“Glee” Cast Covers Nicki Minaj’s “Fly”

The storylines on FOX’s monster hit series, Glee, have been relatively light-hearted in its third season. Recent episodes were devoted to Michael Jackson’s iconic songs and videos, Ricky Martin’s party rocking as McKinley High’s new Spanish teacher, and reality TV diva, Nene Leakes‘ putting extra booty shakes in the cheerleaders’ school spirit. It seemed like the show took a break from the sensitive issues that shaped its earlier seasons. Last night was a sobering change, as the cast tackled the pressures of teen bullying and thoughts of suicide. When a former bully attempted to take his own life after coming out of the closet, the world’s most famous Glee club sought to comfort and raise awareness through song. They performed a mashup of Nicki Minaj’s “Fly,” and R. Kelly’s signature ballad, “I Believe I Can Fly,” and the powerful lyrics of both songs took on even more meaning due to the severity of the issues. Broadway star-turned-Glee fan favorite, Darren Criss, rapped for the first time on the show, and subtly brought one of Minaj’s wow moments to life when he rhymed: “Yankee Stadiums with Jay’s and Kanye’s.”

Hopefully the inspirational words of one of today’s brightest superstars, paired with one of the most inspirational ballads in music history, encouraged a teen watching at home, feeling alone in a similar struggle.

Glee Cast – “Fly/ I Believe I Can Fly”