4 years ago
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I'm sorry Jamie Foxx, but Mercedes Jones did "Blame It" better.
No former Gleek would ever deny that Amber Riley is one of the best vocalists, if not THE best vocalist, from the Glee cast.
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She could belt wild notes, do controlled vocal runs, and sing any genre she tried. In short, she had the range, and so let's take a look at some of Amber Riley's best covers while she played the great Mercedes Jones:
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1. "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going"
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Original artist: Jennifer Holiday (from Dreamgirls soundtrack)
This was the most iconic Mercedes cover AND one of the most iconic Glee performances EVER. After hearing her belt out these notes with all that passion, there was no denying her tremendous talent and skill as a vocalist.
2. "I Will Always Love You" (Whitney Houston Version)
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Original artist: Dolly Parton / Whitney Houston
Mercedes is the only one of The New Directions who could've pulled off this song and she sure as hell did!!!
3. "4 Minutes"
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Original artist: Madonna, Justin Timberlake, and Timbaland
I'm sorry, but this is HEAPS better than the original and that's because Mercedes and Kurt's energy mixed with the sound of the marching band was *chef's kiss.*
4. "Hate on Me"
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Original artist: Jill Scott
At this point in the show, Glee hadn't done many R&B or funk songs, but this cover by Mercedes proves why they should've done more sooner!
5. "How Will I Know"
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Original artist: Whitney Houston
This stripped-down, acapella arrangement was absolutely beautiful. Mercedes, Santana, Rachel, and Kurt's harmonies were so sweet and strong that they easily carried the song without an instrumental.
6. "Survivor/I Will Survive"
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Original artist: Destiny's Child ("Survivor"), Gloria Gaynor ("I Will Survive")
THE TROUBLETONES WERE ROBBED AT THIS COMPETITION. This was one of the most brilliant Glee mashups ever. Mercedes and Santana are an unmatched vocal duo and the life they brought made this mashup legendary.
7. "Blame It"
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Original artist: Jamie Foxx and T-Pain
We don't talk about this song enough, because it is sooo much better than the original. Mercedes and Artie's voices compliment each other so well and blend together so smoothly.
8. "The Boy Is Mine"
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Original artist: Brandy and Monica
This was Mercedes and Santana's first duet and it's completely understandable why they had so many duets afterwards.
9. "Aint No Way"
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Original artist: Aretha Franklin
The soul and emotion Mercedes poured into this song...outstanding!!!
10. "Defying Gravity" (Season 5 Version)
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Original artist: Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth (from Wicked soundtrack)
Rachel and Kurt first covered this song in Season 1, and in Season 5 they did it again with the addition of Mercedes. I have gotta say, all of my favorite moments from this song are Mercedes's parts. Her vocal styling in this song is so pleasing.
11. "Rumour Has It/Someone like you"
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Original artist: Adele
Yes, I'm bringing up another fabulous song where Mercedes and Santana take the lead. Even though Santana was a bit more centered in this song, Mercedes was still delivering.
12. "Bust Your Windows"
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Original artist: Jazmine Sullivan
A Mercedes classic! This was a pivitoal performance in Glee history. Simply iconic! Grounbreaking! Perfection!
13. "Candyman"
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Original artist: Christina Aguilera
This was the first song the Troubletones ever did and it was a flawless debut!
14. "Human Nature"
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Original artist: Michael Jackson
I just feel like this is an extremely underrated Glee duet. Their voices truly sound angelic on this track.
15. "Dog Days Are Over"
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Original artist: Florence + the Machine
This song and performance were just so fun. We deserved more Mercedes and Tina duets.
16. "I'll Stand By You"
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Original artist: The Pretenders
She sang this as a tribute to Finn after he passed and the emotion in her delivery and her belting were so damn powerful.
17. And "Shake It Out"
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Original artist: Florence + the Machine
Mercedes, Santana, and Tina's raw vocals were so sonically pleasing and this was such an incredibly moving performance.
What are some other amazing Mercedes performances from Glee? Let us know in the comments!
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Kathy Hoang / BuzzFeed
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