'Glee' original songs smash Black Eyed Peas and Rihanna

The first two original songs from "Glee" continued the TV show's successful trend at iTunes and the Billboard Hot 100. Both could compete for Grammys plus the Emmy for best music and lyrics.

Over the last two years, the show has surpassed the likes of the Beatles and Elvis in having the most entries on the Hot 100 list. "Glee's" current tally stands at 120 singles, a number that continues to grow with every new episode.

This week, "Glee" tried something new: original music. As the characters geared up for regionals, they decided to write their own songs for the competition. Predictably, the Glee Club prevailed at regionals, but the real-life results were far more stunning.

The two original songs, "Loser Like Me" and "Get It Right," quickly hopped to the No. 1 and No. 2 positions of the Hot 100, beating out the likes of the Black Eyed Peas ("Just Can't Get Enough") and Rihanna ("S&M"). It's an enormous vote of confidence for a show that became famous for covering songs from other artists. With such a success on the music charts, can the same luck help "Glee" at industry awards like the Grammys and Emmys?

The "Glee" cast was nominated for two Grammys this year: pop performance by a duo or group with vocals and compilation soundtrack album for a motion picture, television or other visual media. They lost both contests.

"Glee" has not yet competed for best music and lyrics at the Emmys, but it could now be a strong contender. In addition to "Loser Like Me" and "Get It Right," other "Glee" songs in the running include "Trouty Mouth," sung by Santana to Sam, and Puck's performance of "Big Ass Heart" for Lauren. Rachel debuted her self-celebratory "Only Child," and Mercedes belted out "Hell to the No."

At last year's Emmys, the show was nominated for an astounding 19 trophies in many categories, including comedy series. "Modern Family" took home the big award, but "Glee" rallied with wins for Ryan Murphy as comedy director, Jane Lynch as supporting comedy actress and Neil Patrick Harris as guest comedy actor.

Listen to audio tracks of "Loser Like Me" and "Get It Right" after the jump below.

-- Tom O'Neil

Photo: Rachel (Lea Michele) tearfully writes her own song, "Get It Right." Credit: Fox TV

Comments

[chrisk]

Rooting for Trouty Mouth for the win! its Hilarious!!!!

[Marni]

I think you mean No. 1 and 2 on the iTunes chart. It's at like 6 and 12 or something like that on the Billboards 100.

[James Ford]

This article is blatantly untrue. Those songs aren't anywhere on the Hot 100.

[Tommy Marx]

"The two original songs, "Loser Like Me" and "Get It Right," quickly hopped to the No. 1 and No. 2 positions of the Hot 100"?

With all due respect, neither song has yet to appear on the Billboard Hot 100, let alone top the charts. I believe you meant to say the two songs topped the iTunes bestseller chart. I would expect the songs to appear on next week's Hot 100, as they are both selling well.

[oakmonster]

Why does Rachel sound glorious on Get it Right?

[oakmonster]

Why does Rachael sounds like a chipmunk in Loser Like Me?

[youforgotsomething]

For an industry column written for a paper in an industry town, you left out a rather important detail in an article about 'original' songs - who actually wrote the songs???