Teen Choice Awards 2013: Lea Michele and Glee cast dedicate award win to Cory Monteith

The cast of Glee was honored with an award for choice TV show comedy at Sunday’s Teen Choice Awards at the Gibson Amphitheatre in Los Angeles.

Show star Amber Riley thanked fans for their unwavering devotion as she cast are returning to the screen this fall for their fifth season without show breakout Cory Montheith, who played Finn Hudson.

“Although we lost someone that we really love, that you guys love too, we are very fortunate to come back [for the next season],” she said.

“Cory was like a brother to us and like a dad, and you know he was always ready to sign an autograph for a fan – he loved you gleeks and he loves his fans.

“So on behalf of our brother and our classmate, we accept this award,” Amber Riley continued.

Cory Monteith’s former girlfriend and Glee co-star Lea Michele, who won the award for choice TV comedy actress, tearfully took to the microphone to pay tribute to her former boyfriend.

“I just wanted to be here today to personally thank all of you and tell everyone out there how much all of your love and support has meant to me over these very difficult past few weeks,” Lea Michele, 26, said.

“Not that I had any doubt before, but you guys are most certainly the greatest fans in the world.”

Lea Michele continued: “I wanted to dedicate this award to Cory, and for all of you out there who loved and admired Cory as much as I did. I promise that with your love, we’ll get through this together.

“He was very special to me and to the world, and we were all lucky to witness his incredible talent, his handsome smile and his beautiful, beautiful heart.

“And whether you knew him personally or as Finn Hudson, Cory reached out and he became part of all of our hearts – and that’s where he’ll stay forever.”

Cory Monteith, who co-hosted the Teen Choice Awards in 2010, was found dead July 13 in Vancouver, British Columbia.

An autopsy revealed Cory Monteith, 31, died of an overdose of heroin and alcohol.