As we ring in Darren Criss’ 30th birthday today, we would like to countdown 15 of Darren’s most memorable and fun performances from Glee, Team StarKid, Elsie Fest and more. Let’s get to the countdown!
15. “I’ll Make a Man Out of You”
Who doesn’t love a Disney cover, right? On Darren’s old YouTube channel, he used to post various covers, mostly of Disney songs. This is what started his singing career off for me in a big way. I mean who doesn’t love a guy who sings Disney songs?!
14. “Hungry Like The Wolf/Rio”
On Glee Season 3, Episode 15 entitled “Big Brother,” we were introduced to Blaine’s older brother, Cooper (special guest Matt Bomer). Glee viewers fell in love with the brothers, and, when they performed the mash-up “Hungry Like The Wolf/Rio,” fans were going nuts. The duo didn’t disappoint; Darren and Matt’s vocals blended wonderfully and made this performance phenomenal.
13. “Come What May”
This performance from Season 4, episode 15 of Glee was exactly what fans were waiting for. This performance was done so beautifully from the flashbacks to the overall feeling of the song. This performance felt like it came straight out from the original movie.
12. “Her Voice” from The Little Mermaid Live At The Hollywood Bowl
This performance from The Little Mermaid Live at the Hollywood Bowl was truly Disney magic. Darren Criss is a real Disney Prince, and everyone who went to see the performance understands why. Decked out in his Prince Eric outfit, Darren’s performance of “Her Voice,” which was taken from the Broadway adaptation, was breathtaking. Can he become Prince Eric for the Live adaptation of The Little Mermaid?!
11. “What A Wonderful World”
This stripped-down version of the song just proves that Darren can sing anything.
10. “This Time”
This original song, which Criss wrote, was first written for the final season of Glee for Lea Michele’s character Rachel. It became much more after the final season aired. The song was later nominated for an Emmy award.
9. “New York State of Mind” from Elsie Fest 2016
This song always has a special place in so many people’s hearts. The power in his vocals with the mood of the piano is great.
8. “To Have a Home” from Leaky Con 2011
To me, this is one of Darren’s most powerful performances.
7. “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” from Glee
I really like the passion and energy from Darren this song. It’s such a huge 80s song, but he nails it.
6. “Super Friends”
Back in 2015, Darren created a music festival for musicals called Elsie Fest. He invited his friends from Team StarKid to do a set on the day of the festival. This is one of my favorite performances.
5. “Say” from Glee
This is one of the most moving performances I have seen of Darren. I got a huge Breakfast Club feeling.
4. “New Morning” Ft. Chuck Criss
I love when the Criss brothers collaborate on music together!
3. “Teenage Dream” from Glee
The song that started it all for Darren’s career on Glee! This is what made me — and many others — fall in love with Darren.
2. “Not Alone”
This song always makes me cry when I listen to it. I have such a personal connection that will forever be there whenever I hear it.
1. “Dress and Tie”
I just really love the energy these two have in this song. Whenever I listen to it, I can’t help but dance.
Well, there you have it!: my top 15 favorite Darren Criss performances. What are your favorite performances? Let us know in the comments below.
Happy Birthday, Darren Criss!