Posted by Emily Exton on 10/27/2012 at 12:04 PM Videos

The Popdust Files: darren criss, Falling Slowly, glee, lea michele, once

“This is from one of our favorite Broadway shows, and we always sing these songs at these events in hopes that Ryan Murphy will hear and put them on Glee,” Lea Michele told the audience at a charity event for Big Brothers, Big Sisters in Hollywood on Friday. She and her Glee co-star Darren Criss served as a portion of the night’s entertainment, taking the stage to perform Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová’s “Falling Slowly.” Don’t feel ashamed if you’re already getting teary.

Originally written for the 2006 film Once, “Falling Slowly” won the Academy Award for Best Song and became a staple on American Idol live shows. It’s experienced a resurgence since thanks to the exceptional Broadway adaptation starring that debuted in 2012; the Jonas Brothers even incorporated it into their Radio City reunion show earlier this month. If you’re in the mood for a Saturday morning cry, check out these versions, ranked on a scale of one to three hankies, based on how big of a puddle I’ve been reduced to while listening to them.

Steve Kazee and Cristin Milioti

The longtime Broadway performer finds the role of a lifetime opposite Milioti (who I still can’t believe was also the “Very Sexy Baby” on 30 Rock). The full band of faceless bar patrons on the live stage helped unlock my tear ducts and keep a steady stream flowing for two hours.

Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová

Think about how they fell in love in real life, toured, performed and experienced all this incredible success together, only to break up. Cry again. Harder.

Darren Criss and Lea Michele

I know they tried this before, but is Murphy and Co. absolutely sure that Blaine and Rachel can’t be together? OK fine, but just give them every duet ever until the end of time.

Jonas Brothers

If you can withstand the high-pitched shrieks, Nick’s voice sounds particularly lovely here.

Kris Allen

His most recognizable Idol performance gives way to U2′s “With or Without You,” which makes us emotional for entirely different reasons.