Skeptics of the world, go home. Turns out Gwyneth Paltrow is just what the doctor ordered to help cure an up-and-down season of Glee.

Though some doubted whether the Oscar winner's guest spot would amount to much more than gratuitous stunt casting, Paltrow showcased an impressive voice, jazzy dance moves, and most of all, a total willingness to give into the absurd carnival that is Glee. From belting out Cee-Lo's "Forget You" to dressing up as Mary Todd Lincoln to appearing in a floor-length red feather dressing gown, Paltrow's performance as substitute teacher Holly Holliday gave a much-needed jolt of novelty to a show that can sometimes feel like it's resting on its Journey-scored laurels.

The episode, which based itself on the premise that Sue Sylvester manages to oust both Principal Figgins and Glee coach Will Schuester using well-timed bio-missiles of sneeze snot, featured a strong mix of contemporary and classic numbers that culminated in the finale, a mashup of "Singin' in the Rain" and Rihanna's "Umbrella." Paltrow is set to return for a few more episodes, potentially as Schue's love interest. –AMY LEE

Watch Gwyneth Paltrow performing "Forget You" below:

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