Character Profile: Shelby Corcoran

Name: Shelby Corcoran

Played By: Idina Menzel

Age: around 30

Family: two daughters: Rachel (biological) and Beth (adopted)

Bio: Shelby Corcoran was first introduced in the second half of Season One as the strict coach of Vocal Adrenaline. But soon, she turns out to be Rachel's mother wanting to meet her daughter for the first time in her life. It was 16 years ago, that she served as a surrogate mother (for Rachel's dads), because she needed money to advance her career in New York. But she failed and eventually came back to Ohio to coach Vocal Adrenaline. In order to get Rachel's attention now, she uses Jesse to establish a relationship with her and deliver a taped message from mother to daughter, explaining why she left her when she was born. In the end, they meet, but Shelby tells Rachel that she has missed out on her entire childhood and does not think that reuniting would be a good idea, so they eventually go their own way. Shelby later has a short affair with Will Schuester and finally quits Vocal Adrenaline to start a new life with Quinn's daughter Beth, whom she adopts in the episode Journey.

Best Quotes:
'Stop, please, dear God, just stop! Seriously, guys, it's like watching beige paint dry. Could everyone please look at Jesse! Jesse, give us a show face! That's a show face, guys! You wanna look so talented, it's literally hurting you! I want a look so optimistic, it could cure cancer!' (Season 1, Episode 14, Hell-O)

'I failed as an actress. My walls are lined with trophies instead of wedding pictures. But through all of that, I only have one regret. You get her to listen to that tape!' (Season 1, Episode 19, Dream On)

'Ladies, I don't wanna hear about chafing just 'cause you're being forced to wear metal underwear.' (Season 1, Episode 20, Theatricality)

'It's because I'm your mother, but I'm not your mom.' (Season 1, Episode 20, Theatricality)