A Very ‘Glee’ Reunion! Darren Criss Makes Debut at London’s Royal Albert Hall With Surprise Chris Colfer Duet: ‘It’s Been Awhile’

In a notable event on October 18, Darren Criss marked his first performance at London’s Royal Albert Hall by delivering a show that delighted fans and featured an unexpected reunion with fellow Glee alum Chris Colfer. The evening was highlighted by a series of surprise guest appearances, underscoring Criss's versatility and enduring connections within the entertainment world.

Criss, who gained widespread recognition from his role as Blaine Anderson on the Fox series Glee, stepped onto the iconic venue’s stage with an ambitious solo rendition of the now-classic duet “Baby, It’s Cold Outside.” This song originally showcased the dynamic between his character and Colfer’s Kurt Hummel during the show’s second season. The audience’s anticipation was rewarded when Colfer joined him mid-performance, marking their first collaborative stage appearance since Glee concluded its seven-season run in 2015.

This duet revival resonated deeply with fans familiar with the show’s narrative, recalling the significance of the characters’ relationship, which was groundbreaking at the time for its portrayal of a young gay couple in mainstream television. The performance not only evoked nostalgia but also demonstrated the lasting chemistry between the two actors.

Beyond this reunion, the concert featured a diverse range of guest artists. Among them was Alan Cumming, who performed ABBA’s “Does Your Mother Know,” and Gaten Matarazzo, known for his role in Stranger Things, who delivered an original track co-written by Criss and his late brother, reflecting a personal and creative connection.

Additional highlights included Sarah Hyland’s interpretation of “Suddenly Seymour” from Little Shop of Horrors, joined by her Modern Family co-star Jesse Tyler Ferguson performing a rendition of Adele’s “Someone Like You.” These contributions underscored the event’s blend of theatrical and contemporary influences.

Criss also revisited his earlier creative ventures by performing “Goin’ Back to Hogwarts,” a piece from a Harry Potter-themed musical he co-created during his university years. This segment featured collaborations with acclaimed stage performers, reinforcing Criss’s roots in musical theater and his ongoing affiliation with prominent artists in that space.

The event culminated with Criss performing fan-favorite songs associated with his Glee tenure, including renditions of Keane’s “Somewhere Only We Know” and Katy Perry’s “Teenage Dream.” These numbers were supported by a local youth choir, adding depth and communal spirit to the finale.

Since his time on Glee, Criss has expanded his career significantly, earning prestigious accolades such as an Emmy and Golden Globe for his portrayal in The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story, as well as a Tony Award for Maybe Happy Ending. This concert at the Royal Albert Hall thus served as both a celebration of his past achievements and a showcase of his evolving artistic journey.

Details regarding future performances or additional projects linked to this concert remain limited, but the event itself reinforced Darren Criss’s status as a multifaceted performer capable of bridging his television legacy with his broader musical and theatrical pursuits.