In a nostalgic and emotionally charged performance, Lea Michele gave Glee fans a powerful dose of déjà vu when she performed Olivia Rodrigo’s “Drivers License” on The Kelly Clarkson Show. Channeling her iconic character Rachel Berry, Michele’s rendition blended heartbreak, vocal precision, and Broadway polish — proving once again why she remains one of Glee’s most enduring stars. As she tours the U.S., blending songs from Broadway and her own discography, Michele reveals she’s still connected to the character that helped launch her into superstardom.
A song fit for Rachel Berry
The moment Lea Michele stepped on stage to perform Olivia Rodrigo’s chart-topping heartbreak anthem, “Drivers License,” the internet lit up with one collective sentiment: Rachel Berry is back. Michele, who portrayed the determined and often dramatic Rachel for six seasons on Glee, brought all the emotional intensity of her former role to her Kellyoke performance on the May 22 episode of The Kelly Clarkson Show.
“And I know we weren’t perfect but I’ve never felt this way for no one,” she sang, her voice both precise and tear-streaked in tone. “‘Cause you said forever, now I drive alone past your street.” Fans quickly recognized the performance as peak Rachel Berry—a song full of longing, regret, and theatrical expression.
Even Clarkson picked up on the familiar energy. After the song, she asked Michele why she chose this particular track. Michele’s response confirmed what fans already suspected: Drivers License would absolutely be a go-to for Rachel in a moment of heartache.
What would Rachel Berry sing today?
“I’m on tour right now, and I’m singing a lot of songs from Glee and Broadway,” Michele told Clarkson. “But I do this section in my show where I ask, ‘If Glee were on television right now, what would Rachel Berry be singing?’ And the minute I heard Drivers License, I was like, ‘That’s such a Rachel Berry song.’”
It’s a fitting question, especially given Rachel’s on-again, off-again romance with Finn Hudson—played by the late Cory Monteith. Fans were quick to connect the dots. On social media, many joked that the cover sounded like it had been pulled straight from a fictional season 7 breakup episode. “Rachel Berry would definitely sing this after a breakup with Finn,” one fan tweeted. “This song is so Rachel,” said another.
The emotional performance, layered with personal nostalgia and character familiarity, sparked waves of fan appreciation. “She’s always had this really unique quality of singing so clear and proper but also pouring so much emotion into the song,” one viewer commented. “It’s what made her so great on Glee.”
On tour with a little bit of everything
Michele’s appearance on The Kelly Clarkson Show comes in the middle of her latest North American tour—a more intimate series of performances that blend Broadway classics, hits from her studio albums, and a few surprises each night. The setlist is a curated mix that reflects her career so far, from the spotlight of Broadway to her TV legacy and personal musical releases.
The tour, which kicked off earlier this May, is scheduled to continue with upcoming stops in Anaheim, Palm Desert, Washington, D.C., Englewood, New Jersey, and Niagara Falls. A press release for the tour promises a “blend of Broadway classics, songs from her studio albums, and surprise songs each night,” giving each performance its own unique flair. For longtime fans, Michele’s return to the stage is more than a concert—it’s a reunion with a performer who has always worn her heart on her sleeve and her voice like an instrument of emotional storytelling.
Glee’s musical legacy lives on
During her chat with Clarkson, Michele also touched on Glee’s musical footprint. “We did over 800 songs on Glee,” she said, noting the massive cultural and musical catalog the show built during its six-season run. From Journey to Barbra Streisand, Glee was a love letter to musical fandom in all forms—and Michele was its leading voice.
Now, years after the series ended, Michele continues to honor that legacy. Her recent performances keep the Glee spirit alive not just through song selection, but in the emotional connection she maintains with her audience. Whether she’s performing a classic Broadway tune or a Gen Z hit like “Drivers License,” Michele brings an authenticity that transcends character and era. And while Rachel Berry may be a fictional character, her essence—ambitious, romantic, emotional—still seems to resonate deeply in Michele’s performances. It’s no wonder fans are calling this her Rachel revival era.
More to come
In addition to her tour and guest appearance on The Kelly Clarkson Show, Michele hinted that more is on the horizon. “I have something exciting coming up,” she teased, though she didn’t give away details just yet.
Whatever comes next, it’s clear that Michele is enjoying reconnecting with her roots while exploring new creative directions. Her Drivers License performance reminded audiences why she became a household name—and why, years later, she still has the power to captivate a room with just a piano and a heartbreak ballad.
