WATCH Lea Michele Teen Choice Awards Speech: 'GLEE' Star Gives Heartfelt Thank You in First Public Appearance Since Boyfriend Cory Monteith's Death [VIDEO]

The Teen Choice Awards 2013 was a night full of mostly light-hearted jokes from Darren Criss, actors and musicians picking up surfboard awards and twerking. However, there was a somber note over the entire evening, as fans, costars and others in Hollywood mourned the death of "Glee" actor Cory Monteith. Lea Michele, Monteith's girlfriend at the time of his death, made her first public appearance since July and gave a heartfelt "thank you" speech in remembrance of Monteith and in dedication to her fans.

Michele made a surprise appearance at the Teen Choice Awards Sunday night (Aug. 11) to accept her trophy for Choice TV Actress - Comedy for her role as Rachel Berry on "Glee." Barely able to hold back tears and clutching her silver "Cory" necklace, Michele thanked her fans for their support during her mourning period.

"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," she began.

"I wanted to dedicate this award to Cory. 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, and 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, he became a part of all of our hearts and that's where he'll stay forever. So thank you guys so much. Thank you," Michele said.

Watch Michele's speech below.

Michele wasn't the only one to acknowledge Monteith during her speech. "Glee" actress Amber Riley also gave a shout-out to Monteith on Sunday night.

Cory Monteith died on July 13 from a lethal mixture of alcohol and heroin. His girlfriend Lea Michele was quiet for a long time following his death, but did thank fans on Twitter late last month. She has also returned to the "Glee" set and has reportedly recorded a special song for Monteith.