Despite being released in late December, it was the top-selling single of 2008 in the UK. Production and Arrangement
Burke’s version was an immediate commercial juggernaut, setting several industry milestones:
It secured the coveted 2008 Christmas Number One spot and held the position for three weeks. Alexandra Burke - Hallelujah
Alexandra Burke ’s rendition of remains one of the most commercially significant releases in UK chart history . Released as her winner's single following the fifth series of The X Factor in 2008, it transformed Leonard Cohen’s poetic composition into a record-breaking pop phenomenon. A Historic Chart Battle
The release of Burke’s "Hallelujah" sparked an unprecedented event in the UK music scene. Music fans, many of whom were critical of The X Factor's commercial nature, launched an internet campaign to propel of the song to the top spot instead. Despite being released in late December, it was
Unlike the sparse, folk-inspired originals by Cohen or the haunting, guitar-led version by Buckley, Burke's "Hallelujah" was produced by as a "powerhouse prayer". Hallelujah! No 1 for Burke, and triple hit for Cohen
The popularity of the covers also brought Cohen’s 1984 original into the UK Top 40 for the first time, reaching number 36. Record-Breaking Sales Released as her winner's single following the fifth
It became the European record holder for the most singles sold in 24 hours, with 105,000 copies sold in one day.