Lea Michele Tribute to Cory Monteith: 'We Were Lucky to Witness His Talent and Beautiful Heart'

Lea Michele led a touching tribute to Cory Monteith during last night's "Teen Choice Awards." The "Glee" actress, as well as the rest of the cast, thanked fans for all of their support and paid tribute to Monteith's big heart and talent.

"Thank you, guys. Thank you," Michele said as she and the cast of "Glee" accepted the award for Best TV Comedy. "I just wanted to be here today to personally thank all of you and tell everyone out there how much your love and support has meant to me over these very difficult past few weeks. Not that I had any doubt before, but you guys are most certainly the greatest fans in the world."

Fans roared as Michele and the cast took the stage and showed their support during Michele's emotional speech. It marked the first time the cast had been together in public since Monteith's death and was an important moment for fans.

"I wanted to dedicate this award to Cory," Michele continued. "For all of you out there who loved and admired Cory as much as I did, I promise that with your love, we're going to get through this together. He was very special to me and also to the world. We were very lucky to witness his incredible talent, his handsome smile, and his beautiful, beautiful heart."

"So whether you knew him personally or just as Finn Hudson, Cory reached out and he became a part of all of our hearts and that's where he will stay forever. So thank you guys so much. Thank you," Michele concluded.

Michele did not walk down the turquoise carpet, the equivalent of the red carpet, for the ceremony but joined her castmates inside the building. She has been busy helping creator Ryan Murphy write the tribute episode to Monteith, which will feature the death of his character under circumstances similar to Monteith's. The show will address the issue of drug addiction and its dangers.