Amber Riley on Dealing With "Glee" Fame & Remembers Naya Rivera: "It's Always Going to Be Sad"

In this clip from episode 8 of "Healed Girl Era Podcast," Amber Riley opens up to Gia about her time on "Glee" and what she hopes the world remembers most about co-star turned sister, Naya Rivera.
Stream the full episode on this channel, or by clicking the link here (lnkfi.re/healedgirlrerapod) to stream on Apple, Spotify Podcasts and to follow the show on social media. Follow the host and creator of the show on socials, @giapeppers.
Support Amber Riley on her latest work and all she's up to by following her on social media - @msamberpriley .
For more information on where to start your own journey to healing with therapy, check out the following resources below:
TherapyforBlackGirls.com
PsychologyToday.com
www.blackgirlssmile.org/
blkcreatives.com/2023/07/18/h...
#HealedGirlEraPodcast is available on KZbin, Apple and Spotify Podcasts. Find out how you can listen on all platforms, here: lnkfi.re/jH4zIkUm
For more on Gia Peppers and #HealedGirlEraPodcast, follow on all socials, @HealedGirlEraPodcast and @GiaPeppers.
Thanks for tuning in! If you learned something, share it with the people you know need to hear it, too. No matter what era you are in on your healing journey, we are honored you came here to share space with us.
May Naya, Jas, and Kae, and all of our loved ones continue to rest in peace.

[@thisismisskay]

She and Naya were the reason why I kept up with Glee the longest I could. I will never forget their duet River Deep Mountain High❤

[@dihboas]

same.

[@dwaroundtheworld]

that and the 'rumour has it' rework. sublime

[@thisismisskay]

@@dwaroundtheworld Oh yess that one was on repeat constantly. And let's not forget the mash up I will survive/survivor

[@hausinnermagic]

Ohh " The boy is mine" duet ..the boy being Puck but ok 😆🙄

[@thisismisskay]

​@@hausinnermagic LOLL let's forget this part but the duet was really fire too. To me they had the best duet songs, best chemistry and vocally they matched so well.

[@LBoogey86]

They played in Mercedes face on Glee like she wasn’t the best singer!

[@jhemz-4193]

This!!!!!

[@carl8218]

Hands down the best and anyone says otherwise clearly lying to themselves

[@jedmartins4973]

Most powerful vocalist? Hand down! The best? It's up to interpretation and taste.

[@LBoogey86]

@@jedmartins4973you’re right but I stand by what I said! The best and adding underutilized!

[@Ty-cx5zj]

Mercedes had the voice to fit all genres and she killed all the songs. But the gaslighting that she was lazy was insane. The same person who literally trains to sing at church????

[@JabrilWilliams-rp2cl]

Thank you SO MUCH for giving her, her flowers on the "A'int no way" . She tore!!

[@Lundon-se6sg]

I always love hearing amber riley talk

[@Gia.Peppers]

same!

[@jiruribakachan365]

I will never understand anyone hating Amber on glee. She was THE BEST VOICE on that show, I was always annoyed when Lea or, even though I love her, Diana got to sing because I wanted to hear more from Amber. And that duet of River deep - mountain high with Naya... *chefs kiss*

[@danieltran9634]

Dianna didn’t get to sing much on the show though. She had like 3 solos for the whole series and her character was a mess. 😅

[@pibbitybibbity]

Mercedes was the main character on Glee TO ME & she SHOULD HAVE BEEN to Ryan Murphy! Her voice was and is immaculate! I hope I get to see her live on stage at least one time in my life!

[@pibbitybibbity]

@@randomsomeone18923 Gosh, I wish I’d known it was possible. Thank goodness for internet police like you to let me know I can support other black actresses/singers, that I don’t only have to like Amber. My hero!

[@hafidbense4934]

Her character was irrelevant

[@pibbitybibbity]

@@hafidbense4934 Found the racist!

[@diegodacruz4714]

Me too!

[@theglobalsweetheart]

You are liberally so bitter ​@@hafidbense4934

[@erika30pinki]

She might have not been the "actual" protagonist, but for me and many others she was IT ✨. I have skipped many performances, but a mercedes one? Never. Her power is unmatched. ❤

[@justice_rizzo]

‼️ *Naya talk starts at **9:10* ‼️

[@ohyeahbayybee69]

Thank you 🫶🏼

[@imaneblaze]

Thank u❤

[@aalflyguy1184]

Why… Dear Lord, has nobody brought a revival of Dreamgirls to B’way with Amber as Effie? Her performance on the West End in London was STELLAR! The Olivier Award was so deserved! Please bring this project & Amber to fruition!

[@samwetherhold08]

I adored the show, and never had a doubt Mercedes was the GOAT-Any performances with Amber Riley, Naya Rivera, or Chris Colfer never left me disappointed!

[@courtnocase]

I always have to mention amber won dancing with the stars too!She killed that ish ! && masked singer ❤

[@Gia.Peppers]

Yes! We mention that in the full interview, here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pKTFqGWDeNBlmc0si=xE_xe48521S6M8hK

[@Gia.Peppers]

Thank yall for the love!

[@loirinlancaster3]

Amber can sing her ass off. Just recently she sung a song in Spanish a well known one and I was like WOW!!!!!!!! That girl’s voice is amazing

[@marcoking2334]

i lost my father when I was 7 (i'm 26 now) and i still see his friends sometimes, they talk about him the way Amber talks about Naya. This part of the interview really moved me and I hope I can carry along to the world his kindness, sense of humor, connexion with people and creativity ❤

[@magicmusic21]

Amber Riley is THE VOICE of the early 21st century!

[@hollabigT]

Loved that she thanked her theatre work as a true training ground for a performer. And that the "connection" to self and audience was paramount!

[@liseyboop]

Amber will forever be one of my favorite actors and singers, her role as Mercedes was sooo impactful for so many people ❤️❤️ RIP Naya 🕊️ RIP Cory 🕊️

[@Leeleeeee92]

Amber deserves so much recognition and flowers for her amazing talent. I would have never watched Glee if Amber wasn’t there!

[@thecontinent9192]

Amber SLAYED on Dancing With The Stars. Incredible.

[@AKATSUKIROBES]

RIP Naya Rivera 🙏🏾

[@fjcg9821]

As someone who was fortunate enough to see Amber while she was performing in the west end, I have to say that the kind of ovation she got was incredible… she did an amazing job and she should feel very proud of that… she is an amazing artist and she looks really happy, I’m very glad to see that ❤❤

[@ffiontill5924]

This woman has not been given the appreciation she deserves!! The hard work and dedication and TALENT!!! I hope she gets more of the opportunities to shine that she so rightly deserves💖

[@arethasD6belt]

Amber is the ONLY singer that did the run like Aretha did on the record in the climax of Ain't No Way. No one else can do it. Everyone else usually will sustain that little last note versus going for that run. Amber should've played Re in her biopic 😭😭

[@TheHeatInColorPodcast]

She was everything on Glee. 👑❤

[@leilanyx_]

had the pleasure of seeing amber riley live in 2017 so in dreamgirls - she was incredible, and a delight to watch. she's such a talented performer and i'm always mad at how under utilised she was on glee.

[@NikaNika927]

She is such a gorgeous person…luv this ❤️

[@Cantetinza17]

I loved Glee, Glee was me in HS. When she did "I bust your windows out your car", I was praying, "Please make sure she stays the WHOLE SERIES! " I literally couldn't breathe when they said Naya had drowned. I was on the ground sobbing like I knew her personally. I lived for her comebacks.

[@andreleb09]

Aretha Franklin once described Taylor Swift as beautiful gowns

[@Kzzzaaa]

See her saying she felt seen up until dreamgirls makes me feel sad! Girl I saw you. Bust your window was my jamm from day one!! ❤

[@mibarra122]

My fave Amber Riley song cover is “Spotlight”. Omg she slayed that song!! ❤And also with Naya, “River Deep, Mountain High”

[@b0I0L4]

this

[@babd7176]

I can't tell you how many times, that I have watched her Glee cover of Ain't No Way.

[@keishie23]

Such a fun and soulful interview ❤❤😂😂🎉🎉

[@VanScott69]

Beautiful conversation. There's wisdom here.

[@darien2677]

Beautiful conversation!

[@coneil72]

Talented, humble, smart. What a pleasure to hear her speak about her remarkable journey. Thank you for this!

[@tineshacopeland5414]

Love your energy!❤

[@anthonylove3666]

Listening to what you had to say Amber about feeling your mortality really hits home for me. I lost my best friend to domestic violence and going through that lost pivoted my life in a direction that made me enjoy and value the small stuff more. Thank you for continuing to be so talented yet so humble. I aspire to be a better person like you.

[@hommie4112]

You’re such an amazing interviewer Gia. And so authentic and sincere and empathic. New fan here 😃❤️

[@diegodacruz4714]

My life changed when I discovered the Gle Show, but my life really changed the first time I heard Amber Riley's voice! And I love on a global scale, and I am eternally grateful to the character Mercedes Jones, who not only identified with me but was one of the biggest inspirations of my life! I love you forever Amber and Naya Rivera.

[@kyleemon1852]

I lost my best friend in 2020 . She was such a light in a room such a entrepreneur such a funny person. All i think is the great things about her and yes it made me think of my own death . It's hard losing a friend.

[@ragedvenom1487]

The one thing that I find solace in is Naya sacrificed herself to save her own child. Yes she ended up passing, but she saved her son even if she couldn't save herself. P.S I always loved Amber Riley in Glee!

[@nifty2bthrifty366]

Love her!! I can't wait to see her in The Preacher's Wife.

[@tasibho]

Her “aint on way “ version on Glee is the best i have ever heard.

[@kanakapono]

What a refreshing interview. Amber is a beautiful woman both inside and out. She is a beacon for the younger generation. Thank you for this experience.

[@hoydaddy]

Amber is so down to earth I luv her

[@GrowingtheGAYup]

We need to love and protect our beautiful talented Black women!!! ❤❤❤❤❤ speak your power sister!!!!!!

[@JariahSalas]

Vocalists like Amber should have the Taylor Swift level of fame.

[@tekgid433]

White people like other white people. Simple as that.

[@dwight9012]

Amber Riley’s ‘Ain’t No Way’ cover is the best ever done! Better than Whitney.

[@tbarret320]

Both versions were excellent. ❤

[@BuckleyDiazClan]

Hell To The No is one of my favourite original songs they did

[@Gia.Peppers]

Check out the full interview that this is clip is from, here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pKTFqGWDeNBlmc0si=xE_xe48521S6M8hK

[@DylanBinds]

I loved her glee role. Seeing her be so emotional on set before and after glee cast members passing. It was me knowing Aretha had more than just “respect” for Amber Riley. I love your role most Amber Riley, Black, White and or any other description. I always loved your scenes best! I love your songs best out of the rest of the glee cast members!

[@sciencetingss]

Sleep well, Naya, Santana Lopez, Rivera 😢

[@Samohtjr]

Amber is so underrated

[@bethr1027]

And when I tell you I sobbed watching Amber in Dreamgirls I mean it !!! I wish I could relive that over and over. Other WORLDLY.

[@whitneybrown4067]

This is Gonna b so Much Fun n Really Important at the Same Time GP n AR💐🎉🔥🔥🔥👍n Happy Friday😀…..

[@Gia.Peppers]

thank you so much! We had a time.

[@jellyrcw12]

Amber Riley is PURE class!

[@kansasgoldilocks]

I commend anyone who can keep on going and hold their head up while facing hate and bigotry. People who hate others for any reason are irrelevant in my book. Meanwhile, Amber served as a role model to little girls and other women her age, I'm sure.

[@barimelodybrooks]

Such an Aquarius ♒️ vibe

[@ZombiUnikorn3]

I'm still a GLEEK and always will be. That show got me through so much in life all these years and when it first aired. Yes, it was disheartening learning what we've learned after the fact, but I still love the show and the actors/actresses. RIPOWER NAYA & CORY!! 🙏❤️

[@curity1896]

Wheeewwwww she’s is too pretty ❤

[@dandles2010]

I love Amber Riley. Loved her on Glee.

[@Peaceful444PiecesStudio]

I was a glee fanatic ❤ I had the binder and folder all the school supplies 😂

[@donladia6071]

Dam, glee was on when I was in high school. Can't believe I'm 33 now.

[@user-pq2nv7lt8n]

1000 percent Amber. Correction though: People hate talented confident Black women who they think SHOULDN'T BE or don't deserve to be. For example, no one has a problem with Tyla: case and point.

[@carmenrivera6086]

I really wish she had more chances to shine in the industry bc she is talented af, charismatic, funny & beautiful. I don’t know why after Glee Naya, Diana Agron, Mercedes, Chord & more, weren’t casted in big roles, they are great singers, actors and performers.

[@andyblanco84]

I love Amber Riley! She is so beautiful... inside and out

[@ANightworkerslife]

We see you, Amber, we see you... But we WANT to see you in MORE musical!

[@KING_A.MineTv]

That “ain’t no way” remake is the reason I started watching and I sing it ambers way lol

[@NRBlnktd]

Amber Riley deserved so much better from Glee!! That's why Mercedes lacked depth and became a running gag on the show itself. I KNOW Amber would never work with Ryan Murphy again (nor does he deserve her light), but damn, would I love to see her on American Crime Story. Give this girl her own damn show!

[@fritzmcbride4108]

Omg Ambers laugh ❤❤❤😭

[@Mg88r2d2]

Amber voice is amazing it’s a shame she wasn’t appreciated more

[@CWestEntertainment]

Ok so she is definitely watching Dabl a new network dedicated to 90's Black Sitcoms. She listed the line up and everyone is my favorite!!!!!! Yesssssss❤

[@EmakunMisha]

Help me please! At the beginning they name a few shows, some I saw on Disney but Moeisha I can’t find it (I’m from Argentina) so, Where can I watch it? 😢 Ps: loving this interview Mercedes was one of my favorites ❤

[@verylindsay3289]

Amber Riley was the Glee GOAT ❤

[@megandunell399]

This world that hates black women? Hollywood or the world in general? I think black women are awesome, I love their confidence and I can honestly say I have never ever thought "Gee that was a great performance...for a black woman/man". I just appreciate the gift.

[@chelsea5226]

She looks even more gorgeous than when she was on Glee. I will have to look up her Effie performance and previous Glee performances.

[@MedMicroBioMe]

I love that grey hoodie. Where can I get that?

[@TheBulletzgottishow20]

Wow that’s real

[@magicmic-uf6ws]

i am so glad that i loved her character and glad black or white didn't matter, never will and it's sad for ppl who cannot deal with skin colour, the inability to get out of your head and hate.

[@travishunterbrown]

I absolutely LOVE Amber!! But what is her hair line doing??

[@darrenhigh1451]

Ms. Amber. Love you. As a HUGE Dreamgirls fan, you were an AMAZING Effie. Also Effie's middle name is Melody. Effie Melody White. Yes, I'm a Dreamgirls geek. Met Ms. Jennifer Holliday and Ms. Jennifer Hudson. From the clips I've seen, you were just as amazing. Saw your Oliver performance and...amazing. Also, I don't hate talented or confident black women! Also, if anyone wants to treat them self to a fantastic performance, KZbin Amber Riley Never Enough at Taco Tuesday...AMAZING!

[@tigersily]

💚

[@H.so.]

AMBER WAS GLEE

[@ragtmt15]

Besides Glee and Dreamgirls in London what else is she doing? Haven’t seen here on TV again

[@nalabrown7765]

She won the masked singer and has 2 albums in past 3 years

[@Eureylinalves]

Eu queria saber o Inglês para entender o que elas estão falando a Naya. 😢

[@bliss66]

It's EFFIE MELODY WHITE. :)

[@GlowLotus444]

I’m an Aquarius and that’s the truth of.. ima ignore you rather than block bc that’s giving too much of my wasted energy 😂😂

[@ShadesOfIvory]

Imma go head...and do both, depending on the person. #aquarius 🤭

[@sunnyskiez91]

I only remember her from Glee and nothing else 😅

[@Kingmuserd]

Is not the world that hates black women… is the way that “American” are educated to my understanding and Dominican in general we are all the same we didn’t knew rcism and it’s maybe because we are so mix

[@tananario23]

Wrong. You’ll learn.

[@oscarp4328]

Glee Fans are…something else 😂

[@josephgonzalez3142]

Honestly what she saying true but no one can ever take away her role in good luck charlie. 💙

[@yaitsnoahh]

Lmaooo that’s her twin Raven Goodwin 😂

[@josephgonzalez3142]

@@yaitsnoahh I don’t get it.

[@ClitneySpears]

@@josephgonzalez3142 Raven Goodwin was in Goodluck Charlie, not Amber Riley. 😂 The previous commenter called Raven Amber’s twin because people always get them mixed up because they look so much alike. I used to get them mixed up as well.

[@Diz_27]

​@ClitneySpears I had them confused too lmao

[@kylegawron5358]

twitter more like twatter

[@Brian-qo6gc]

It’s 2024. We’re still talking about that?

[@namthedoll9925]

And you seem to like it since you took the time to comment

[@tananario23]

Yes. Look around.

[@simpar3097]

you watch a show for someones colour? when I watched Jeffrey dammer , I didnt say OH, ill watch the show because there is a gay in it .... your like must be sad !

[@Seventh_hour]

No, it’s only for shows with large cast that has different personalities. A black girl is more likely to relate to the black character which is why people say diversity is important on certain shows

[@tananario23]

You looking for excuse to be a jerk. Shoo!

[@TollTroll69]

Makes me sad Amber is downplaying her part in Glee. She was MONUMENTAL for that show. I hope she realizes how important Mercedes IS, one day.