Lea Michele's tearful tribute to Cory Monteith touches many

MICHELE’S TRIBUTE TO MONTEITH: According to sources at “Glee,” Lea Michele’s emotional tribute Sunday to her late boyfriend and co-star Cory Monteith was a true emotional rollercoaster.

“Afterward, Lea was a total wreck,” said a show insider. “But she felt great that she was able to pay tribute to Cory and his talent, and how tough his loss has been for her and the entire cast.”

Michele’s tribute came at the Teen Choice Awards Sunday night. It was her first public appearance since Monteith’s death July 13, due to an overdose of heroin and alcohol in a Vancouver hotel room.

As tears welled up in her eyes, Michele told the audience, “I wanted to dedicate this award to Cory, for all you out there that loved and admired Cory as much as I did. I promise that with your love, we’re going to get through this together.

Michele’s award was for Choice TV actress.

Moments before her appearance, the “Glee” cast accepted the Choice Comedy Show award.

“So whether you knew [Cory] personally, or just as [his “Glee” character] Finn Hudson, Cory reached out and he became a part of all of our hearts and that’s where he’ll stay forever,” Michele added.