Glee Cast emerged from the television series of the same name, which ran from 2009 to 2015 and became a cultural phenomenon by bringing contemporary pop music into high school choir rooms across America. The ensemble's interpretations of popular songs introduced millions of viewers to what show choir could be, blending theatrical production values with genuine vocal talent. Their recordings of "True Colours" and countless other covers helped legitimize pop music as legitimate material for choral performance and arrangement.
Cyndi Lauper, the original artist behind "True Colours," wrote this ballad as a deeply personal statement about self-acceptance and resilience. Released in 1986, the song has become an anthem of authenticity, performed countless times across genres and contexts. Lauper's songwriting gift for combining emotional vulnerability with memorable melody made this track an ideal candidate for choral treatment.