Lea Michele Dedicates 2013 Teen Choice Award to Cory Monteith [VIDEO]
Lea Michele dedicated her win at the Teen Choice Awards on Aug. 11 to her late boyfriend, Cory Monteith.
Michele made her first public appearance since Monteith's death in July from a heroin and alcohol overdose. The 26-year-old actress won an award for her portrayal of Rachel Berry on Glee. She became overwhelmed with emotion, dedicating the win to Monteith.
"He was very special to me and also to the world, and we were very lucky to witness his incredible talent, his handsome smile and his beautiful, beautiful heart," she said.
Michele told the audience at the Los Angeles's Gibson Amphitheatre that they would work through their grief together. She spoke of how Monteith touched so many lives during his short life. He was 31 at this time of his death.
"So whether you knew him personally or just as [his character] Finn Hudson, Cory reached out, and he became a part of all of our hearts and that's where he'll stay forever," she said.
Amber Riley also spoke about Monteith during the telecast. She told the audience that he was a brother to the Glee cast and that he cared deeply for the fans.
"He was always ready to sign an autograph or take a picture with a fan, and he loves you Gleeks," Riley said.
Watch Michele at the Teen Choice Awards below.