Amber Riley Delivers A Pitch Perfect Tribute To Late ‘Glee’ Co-Star Naya Rivera On ‘Kimmel’

Amber Riley delivered a heartfelt tribute to her late friend and “Glee” co-star Naya Rivera on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” last night. See her moving performance inside…

The life of “Glee” alum Naya Rivera was cut short last month. Her body was recovered from Lake Piru in California after she and her 4-year-old son rented a pontoon boat to sail on the lake.

The “Glee” family and Hollywood were crushed with the shocking news.

I didn’t make it 15 seconds before I was a puddle. I love you Naya. RIP Angel

— Amber Patrice Riley (@MsAmberPRiley) August 28, 2020

Last night, Amber Riley paid tribute to her late “Glee” co-star with a pitch perfect performance of “A Moment,” introduced by guest host Lil Rel Howery. While filling the stage with her effortless vocals, a montage of photos of Naya and her son appeared on the screen behind her. Amber noted Naya’s mother gave her the pictures and she thanked her for it on Twitter:

Naya’s amazing mom gave me those photos. Thank you Mama Yoli continue to uplift and pray for them thank you @LilRel4 for letting me a part of your vision for our friend. Love you

— Amber Patrice Riley (@MsAmberPRiley) August 28, 2020

Watch her moving performance below:

By the way, Amber’s self-titled EP drops October 2nd.

33-year-old Naya first went missing on July 8th after her 4-year-old son, Josey, was spotted sleeping alone on a pontoon boat in Lake Piru. Naya’s son told police that he and his mother went swimming in the lake. After swimming, she helped him on the boat, but when he looked back, she disappeared. After a five-day search, her body was recovered from the lake.On July 13th, police confirmed the body recovered from the lake was Naya.

Before her body was recovered, her family - including her ex-husband Ryan Dorsey - understandably and heartbreakingly stayed at the docks praying and hoping for her return.

Actor Tahj Mowry poured his heart out to Naya, calling her his first love, as police continued their search for her body over the weekend. Many fans have expressed how they wished he had told her how he felt about her before she went missing.

In 2014, Naya married actor Ryan Dorsey. They welcomed a son - Josey - before getting a divorce in 2018. Before she married the "Pitch" star, Naya was engaged to rapper Big Sean and was also romantically linked to her "Glee" co-star Mark Salling.

Two weeks after Naya’s death, Amber shared a collage of photos that featured herself and Naya singing together throughout the years. On “Glee,” Amber portrayed Mercedes Jones and Naya played Santana Lopez.

 

 

 

 

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Best duets on the show! PERIODT! Couldn’t tell us shxt Honorable mention, Troubletones, @heatherrelizabethh and @littlelengies miss you baby girl and I love you #NayaRivera I’m so mad the world will never see how high you could have soared. Her brain was brilliant. She was smart and as quick as a whip. Always had me in stitches, we would be in tears laughing so hard at one another. - There was never competition, or shade, or intimidation with us. Just pure adoration and mutual respect. You deserved better. You were so much more than just this show. Your talent outshined us all so many times! - Favorite Naya Moment: tour bus to London, Naya greasing her scalp with Doo Gro oil, a plastic cap and a silk bonnet my sister said “oh Naya you blackity black black” we burst out into laughter! We needed it too because we just wanted to get home to our families. We were alike in that way. We love hard, and protect our own, and we don’t take no shit from anyone (Kevin is literally the byproduct of US ) We can either slice you with our words, or bring you comfort with that same breath. Dealer’s choice. I say your name everyday and hold you in my heart, just like I do Cory. - We are working as a cast and crew and a family to come together and show love, and it’s all because of you. Your presence brought so much excitement, so much passion, so much joy, and in your absence you’re STILL holding us accountable and getting us together. I’ve cried until my tear ducts have dried out, now it’s time to celebrate the fact that us mere humans got to experience walking through life with an earth angel. Rest well. I pray you found the peace we all are searching for. - Please keep Naya’s family in your prayers. Please be mindful of the things you say to them or messages you send. If it’s anything beyond condolences and words of encouragement, keep it to yourself. All they need is love and good energy and support right now. We clear? Cool. Thank you

A post shared by Amber Riley (@msamberpriley) on Jul 23, 2020 at 5:48pm PDT

”Best duets on the show! PERIODT! Couldn’t tell us shxt,” Amber captioned. “I’m so mad the world will never see how high you could have soared. Her brain was brilliant. She was smart and as quick as a whip. Always had me in stitches, we would be in tears laughing so hard at one another.”

Aww!

Our hearts ache for her young son, who will never see his mother again. Extremely sad situation. Prayers up for Naya's family, friends and fans during this tragic time.

 

Photos: Ron Adar/ s_bukley/Shutterstock.com

source: theybf