 With the death of Whitney Houston three days before the episode aired , a great deal of attention was given to Amber Riley 's performance of Houston 's hit during the episode , " I Will Always Love You " , and its unexpected function as a tribute to the singer . Reviews were glowing : Amy Reiter of The Los Angeles Times called it a " gorgeous , lush take " that was " definitely an episode highlight " , and Bell described is as " a beautiful cover " , " the perfect song for Mercedes to sing to Sam " and a " haunting performance " . Flandez wrote that it was a " heart @-@ rending love song that becomes a homage of the 48 @-@ year @-@ old fallen star " , and " brought goosebumps " ; the shot near the end , " of Mercedes dressed in a sweetheart gown , standing alone , reaching for the stars , was memorable " . The Washington Post 's Jen Chaney said that " Riley deserves a standing ovation " , and that she sang the song with " a power motivated by genuine emotions that tied in directly to her storyline " ; the " heartbreaking context of Houston 's death ... immediately elevated this moment to the very best one of Glee 's entire third season . " In December 2012 , TV Guide listed the rendition as one of Glee 's best performances . 
