WORLD PREMIERE EXCLUSIVE! GLEE Tributes Cory Monteith With RENT's 'Seasons Of Love'

Today, BroadwayWorld is privileged to host the world premiere exclusive first listen to the full performance of a classic song from the Pulitzer Prize-winning rock musical RENT as enacted by the accomplished cast of Glee in tribute to fallen real-life Glee headliner Cory Monteith, with a spirited and soulful rendition of the iconic anthem "Seasons Of Love".

"525,600 minutes / How do you measure a year in the life?" go the thought-provoking and legendary lyrics of the chorus in RENT's most famous fan-favorite, in a score loaded with many hallmarks.

Of course, "Measure your life in love," is the evocative answer.

The cast of New Directions old and new join together to imbue the moving musical moment with palpable emotion, bringing the painfully applicable lyrics of the song even deeper meaning and creating an even stronger resonance in performing it as part of the tribute to Monteith in this week's episode, titled "The Quarterback" in his character's honor.

Amber Riley leads the track, with Chris Colfer, Naya Rivera, Darren Criss, Kevin McHale, Jenna Ushkowitz, Chord Overstreet, Melissa Benoist, Becca Tobin, Blake Jenner, Jacob Artist, Mark Salling, Harry Shum Jr. and the rest of New Directions making up the compelling collective chorus highlighted within it.

Additionally, Columbia Records, FOX and the artist will donate 100% of proceeds from the tracks from this episode in the USA and Canada entirely to Project Limelight.

More information on Project Limelight is as follows: "Co-Founded by sisters Donalda Weaver and Maureen Webb, Project Limelight Society unleashes the imagination, awakens Curiosity and gives children the opportunity to experience the magic of applause. Open to young people aged 8 to 15 in the Strathcona district, the program offers youth living in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside a safe place to build an artistic community. Participants learn skills, techniques and forms of expression, including clowning, creative writing, voice work, movement and improvisation. They rehearse a full-length theatrical production for 3 months, leading up to a final performance on a community stage, giving participants the opportunity to showcase everything they have accomplished. Project Limelight also provides healthy meals and snacks to Limelight participants through the generous support of East of Main Cafe. In addition to supplying healthy meals, all profits from East of Main Cafe are donated to Project Limelight Society. Visit www.projectlimelightsociety.org for more information or contact Katharine Manson Communications at manson@mansoncommunications.com or 604 318 9690."

Of note, Amber Riley and Lea Michele also both appeared on GLEE's previous RENT track, the spunky duet "Take Me Or Leave Me", back in Season Two.

"Seasons Of Love" is one of many musical highlights featured in the next episode of GLEE, titled "The Quarterback", airing October 10 at 9 PM on FOX. More information is available at the official site here.

Listen to the world premiere exclusive of RENT's "Seasons Of Love" from this week's Glee below.

Photo Credits: FOX