Chris Colfer originally auditioned for the role of Artie in Fox’s hit television show Glee but he was not right for the part. Instead, the show creators decided to create a brand new role just for Colfer and so Kurt Hummel was born. The characters name ‘Kurt’ was inspired by Kurt von Trapp from The Sound of Music and ‘Hummel’ came from Hummel figurines. With the creation of Kurt Hummel, the show chose to drop a potential character by the name of Rajeesh.
Colfer’s appearance on the show has turned him into a fan favorite as the openly gay character quickly won his way into everyone’s hearts in how he remains true to himself and is not ashamed of who he is. Colfer won a Golden Globe for his performance as Kurt battles with coming out to his father and dealing with abuse from his fellow classmates.
Hummel’s solos in the choir room have always been incredible and something to look forward to that keeps fans begging for more even as the character is now living in New York City with his fiancé Blaine Anderson. Colfer has gone on to become a New York Times Bestselling author and produce films and with the final season of Glee in the works, I wonder how many more songs Kurt will have to sing.
I present to you in no particular order the top 10 covers by Chris Colfer as Kurt Hummel on Glee.
Image via Jennifer Graylock/INFphoto.com
[ new page = Honorable Mention: A House Is Not A Home ]
A House Is Not A Home – originally by Dionne Warwick
While adjusting to his ex-crush and future stepbrother Finn moving into the Hummel home with his future stepmom Carol, Kurt shares his feelings and worries about the changes that will happen in song during Glee club. A heartfelt performance with a side of the late Cory Monteith (RIP) made the performance something sweet to watch and understanding for those with a complicated family background.
[ new page = 10. Le Jazz Hot ]
Le Jazz Hot – originally from Cabaret
Remember when Kurt Hummel had no one to do a duet with so he did one with himself? The stunning and highly impressive version of Cabaret’s Le Jazz Hot showed everyone that Chris Colfer is a man of many talents and is fully capable of rocking both sides of the spectrum. People were talking about this performance for weeks and it remains to be a classic Hummel solo.
[ new page = 9. I’m The Greatest Star ]
I’m The Greatest Star – originally from Funny Girl
Kurt Hummel has always been a performer and he certainly does such with his audition for West Side Story in season three. He pulls out all the stops with a great vocal range, flexibility and those sai swords at the end.
While his performance may not have been exactly what Artie was looking for in a ‘Tony’, fans still relished in the Broadway style performance plus Colfer enjoyed bringing in some of his own style (cue the swords).
[ new page = 8. I’m Still Here ]
I’m Still Here – originally from Follies
Fans were aching in pain when Kurt defended a man he never knew and in the end was beaten up and landed in the hospital during last season. Kurt has always proved to be a strong character and willing to stand for what he believes in, even if it means sacrificing himself in the process.
This performance by Colfer gave viewers the opportunity to watch someone bounce back from an awful experience and still inspire hope. Kurt sings his heart out decked in bruises and cuts reminding us that nothing brings down a Hummel.
[ new page = 7. Blackbird ]
Blackbird – originally by The Beatles
It is still an awful joke but the death of the Warbler bird Pavarotti may have been the best thing that happened for Kurt as his beautiful song memorial made Blaine Anderson realize he had been in love with his best friend all along.
A stunning tribute to the Beatles and Kurt’s true moment to shine as a Warbler made this a popular performance and a standout for one of his best. Sometimes the most wonderful acts can come from when a person is not paying attention to their audience.
[ new page = 6. Defying Gravity ]
Defying Gravity – originally from Wicked
Now I am referring to season one where the original diva off occurred between Kurt and Rachel. Kurt was not afraid to stand up to Rachel and Mr. Schuester when it became evident that Rachel was getting solos primarily because she is a female.
Colfer knows he has a knack for high notes and this was the chance to knock it off of the park. While the character cracked to protect his dad, we all know Colfer could have easily taken down Lea Michele.
[ new page = 5. I Have Nothing ]
I Have Nothing – originally by Whitney Houston
After their first big fight, it was unknown what the future would be for Kurt and Blaine’s relationship. Blaine’s apologetic performance was one for the books in sass but Kurt’s dead honest song brought tears to the eyes. The message behind it brought back the feelings that this couple was for real and not much could bring them apart. (Just ignore season four).
Colfer got to deliver a stunning performance and play homage to the late Whitney Houston in their themed episode, which was truly an honor. Chris Colfer really knows how to deliver a ballad.
[ new page = 4. Not The Boy Next Door ]
Not The Boy Next Door – originally from The Boy of Oz
In a split decision Kurt chose to abandon his safety performance from Phantom of the Opera and went for some flashy gold pants and some backup dancers. His audition for NYADA went in my opinion incredibly and it still angers me that he was originally rejected from the school while Rachel got in, but that is a different story.
This performance had everything from great vocals to great hip thrusting that this just may be one of my favorites ever as it definitely gets me in a better mood just from singing along.
[ new page = 3. As If We Never Said Goodbye ]
As If We Never Said Goodbye – originally by Barbra Streisand
Darren Criss got to deliver a killer goodbye song with ‘Somewhere Only We Know’ and then Chris Colfer got his own chance with his welcoming home through this wonderful piece.
After being in the background for weeks, Kurt finally returned home to his own stage and where he felt most himself. It truly felt like a homecoming for the character and it could easily be the most enchanting delivery by Colfer.
[ new page = 2. Rose’s Turn ]
Rose’s Turn – originally from Gypsy
Season one Kurt solos were fantastic. I swear by them. Rose’s Turn was one of the first times we got to see Chris Colfer deliver everything he has and when he did, it came out nice and strong.
That time where Kurt tried to do anything he could to identity with his father because Burt and Finn were becoming the duo him and Burt never were sucked for him and brought on this epic solo. It may been an under two minute song, it still taught us a lot about Kurt which helped us fall in love with his character in the first place.
And admit it, you totally blast this and yell along to every single lyric.
[ new page = 1. I Want to Hold Your Hand ]
I Want to Hold Your Hand – originally by The Beatles
How could this not be number one? Watching Burt Hummel sit in a coma and Kurt’s life derail made everyone choke up and this performance did not help at all. The singing was gorgeous on its own but the special touch of getting a glimpse into Kurt growing up under his father’s wing made it even more heart wrenching.
The entire premise of this episode titled ‘Grilled Cheesus’ tested Kurt’s faith as everyone waited for Burt to pull through and this performance was the closest the character got to any form of religion and it was beautiful. Everyone heals, worries and mourns in a different way and in this cover by Colfer, it is not a shock that it caused so many fans to claim this as one of his best.