, matured, and become richer during their time on the series.

1 “If I Die Young”

The death of Finn was, without question, one of the most heart-wrenching things to have ever occurred in the series. In this song, Santana pours all of herself into her grief for Finn, and it is impossible not to feel overwhelmed with the powerful emotion that she brings out.

The unfortunate and untimely passing of Naya Rivera in 2020 made this song all the more poignant, allowing her fans to experience their grief through the power of her music.

About The Author