When Leonard Cohen released “Hallelujah” in 1984, it quietly slipped into the world without much fanfare. It wasn’t until John Cale’s 1991 version—and Jeff Buckley’s haunting 1994 recording—that the song began its unlikely journey to becoming one of the most beloved pieces of modern music. With over 300 known covers in countless languages, “Hallelujah” has become a universal anthem of longing, joy, grief, and grace.
Here are ten of the most powerful versions, arranged alphabetically by artist and year of release.
Alexandra Burke – 2008
The X Factor winner’s take brought “Hallelujah” to the top of the UK Christmas charts. With a soaring pop arrangement and wide appeal, her version became one of the fastest-selling singles by a British female artist.
Jeff Buckley – 1994
Haunting, intimate, and achingly beautiful, Buckley’s version on Grace has become the definitive rendition for many. His ethereal voice transforms Cohen’s words into something fragile, timeless, and unforgettable.
John Cale – 1991
The version that started it all. Recorded for a Leonard Cohen tribute album, Cale’s piano-led interpretation gave the song new life and inspired nearly every cover that followed, including Buckley’s.
Justin Timberlake & Matt Morris with Charlie Sexton – 2010
Performed live at the “Hope for Haiti Now” telethon, their heartfelt duet showed the song’s power to bring people together in moments of crisis, offering comfort and solidarity through music.
k.d. lang – 2004
Lang’s soaring voice gives “Hallelujah” a near-operatic sweep. Her performance at the 2010 Winter Olympics opening ceremony was seen by billions, and Cohen himself praised her version as pure bliss.
Leonard Cohen – 1984
The original remains striking in its quietness. More subdued than later interpretations, Cohen’s delivery is half hymn, half whisper—setting the stage for the song’s extraordinary journey.
Pentatonix – 2016
This a cappella version stripped the song down to pure harmonies. Their desert-set music video went viral, showcasing the beauty of voices alone carrying the emotion of Cohen’s masterpiece.
Rufus Wainwright – 2001 (Shrek Soundtrack)
Though John Cale’s version appeared in Shrek, it was Wainwright’s piano-driven cover that landed on the soundtrack. His warm, theatrical voice brought tenderness to a new generation of listeners.
Tori Kelly – 2016
Recorded for the animated film Sing and performed at the Emmy Awards, Kelly’s heartfelt rendition captures the song’s blend of vulnerability and hope, powered by her soulful vocal control.
Willie Nelson – 2006
Nelson’s country-tinged version adds a weathered wisdom to the song. His steady phrasing and gentle delivery feel like a lived-in prayer, adding another layer to the song’s legacy.
“Hallelujah” is the rare song that holds space for joy and sorrow at once. Each version adds a new shade of meaning, proving that Leonard Cohen was right when he said there are “many different hallelujahs.”
