Let’s face it. Picking just five of Santana’s amazing performances is a bit like Sophie’s Choice, because Naya Rivera is always freaking brilliant! In an attempt to choose just a few from her canon of outstanding musical numbers someone’s favorite is bound to be left out. We thought we’d take a stroll down memory lane with our favorite lesbian Cheerio ever with a few of our favorite Naya performances in honor of Glee celebrating its 500^th musical performance tonight. Please let us know in the comments which Santana performances are standouts for you. 

5. Madonna's - "Me Against the Music" Santana with Brittany (Heather Morris): 

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4. k.d. lang's "Constant Craving" - Santana with Rachel's Mom Shelby (Idina Menzel): 

The episode just before the third season’s “I Kissed a Girl” episode saw Finn (Cory Monteith) outing Santana. To atone for it he suggests a “lady music” week to show Santana how much love and support she has. In an episode we referred to “as more lesbian than Lilith Fair” in our recap, Santana grapples with feeling vulnerable and wanting an open, out life. Here she croons with k.d. lang’s mega-hit “Constant Craving.” Rachel’s mom Shelby (Menzel) is intercut into the song as Shelby’s got her own life-changing issues to deal with. We could only embed the audio, but click here if you want to see Santana work her magic. 

4.1 Katy Perry's "I Kissed a Girl" -  Santana and Rachel (Lea Michele):

From the same episode, Santana and Rachel take on Katy Perry's paean to lady kisses, and it's just the most fun thing ever! 

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3. Stevie Nicks' "Landslide" - Santana with Holly (Gwyneth Paltrow) and Brittany:

While Gwyneth Paltrow' quirky substitute teacher Holly takes the lead on the cover of "Landslide," it's a remarkable moment for Santana as her love for her best friend Brittany brims at the surface. Every emotion is evident on Naya's face. 

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2. Taylor Swift's "Mine" - Santana 

There was hardly a dry eye left during Glee's "Break Up" episode. If Kurt and Blaine's and Rachel and Finn's tribulations didn't shake Glee shippers to the core, then Santana's break-up song to Brittany surely did. 

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1. Adele's "Rumour Has It" / "Someone Like You" Mash-Up - Santana and Mercedes (Amber Riley):

In the "Mash-Off" episode in season three, Santana struggles to come out. Sadly, Finn doesn't leave her a choice. Here's what we consider a turning point for Santana, the point at which Naya proved she deserves, an Emmy, a Grammy, a Golden Globe and a show of her own! 

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