'Glee' star Cory Monteith, who played jock-turned-singer Finn Hudson, tragically passed away on Saturday afternoon.  In his adult life, Monteith had been very open and honest about his struggle with drug addiction since the age of 13.  Last April, he checked himself into rehab, but emerged a few weeks later seemingly fine.  Throughout his life he was dedicated to helping other at-risk youth, including co-founding the charity Project Limelight, an organization that provides free performing arts programs for children in his native Vancouver.  His cause of death is still unknown at this time, though an autopsy is expected to be performed today.

Monteith had been one of the leads of the ensemble comedy since its very first episode, and his on-and-off relationship with fellow glee clubber Rachel Berry has been one of the rocks of the show in its four years on the air.  (The couple was referred to affectionately by fans as "Finchel.")  Monteith's passing will undoubtedly have a large impact on the show, as his character's arc was in no way finished, and many people assumed Finchel was "endgame."  It's too soon to say how the writers will deal with Monteith's very unexpected death, and in the meantime his family, cast mates, and fans around the world are all grieving, including Rachel's portrayer and Monteith's real-life girlfriend, Lea Michele.  So to honor the memory of the tall, goofy, sometimes frustrating but always kind-hearted character and the young man who played him, here is a list of Monteith's 10 Best Performances in his four years on 'Glee.'

10. Paradise By The Dashboard Light, 3x21: 'Nationals'

'Nationals' was the last of the famed "competition episodes" that the original cast would participate in before graduating from high school.  This was the closing number of their three-song setlist, and featured some of the best vocals and choreography ever performed by New Directions, led with typically high enthusiasm by both Monteith and Michele.  (Song starts at 4:46.)

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cjSSq1dDtOc[/youtube]

9. You're The One That I Want, 4x06: 'Glease'

In the very first episode of 'Glee,' Finn, Rachel and the New Directions rehearsed 'You're The One That I Want' from 'Grease.' They didn't get very far before fellow glee-clubber Mercedes diva-ed out, but it ignited a spark between the two leads.  Four years later, Finn and Rachel finally get to finish the number, even though Finchel has since broken up, as Rachel flashes back to that very first rehearsal while watching the new generation of New Directions perform 'Grease' as the school musical.  It was a bittersweet moment full of both regret and happy memories.

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GU3Hc4rHiTg[/youtube]

8. Girls Just Want To Have Fun, 3x07: 'I Kissed A Girl'

Though the episode where Finn accidentally outed lesbian cheerleader Santana was considered controversial, Monteith's solo that came out of the storyline was undoubtedly one of his best.  His vocals on this slowed down version of Cyndi Lauper's hit are uncharacteristically smooth and tender.

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fugv9kja-2I[/youtube]

7. I've Gotta Be Me, 2x18: 'Born This Way'

Finn was often made fun of for his utter incompetence with dance movies, but in an episode centered around loving yourself, including your flaws, Finn finally embraced his clumsiness.  It was a great moment of unbridled joy from an often-conflicted and insecure character.  And it was adorable watching him try to keep up with dance-master Mike Chang.

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jb14YVQL6vg[/youtube]

6. The Scientist, 4x04: 'The Break-Up'

This was the episode where Finchel finally called it quits for good.  After a turbulent trip to visit his girlfriend in NYC, Rachel tracks Finn down to the auditorium where they first met to break things off.  After a final goodbye kiss, Finn breaks into this popular Coldplay song, starting one of the most emotional performances in the four-year history of 'Glee.'  "Nobody said it was easy" indeed.

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yaILnVZFjTU[/youtube]

5. Just The Way You Are, 2x08: 'Furt'

After doing nothing to protect gay glee-clubber Kurt from a terrorizing bully, Finn makes up for his inaction by dedicating this Bruno Mars song to his now-stepbrother at their parents' wedding.  The episode was indicative of Finn's frequent flip-flops from exasperating to touching, but this performance is still one of the show's biggest tearjerkers, as Finn alternates his focus between the friend, the mother and the girl he loves.

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nf-zxD7IP10[/youtube]

4. Keep Holding On, 1x07: 'Throwdown'

This performance is from early in the show's run, and is one of the first numbers that really cemented the New Directions as a cohesive group.  After the club learns that Quinn has been kicked out of her family's house for being pregnant, they all rally around her to show her support, led by Finn, her boyfriend at the time.  This song became symbolic of the early batch of episodes (still considered the show's best), and contains an important message that seems particularly appropriate in light of Monteith's passing.

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wt_qKCF4KHA[/youtube]

3. Faithfully, 1x22: 'Journey'

Finchel started off their Regionals competition setlist in the Season One finale with this soul-stirring performance of Journey's rock ballad.  Right before they started singing, Finn finally told Rachel he loved her for the first time.  The Journey medley is still to date New Directions' best competition setlist, and Finchel got it kicked off in spectacular fashion with this duet.

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sY_uIU8J5RQ[/youtube]

2. We've Got Tonite, 4x14: 'I Do'

Despite having broken up earlier in the season, when Finn and Rachel meet up again at their teachers' wedding, they are unable to resist the spark that still lingers between them.  They croon this ballad and then fall into bed together.  Though it didn't reignite Finchel as a couple, it was great to see them together again, however briefly.  It was the last time Cory Monteith and Lea Michele would sing together on the show.

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=athsXZUaxpg[/youtube]

1. Don't Stop Believin', 1x01: 'Pilot'

The song that started a phenomenon.  Performed at the end of the first episode, the New Directions' rousing rendition of this perennial classic, led by Finn and Rachel, cemented 'Glee's' place in pop culture.  It was the first released track that Monteith and Michele sang on together -- a pairing that would go on to define 'Glee' for four more years.  Over 500 musical performances later, 'Don't Stop Believin' is still remembered as the show's defining moment and greatest song, thanks in no small part to the charismatic talent of that awkward-but-lovable goofball, Finn Hudson.

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5WxPyUzWSPA[/youtube]

R.I.P. Cory Monteith (1982-2013)